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Indy's Destination Vision Logo
  • About
  • Purpose
  • Process
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  • Plan
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Indy's Destination Vision Logo
  • About
  • Purpose
  • Process
  • Principles
  • Plan
  • Partners
Home
Plan
Cultivate + Connect Our Places
4: Activity Centers
4D: Shop Local

4D: Local Retail/Food Development

Small business entrepreneurs in the retail and restaurant sectors add a particular uniqueness to a destination. The last decade, the Indy region enjoyed great growth in the number and quality of independently-owned establishments, and while it will take time to recover from unprecedented pandemic losses, these businesses will remain an essential ingredient to both visitor attraction and resident quality of life. Support programs that help entrepreneurs start these businesses, including those that reduce barriers to entry with low-cost temporary or mobile platforms. Support programs that sustain these businesses, including efforts to promote and reward resident and visitor patronization of them such as limited-time menu promotions and Indy’s Craft Pass. Such support should focus on clusters of local businesses, like those in downtown and cultural districts, but also be available to small businesses across Indy.

Value to the Community

Locally owned shops and restaurants reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of our community and provide economic opportunity regardless of background. Revenues from locally owned businesses also are recycled within the community at a higher rate than other types of businesses--shopping local has an outsized positive impact on the local economy. Food and retail also often serves as the face of a community, welcoming others and offering a very approachable way to share diverse cultures.

Value to the Hospitality Industry

Local retail and restaurants are what distinguish Indy from other places and contribute significantly to a visitor's impression of our city. Local food tourism in particular is increasingly a driver for visitors.

Updates

  • February 2022. In the Mix initiative launched. A new program to build Black-owned retail and restaurant businesses in downtown Indianapolis was launched with three participants. Support includes business coaching, financial assistance for buildout of stores and help with negotiated lease payments.

Key Partners

Confirmed Partners

  • Visit Indy

Recommended Partners

  • LISC Indianapolis
  • Indy Chamber
  • City of Indianapolis
  • Life in Indy
  • Yelp Indianapolis

Priority + Progress

Monitoring
10%
Monitoring priorities are the middle 60% or so of actions that TTI is keeping its eye on and supporting as needed.

TTI Role

Encourage
Support
Primary
Encourage
The encourage role means TTI is offering encouragement to partners pursuing this action. This is the least-involved type of role and typically applicable when partners don't need much help.

Related Destination Vision Actions

3D: Culinary Talent + Experiences
5A: Neighborhood Development
4B: Cultural Districts
1A: VFR Engagement

Related Community Projects

None available

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TTI Logo

Tourism Tomorrow Indy
200 South Capitol Avenue, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46225-1063

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