Attracting new businesses to downtown Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday, city leaders will discuss a plan that aims to bring new restuarants, offices spaces and other shopping opportunities to the Northbank core retail area in downtown Jacksonville.

Under the Downtown Retail Enhancement Grant Program, a program that focuses on attracting new businesses and keeping current businesses in the area, the Downtown Investment Authority will distribute $750,000 in recoverable grants to business owners who have qualified projects, to help with some of the costs of renovating or preparing a commercial space downtown.

The money would also help retain the existing businesses already in the Northbank core retail area. The DIA will award grant funding on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are an interested business owner looking to bring your project downtown, click here to review the program, funding and application requirements.

Below is a list of businesses the city would like to attract to the area.

• Restaurants
• Coffee/Tea shops
• Apparel stores including accessories (purses, scarves, hats)
• Hobby stores, craft store and supplies
• Pet stores and supplies
• Kitchen/home accessories
• Pharmacies
• Business incubators
• Education/academia
• Information technology offices
• Shoe stores
• Toy stores
• Art supplies, framing stores
• Specialty food stores/delicatessens
• Gift Stores
• Book stores
• Stationery stores
• Small appliances
• Electronics
• Sporting goods
• Entertainment venues
• Jewelry stores
• Florists
• Specialty retail apparel such as bridal, formal gown, tuxedo, costume. (does not include rental)
• Art Galleries
• Office supply stores

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