The Grand Street BID is teaming up with 20+ other community based organizations in New York City to Spread Love, Shop Local. For Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating small businesses and the community through the Small Business Sweeties Campaign.
Sweethearts Shop Local…Be a #SmallBusinessSweetie
Now in its third year, a group of neighborhood organizations across New York City’s five boroughs, have joined forces to deliver messages of love and support to small businesses throughout the city – all in time for Valentine’s Day.
Each of the 20+ participating neighborhood groups (complete list below) will customize its Valentine’s Day Small Business Sweeties program to its own area, with the common message to show the love to small businesses. Some examples include, crafts and cocktails Valentine making at district bars; raffles for patrons who leave positive reviews for neighborhood businesses; encouraging locals to submit e-valentines for their favorite district businesses; and highlighting the Valentine’s Day offerings in their neighborhoods.
Participating neighborhoods and their businesses differ, but the message is the same: Shop local; Call direct for delivery; Leave a positive review; Give a shout out on social media; and show love to local businesses to be a #SmallBusinessSweetie.
The event started in the uncertain times of Covid-19 as a way for communities to show love and support for their local businesses. The success of the event has inspired this group of organizations from across the city to continue to build on the event each year.
“Delivering valentines made by loyal customers to small business owners is undeniably sweet. Seeing the smiles hit their faces as they realize how beloved they are to our community is so joyful,” said Erin Piscopink, Executive Director of the Grand Street BID.
“The businesses of North Flatbush Avenue are easy to love,” said James Ellis, Executive Director of the North Flatbush Avenue BID. “With this collective Valentine's support campaign, we are excited to highlight some of our "sweeties" and encourage consumers to buy local directly from the business, leave positive reviews as ‘love notes’, and explore some of our curated holiday itineraries showcasing some Prospect Heights and Park Slope experiences and gift ideas along North Flatbush Avenue.”
“The NoHo Business Improvement District is thrilled to participate in this third annual #SmallBusinessSweeties campaign alongside more than 20 other organizations. Supporting small businesses is at the very core of what we do, and we’re excited to uplift the small, special businesses that help make NoHo and all of New York the dynamic place we know and love,” said Cordelia Persen, Executive Director of the NoHo BID.
“The Forest Avenue BID is happy to be part of this city-wide collaboration with our fellow BIDs and community organizations. Shop small and feel good! On Staten Island we some great shops for gifts and services for your valentine,” said Nina Flores, Executive Director of the Forest Avenue BID. “Become a #smallbusinesssweetie and share the love - shop - write a review - place an order. Do your part to keep your neighborhood alive and vibrant. Our small businesses are gonna love you for it!”
“Sunnyside Shines is excited to be part of Small Business Sweeties. Our merchants need more love and this campaign helps us show them how much we appreciate them, and can increase their sales through social media,” said Dirk McCall de Paloma, Executive Director of the Sunnyside Shines BID.
Participating organizations: Bronx: Westchester Square BID. Brooklyn: Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, FAB Fulton BID, Flatbush Development Corporation, Graham Avenue BID, Grand Street BID, North Flatbush Avenue BID, Sunset Park BID. Manhattan: Atlantic Avenue BID, Columbus Avenue BID, Grand Central Partnership, Hudson Square BID, Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance, Meatpacking District BID, NoHo BID, Village Alliance. Queens: Bayside Village BID, MiQ (Made in Queens), Sunnyside Shines BID. Staten Island: Downtown Staten Island, Forest Avenue BID, Castleton Avenue Merchants Association.