A consumer needs survey conducted by the Elmwood Village Association (EVA) has been completed and the results have been announced of which types of specialty businesses that Buffalo residents would most want to see in the Elmwood Village commercial district.
The survey results showed that hardware stores, sporting goods stores, cheese stores, butcher shops, and seafood stores were the five niche businesses consumers felt a need for.
“By exploring the needs of our residents, the EVA can strengthen the economic health of the commercial district and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Betsy Bergen, Chair of the EVA’s Economic Development Committee. “The results from this survey give us the ammunition we need to reach out to specialty shops that are desired by people who regularly shop on Elmwood – businesses that will complement our already diversified shopping district.”
The Survey has garnered a lot of attention but the EVA is still awaiting responses from potential businesses.
“Cultivating new businesses for the street is a process, which can sometimes take a month and other times a year,” said Becky Gandour, Business and Development Specialist for the EVA. “By working with the Small Business Development Center at Buffalo State College, Small Business Administration (SBA) and local media outlets we hope to reach a large number of entrepreneurs and then follow-up with phone calls, letters and additional data.”
Bergen is encouraging anyone who is looking to open their own small business to contact the EVA. The Elmwood Village Association is looking to improve the quality of life for the entire community by working with businesses and residents.
Photo: D’Avolio opened on Elmwood August 2010