Advocating for Neighborhood Businesses by Brewing Up New Customers!

Our Auburn Gresham Neighborhood Business Center business network advocacy work is not just about attraction, retention and businesses getting to know each other. Our advocacy work has opened doors to new mutually beneficial partnerships amongst our local businesses. The good news is Brewer Coffee and Custard, for us is another Auburn Gresham business that became a Somercor504 success story, just posted in the latest SBIF Gram. The new Brewer Coffee and Custard, located at 1008 W. 79^th Street is a small business story that is a great example of how through advocacy and targeted support for local African American businesses, a comprehensive “community” wide effort to create a holistic and vibrant community, can be a reality supporting the business, economic development and jobs vision of our community quality of life plan. The plan even stated that, “Once we identify black owned businesses for patronage and information sharing this will help our “community.” --- John Kennedy, Task Force Member. During the month of August, GAGDC’s NBDC helped connect the following to support the new coffee shop:

Firstly, a group of corporate partners working on volunteer projects in the hot August 6^th sun, looked forward to visiting the new coffee and custard shop, for the second time, but this time getting an overview of the Brewer’s business story and deep family roots in the “community.” With over 25 customers purchasing iced coffee, custard and even a few sweets, it brewed up a great business day for the local owners.

Secondly, a neighborhood housing and senior support team having been rained out of an outdoor chair Yoga for Seniors” in the community garden on August 21st, was referred to the owner of Brewer Coffee and Custard, who allowed them to utilize newly remodeled space adjacent to the coffee shop, 1106 W. 79^th Street, that is being advertised for rent. They were able to host both events (one day) at the new business. They also purchased the provided lunch including custard for desert for each attendee. This helped the shop have another very successful day!

Overall, our NBDC business advocacy efforts helps us to continue to build successful “community” programs, linking many types projects and programs across the neighborhood to our local businesses. This helps our organization and the “community” exceed the stated goals and expectations of the people we serve and our business partners. That’s why is it so fitting that this new black owned businesses’ logo, etched in the window is surrounded by “family hub” and “community.”