Dear Hilltop RISE community,
February has been an exciting month for us, marked by significant milestones and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and livability of our community.
Launch of Litter and Illegal Dumping Campaign:
In partnership with the Department of Neighborhoods, Department of Refuse, Keep Columbus Beautiful and dedicated community partners, we are launching a concerted effort to address the issues of litter and illegal dumping in our neighborhood. These practices not only detract from the beauty of our community but also pose environmental and health hazards. Through targeted awareness campaigns, community clean-up events, and enhanced enforcement measures, we aim to tackle this challenge head-on and reclaim our streets and public spaces.
We invite all residents to join us in this endeavor by staying vigilant, reporting incidents of littering and illegal dumping, and actively participating in clean-up efforts. Together, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for everyone.
Our first kick off event will take place April 6th on the corner of Oakley and Broad. To stay updated please visit: https://fb.me/e/4jf0DWZph
Continued Work to Bring Foot Traffic to the Hilltop:
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote economic development and revitalization, we remain committed to bringing foot traffic to the Hilltop through positive media exposure and collaborative partnerships. By highlighting the unique attractions, businesses, and cultural offerings of our neighborhood, we seek to attract visitors and investors while fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents.
If you would like to see our 2023 Impact Report and how we’ve been moving in The Hilltop visit: https://hilltoprise.org/2023-impact-report-hilltop-rise/
Get Involved:
We encourage all members of the Hilltop community to get involved and make a difference. Whether it’s volunteering for a clean-up event, supporting local businesses, or sharing positive stories about our neighborhood, your contributions matter and help shape the future of our community.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making the Hilltop a better place for all. Together, we rise.
Stay tuned for exciting updates, events, and opportunities throughout 2024. Together, we will continue to empower, uplift, and build a stronger Hilltop community.
Take good care,
Morgan DeBoth
Hilltop RISE Executive Director
The Design Refinery Rebrands as Best Side Design
The Design Refinery is excited to announce they have a new name and have expanded their services! Their new name is Best Side Design!
SAME LOCATION: They’re located in the same building at Broad and Westmoor at 11 N. Westmoor Ave. Columbus, OH 43204
WHY BEST SIDE DESIGN? Owner Eric Miller says, “There is another business with the name Design Refinery in another part of the country, so we changed our name so it wouldn’t be confusing when customers find us online.
After I had founded the Design Refinery, I had wished I’d chosen a name that was more reflective of the Hilltop / westside neighborhood where we’re based. This rebrand was the opportunity to do that. My wife, Julie, and I love the westside where we live and have our business. Since westside is the best side; I named it Best Side Design.”
NEW SERVICES ADDED!
Best Side Design is more than just website design.
Here’s what they do for small businesses and nonprofits:
- Brand Identity
- Website Design
- Online Marketing
- Design Marketing Materials (Business cards, banners, etc.)
- SEO – Helping Your Website Show Up In Google Search
- Website Updates and Maintenance
View more details at their new website >
DISCOUNTS FOR NONPROFITS – 15% OFF
Serving nonprofits with professional design services is a big part of what they do. They’re now offering a 15% discount on all design projects for nonprofits.
YOU CAN RENT BEST SIDE STUDIO FOR EVENTS
Julie heads up the event space rental side of the business. You can rent the Best Side studio space for public or private events for only $60 an hour.
Plus Best Side Design hosts the Hilltop Hop every second Saturday morning of the month from 10am – 1pm, where local vendors sell their items inside the studio space.
Check out more about renting their event space here: https://bestsideeventspace.com/
Eric concludes with, “We’re so thankful to our neighbors on the Hilltop for being supportive of our business ever since we started in 2018. We’re excited about the future of Best Side here on the westside.”
Empowering Business Series
Join Hilltop RISE for an educational series aimed at empowering those living, working, & investing in The Hilltop. Topics vary each month All sessions located at the Columbus Metropolitan Library: Hilltop Branch, Meeting Room 2 from 6:30-7:30PM.
March Session: Hilltop RISE will have a speaker from COTA and City Planning Department on Tuesday, March 12th. We will be discussing LinkUS, anticipated updates to zoning, and the BRT. REGISTER HERE
April Session: Cohosted by the Franklinton Board of Trade and Hilltop RISE Economic CDC to bring together the business communities of Franklinton and Hilltop on Tuesday April 9th. In collaboration with expert presenters from ECDI and Legal Aid, they will delve into the critical topic of the Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act. REGISTER HERE
Upcoming Community Events
Are you a small business or nonprofit looking to expand your capacity this summer? AJRP is looking to place 14-23 year olds with those who would like to provide mentorship. All positions will be funded through the Department of Recreation of Parks and Rec at no cost.
The Teen Impact Program (TIP) was created and designed to provide the necessary skills for adulthood for its participants. Teens and young adults will have the opportunity to learn about their digital imprint, leadership, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, cultural awareness, and current events.
If you’d like more information please reach out to Erica Bell at embell@columbus.gov
There’s still time to register: Accelerate Columbus 2024. Accelerate Columbus is the City’s no-cost small business training program. This year, we are working with ten organizations to provide a variety of small business educational programming.
You can find a full list of programming at:
https://www.columbus.gov/accelerate/
Columbus Metropolitan Library Business and Nonprofit Center:
Drop-in hours with:
Ohio Means Jobs: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10-2
ECDI: Tuesdays, 11-1
Legal Aid: Wednesdays, 9-11
SCORE: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 12-2
Any additional details are on our webpage: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/business-nonprofit-center/
Hilltop U.S.A. 5k Registration is Live!
Registration information is at their website: www.hilltopusa5k.com
To date, they have raised almost over $20,000 for Veterans on the Hilltop. Walkers, runners and families are welcome! If any westside business is interested in a sponsorship, they can reach out to Becca at vicepresident@cwrunclub.com.
