MINORITY & WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES It is important that Wake Forest cultivates a business environment that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds. The Town currently administers the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program, which is specifically designed to advocate and facilitate business growth and provide opportunities for historically underutilized businesses. The local Black Business Alliance also helps the Wake Forest Area Chamber create more equitable business environments and connect black business owners to resources and programs. The Town should continue to support and advocate for the minority and women business communities by doing the following:
Key Recommendations | Work with organizations, such as the Chamber and the Black Business Alliance, to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that are supported with grassroots community engagement. | Explore successful programs for supporting minority and women-owned businesses in surrounding communities to implement in Wake Forest. | Explore regional, state, and federal grants available for minority and women businesses, such as grants from the National Institute of Economic Development and Carolina Community Impact. | Support informational sessions and/ or provide educational resources to employers on how they can establish equitable work environments and policies within their businesses.
CASE STUDY NORTH HILLS SHOPPING CENTER RALEIGH, NC The North Hills Shopping Center in Raleigh, NC is an example of a pedestrian- and experience-oriented retail development that differentiates itself from traditional shopping centers and strip malls. Originally an aged shopping mall, the development was renovated with high-quality architecture, trees, pedestrian-scale lighting, and water features. A pedestrian-friendly environment is fostered through wide sidewalks lined with storefronts, outdoor seating, safe crosswalks, angled parking, and narrow drive lanes that slow traffic. Much of the parking is located underground, as opposed to large, front-loaded parking, which enhances the streetscape. Shopping centers with such features encourage visitors to spend more time and money by offering a unique experience in an attractive setting and should be encouraged within Wake Forest.
Source: Raleigh VIP
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TOWN OF WAKE FOREST | COMMUNITY PLAN
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