Dear Hilltop RISE community,
As we transition into the month of March, we are excited to share with you the latest updates and opportunities that are shaping the future of our neighborhood. March brings with it a renewed sense of energy and optimism as we continue to work together towards building a stronger, more vibrant Hilltop community.
Moving Forward with 614 Beautiful Grant:
We are delighted to announce that we are moving forward with the 614 Beautiful Grant in collaboration with our esteemed community partners, including the Westgate Neighbors Association, Highland West Civic Association, and Hilltop Arts Collective. This grant presents an exciting opportunity to enhance the beauty and livability of our neighborhood through creative placemaking initiatives, beautification projects, and community-driven art installations.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and opportunities to get involved in shaping the visual landscape of our community. Together, we will create spaces that inspire, uplift, and reflect the rich diversity and spirit of the Hilltop.
Place Pillar Subcommittee:
The Place Pillar Subcommittee continues to make strides in its mission to promote economic development and community revitalization along the West Broad corridor. Recent updates can be found below.
Opportunities for Property Owners and Small Businesses:
The development of Bike+, ZoneIn, and Bus Rapid Transit along West Broad presents numerous opportunities for property owners and small businesses to thrive and grow. As infrastructure improvements and transportation enhancements take shape, there is increased potential for attracting new customers, investors, and development opportunities to our area.
We encourage property owners and small business owners along the West Broad corridor to explore these opportunities, connect with local resources and support networks, and seize the moment to be part of the positive momentum driving our community forward.
Get Involved:
We believe that the strength of our community lies in the collective efforts of its residents, businesses, and stakeholders. There are countless ways to get involved, whether it’s volunteering for a beautification project, attending an Empowering Business Series, or simply patronizing local businesses and supporting neighborhood initiatives.
Together, we can shape a brighter future for the Hilltop and create a community we are proud to call home.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
Morgan DeBoth
Hilltop RISE Executive Director
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10.3 Beautify streets, eliminate litter, create public art and wayfinding campaign.
Cleaner Columbus: Kick-off event scheduled for April 6th 10-12 pm.This is an illegal dumping and litter campaign launch for The Hilltop. The goal is to canvas much for the 43204 zipcode in collaboration with the Department of Neighborhoods, Department of Refuse, local champions, the Home Subcommittee and Hilltop RISE.
614 Beautiful Grant implementation happening currently. The Place Pillar Subcommittee is assisting WNA and HWCA with their murals and installation of neighborhood branded bike racks along West Broad Street.
12.3 Improve business development services for entrepreneurs.
Hilltop RISE developed Empowering Business Series for current small business owners and entrepreneurs scheduled the 2nd Tuesday of each month 6:30-7:30 pm. The most recent event equipped stakeholders with additional information around the BRT project and ZoneIn.
Power of One Recipient, Beck and Orr, is in the design phase to refresh their storefront with the help of Neighborhood Design Center. This will add new life to a key commercial node.
Goal 13: Prioritize active and shared mobility.
LinkUs Program Update:
COTA & LinkUS have been doing door-to-door outreach to businesses along W Broad Street to be sure everyone is aware of the BRT project. There has been ongoing door-to-door canvassing and there has been a presentation to the area commission.
13.3 Create and then connect people to shared mobility options to reduce car dependence.
City of Columbus Bike Plus program is in full swing along with program Vision Zero. Each program focuses on mobility and goal is to provide safe transportation for thos 8 yrs -80 yrs.
Goal 17: Address physical environment attributes that contribute to criminal activity.
My Project USA is working toward establishing a recreation center to serve youth in the area.
Police Substation update: Architect has been hired and they are moving into the design work. They presented to the zoning committee February 2024. They will be taking time to respond to additional requests from GHAC.
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 1 from 6:30-7:30PM.
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
May Session: Hilltop RISE will have a speaker from Huntington Bank to discuss their Lift Local program and how they support small businesses on Tuesday, May 14th. REGISTER HERE
Upcoming Community Events
Empower by GoDaddy
Get the training, tools and network services you need to accelerate your digital presence, in just 5 weeks through Empower by GoDaddy. This no-cost virtual program was created by the experts at GoDaddy and facilitated by ECDI’s Women’s Business Center. Boost your online presence and connect with the right customers! Dive into brand evaluation, master social media, and conquer website design. Small business owners of any gender are encouraged to apply by April 19. Learn more at https://www.wbcohio.org/empower
Small Businesses Grant Program: Partnering with American Express, Main Street America is offering $10,000 grants to support economically vulnerable small businesses. Whether it’s building community, enhancing economic viability, or sparking meaningful change, this grant could be your ticket to success!
Small Business Round Up Event: Join Council Member Bankston for an evening of celebration and networking on April 4th! Learn about successes in 2023 and what’s ahead for small and minority businesses in 2024. Don’t miss out—register now and connect with valuable resources and programs.
To learn more visit:
https://mailchi.mp/eb7178d97fb9/2023-impact-report-reflecting-on-our-foundational-year-12684572
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/
