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Greetings!
February brought some exciting new partnerships for the Broad Street Regeneration Initiative! A group of Broad Street entrepreneurs took classes with the International Institute of Boston and the increasingly popular online coupon service Groupon partnered with Olly's Pizza Parlor. A new laundromat opened in Central Falls, which eventually will be working with a Subway Restaurant coming to Broad Street in April. We hope that as the snow begins to melt, business will flourish with new vigor. Here's the update: |
New Broad Street Business Opens: On The Go Laundromat Environmentally-conscious laundromat opens at 306 Broad St.
Mike Pelletier wants his customers to save energy, money and time at his convenient, new business, On The Go Laundromat. Opened on February 4 after nearly four months of construction and renovation, the laundromat coined itself "The Eco-Friendly Laundromat."
Pelletier is doing his best to keep energy consumption and costs low. His washers and dryers all have gauges inside to conserve water and gas: The washers use an auto weight system to gauge how much water to wash with, and the dryers sense the dryness of clothes so users save money and avoid burning clothing.
Rather than using quarters, On The Go uses a rechargeable card. Users can pay with a debit/credit card, and buying a card is only a dollar. The laundromat will also be Wifi-enabled for laptop users and will soon offer a computer for public use. With this, Pelletier hopes the community's many residents living far from home can stay in touch with family in other countries.
In April, a Subway Restaurant will be opened next door, connected to the laundromat via a private door. Pelletier wants people to feel free to bring sandwiches in and use several tables he's put in the space. He plans to put a love seat in soon, too.
"Doing laundry is cumbersome. I want people to feel like they can come here for an hour and enjoy themselves while taking care of a chore," Pelletier said. |
International Institute Classes Commence for Business Owners 
Broad Street business owners are getting schooled. In business, that is. The Broad Street Regeneration Initiative has partnered with the International Institute of Boston's Bridges to Business Program to offer business classes, coaching, and services to help create and grow small businesses in Rhode Island! Throughout the month of February, eight Broad Street business owners have participated in these free classes. The classes, which meet twice a week, cover profit and loss, cash flow, business planning, sales, marketing and time management.
After completing the obligatory 20 hour course, business owners will have access to one-on-one business advising and technical assistance including individual mentoring to develop a business plan. Additional services include graphic design, website development, legal services and marketing and public relations assistance.
Interested business owners may inquire about the next session of classes, which will be offered in April at the International Institute in Providence. Please contact either Caitlin or Myles at 401-724-2200 if you are interested in attending. |
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Second Hand Shop Approved for MicroEnterprise Grant
On February 4th, the Broad Street Regeneration Initiative in partnership with the Cumberland Planning Department agreed to disperse $7,525 in MicroEnterprise grant funds to Juana Lopez, business owner of Second Hand Shop. The store, which specializes in selling, recycling, and refurbishing used goods, carries a variety of items from home furnishings and accessories to electronics and communication services. This award will be used to develop a new marketing strategy including expanded print and radio advertisements. Congratulations, Second Hand Shop! |
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FOR BROAD STREET BUSINESSES: REMINDER
If you would like your business featured in one of our promotions, please remember to mail or return your "Online Promotion Intake Form" to:
Broad Street Regeneration Initiative
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
175 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860 |
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As we move further into the new year, we hope to see more people out on Broad Street enjoying themselves. Look out for our AmeriCorps VISTA's, Myles and Caitlin, who will be out and about meeting with Broad Street business owners for various projects.
Sincerely,
The Broad Street Regeneration Initiative
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council |
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Featured Business:
Olly's Pizza Parlor | |
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