Downtown Diveristy Initiative

In 2018, NewTown Macon and the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages won a grant from the Downtown Challenge Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia to launch the Downtown Diversity Initiative to attract more African American business owners and customers to the urban core. 

Currently, 18% of downtown businesses are owned by African Americans. This number does not reflect the diversity of Macon's community as a whole. The Downtown Diversity Initiative is one of the ways NewTown Macon works to create a more equitable and inclusive downtown.

During the first round of the Downtown Diversity Initiative, 12 entrepreneurs attended a series of workshops led by experts from the local business community. Participants developed thoughtful business plans, learned effective marketing tools, and met with business mentors. Participants presented a pitch at the end of the series to be considered for a prize package worth $6,500 that included funds to subsidize rent and marketing efforts.

DowntownDiversityInitiative

2019 Participants

Beverly Pitts, Carbel Beauty Plus: A sister location to Carbel's Beauty Supply on Pio Nono; Carbel's Beauty Plus will offer a range of beauty products and services

Darrin Ford, A Brooke Haven: upscale bar and lounge catering to downtown professionals

Nathalie Armand-Bradley, ModPunch: an interior design firm offering a range of services, including virtual design and organizing services

Brandon Woodford, Wizdum Clothing: a retail space for independent designers in middle Georgia and Woodford's own line of clothing and graphic design services

Arrkeicha Danzie, Good Boy Goodies: an all-natural dog treat wholesaler servicing clients throughout downtown Macon and Bibb County