Small Business Membership

Value:

UWI events attract over 125,000 visitors to Uptown from across Ohio, generating more than $2.5 million in sales for Uptown Westerville stores and businesses. Your $200 contribution supports UWI's efforts to maintain Uptown Westerville as a vibrant business district for both residents and businesses.

Additional Benefits:

• Free Participation in The Uptown Cookie Walk: Valued at $275 (cookies provided by UWI) and introducing approximately 750 people to your business.
• Increased and Consistent Foot Traffic: Due to popular events like the Farmers Market, Fourth Friday, and walking tours (Uptown Ghost Tours, Uptown Clue, and Uptown Epic Beer Walk). Parking app data indicates the highest Uptown parking use on Farmers Market Saturdays (excluding 4th Friday).
• 50% Discount on State Street Booths: For member businesses, a $375 savings for the season.
• Free Participation in the Westerville Art Hop: Attracting over 3,000 visitors to Westerville businesses.
• Free Quarter Page Ad in Stroll Magazine: Valued at $250, distributed to 1600 households in the Highland Lakes neighborhoods.
• Free Presence on the UWI Website and Uptown Calendar: Includes a free feature opportunity in a UWI blog post. The website receives over 74K visits per year, with blog posts on Ampersand garnering 5,230 interactions and on Art Hop garnering 1,200 interactions.
• Free Training and Grant Opportunities: Through Main Street America and Heritage Ohio, thanks to UWI's status as an Ohio Main Street organization.
• Uptown DORA Administration: Over 40,000 DORA drinks sold in 2023, boosting the district’s economic development.

Preservation Efforts:

• National Register of Historic Places: UWI successfully listed the Uptown Westerville Commercial District.
• Historic Bronze Plaques: Installed on 37 Uptown commercial properties, also featured in the Westerville Public Library's walking tours.
• Liaison to the City of Westerville: UWI serves as the primary contact for Uptown businesses.