Flat Cap Ventures in Traverse City is holding an event later this month to help businesses experiencing a dip in sales due to construction along U.S. 31. They're calling it a “Community Impact Market.”
Coordinator Krystal Flateau saw numerous social media posts showing empty parking lots in front of local businesses, and calls for assistance.
For example, some stores located on Front Street, just east of downtown Traverse City, can only be accessed from the east side of town. People coming from the west side have to follow the detours.
Some community members called Flat Cap wondering if it could help these folks out. Flateau said all are welcome even if it’s hard to move their businesses to the event space.
“We know that this is not going to be the ideal situation for everyone to be able to pick up their inventory or pick up their product and come to our location," she said. "But we strongly encourage you, if you have the ability to sell gift certificates, you are more than welcome.”
Flateau says if the market is successful they might do more in the future.
“We know that the construction is going to move locations and we know that other businesses are going to be impacted further down the line," Flateau said. "Construction isn't slated to be done until November. So it is possible if this is successful that we could see several more of these throughout the year.”
Flat Cap could also extend the offer to businesses in Interlochen this summer when Interlochen State Park will be closed for renovations.
The “Community Impact Market” is scheduled for April 21 and 22.
