How many people are downtown during the work week?

There are several hundred buildings downtown, with approximately 83,000 people employed and walking around downtown. For specific pedestrian counts in particular areas of downtown, please review DCI’s 2007 Pedestrian Count Study and www.cincyshop52.com.

How do I market my downtown business to the many people downtown?

DCI is always happy to help get the word out about your downtown business. We can do that in several ways, including meeting with you one-on-one to discuss creative marketing strategies, DCI’s weekly email newsletter, a listing in DCI’s Downtown Cincinnati Guide and website. To set up a meeting to discuss your marketing concerns, please email the VP of Stakeholder Services/Small Business, Arlene Koth, or call her at 513.421.4440 x112.

Where can my employees, customers and I park downtown?

Downtown offers a variety of reasonably priced parking/transportation options including surface lots, garages, and public transportation. For more information regarding parking options, please review DCI’s quarterly parking survey. For more information on alternative transportation options, please visit the Metro website.

I want to make some changes/improvements to my building/property, is there a particular process I need to complete?

Depending on the type of improvement you are planning, you may need to work with several City of Cincinnati departments, including (but not limited to) Building & Inspections, Historical Conservation, Transportation & Engineering, etc. The most efficient and cost effective way to manage your property changes/improvements is to make an appointment with the City of Cincinnati’s Business Development and Permit Center at 3300 Central Parkway. The City will be happy to hold a pre-construction meeting that will include all the appropriate departments you will have to work with to complete your plan.

My employees/customers are concerned about panhandling and other safety issues downtown, what should I do?

DCI and its many partners realize that feeling safe is a very important part of downtown Cincinnati’s vitality and continued growth. DCI’s Ambassador Program complements and works very closely with other City services including Cincinnati Police Department through its Downtown Services Unit. DCI Ambassadors work hard to make sure the streets of downtown are safe, clean and welcoming. You can reach an Ambassador by calling 513.623.3429.

I am a new business owner, how do I connect with other downtown business owners and other organizations that could be helpful to me and my business?

DCI is always excited to welcome new business owners to the Central Business District and want to make sure they are connected to all the right people. There are several ways to do this:

• Contact DCI’s VP of Stakeholder Services/Small Business, Arlene Koth, via email or by phone at 51­3.421.4440 x112,
• Join one of the Sector Groups, which is an avenue to meet your fellow business owners, property owners, downtown residents, and other downtown stakeholders, while having a positive affect on our downtown environment,
• Become a member of DCI, making you part of a powerful and dedicated network of more than 300 individuals and organizations supporting our mission to revitalize our center city and create a safer, cleaner, and a friendlier, more beautiful and dynamic downtown.

You have available retail space on your website, can I also contact DCI if I am looking for available office space?

Yes. DCI recognizes that available office space is not always easy to identify inside the hundreds of downtown buildings, which is why we work very closely with many of the downtown property owners and keep a list of contacts for the various office building. We are always happy to help you identify the right office site and make sure you are quickly connected to the building owner/representative. Please contact DCI’s VP of Stakeholder Services/Small Business, Arlene Koth, via email or call her at 513.421.4440 x112.

Where/how can I get a vendor’s license to begin operating my retail establishment?

If you want a downtown street vendor’s license or a peddler’s license, you can contact the City of Cincinnati’s Community Development & Planning Department at 513.352.6146. To operate a business with a permanent location, you can contact the Hamilton County website or call them at 513.946.4106. You can also visit the State of Ohio’s website or call them at 866-644-6468.

I have a great business idea, can DCI help me write my business plan?

DCI is always excited to have new innovated businesses with enthusiastic business owners join our downtown neighborhood. DCI has connections with various organizations with business plan development expertise who will work with you one-on-one to develop a workable business plan. (You can also visit Starting a New Business on our website for useful information regarding your new business venture.) For more information on those business assistance organizations, please email DCI’s VP of Stakeholder Services/Small Business, Arlene Koth, or call her at 513.421.4440 x112.

Does DCI provide businesses with loans and/or grant funds?

DCI does not provide or administer any funds for start-up or existing businesses. However, DCI has can connect you with agencies that do, including (but not limited to) the City of Cincinnati’s Community Development & Planning department, which administers the Grow Cincinnati Fund and the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative, the Hamilton County Development Company, which administers SBA 504 loans. Additionally, there are many conventional lenders who offer Small Business Administration (SBA) backed loans. For more information, please email DCI’s VP of Stakeholder Services/Small Business, Arlene Koth, or call her at 513.421.4440 x112.

I’d like to get a list of businesses downtown to which I can market my product/services, can DCI provide me with that information?

DCI can be helpful in marketing the services of downtown businesses through our weekly email newsletter, our website and our Downtown Cincinnati Guide. However, DCI does not give away or sell its member database to businesses. There are several organizations that offer opportunities for business-to-business marketing, including (but not limited to) the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce.

I would like to offer outdoor seating at my restaurant, is there a process I must complete?

A vital and progressive downtown is one where the streets are filled with people shopping and dining. You are encouraged to make your customers’ dining experience one they will enjoy and continue coming back to. By sending a letter to Tom Klumb, City of Cincinnati, Real Estate manager, 801 Plum Street, Room 122, Cincinnati, OH, you can request a Revocable Street Privilege. The letter should outline the specifics of your request.

I would like to offer liquor at my restaurant, how do I get a liquor license?

Liquor licenses are administered through the State of Ohio. You can contact them at 614.942.0489.

My question was not answered here, who can I contact for assistance?

Please call Downtown Cincinnati Inc. at 513.421.4440 and we will be happy to assist you.