Late last week, the U.S. Small Business Administration officials, State of Delaware representatives; and local leaders announced the first Kent County, Del., businesses were joining the ‘Tubman Byway Initiative.”
An event debuted the ‘Byway Buck’ voucher, redeemable for discounts and other offers at Byway-affiliated businesses, and unveiled road signs marking Delaware’s stretch of the historic ‘Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad in the state that helped lead slaves to freedom.
The ‘Tubman Byway Initiative’ is a pilot program joining adjacent small businesses together to offer and jointly promote incentives to travelers to visit the byway, patronize its small businesses, and get to know the First State.
The event was held at the Delaware Bay Trading Company, a gift shop located directly on the ‘Tubman Byway’s’ path through Camden and housed in the National Historic Register’s ‘Edward Cole House, which dates from 1780.
Businesses participating in the Initiative: Delaware Bay Trading Company and General Lockwood’s Coffee House; Knight’s Fine Jewelry; and Yarn & & Bone Pet Supply Company.
The following Camden and Wyoming businesses are part of the initiative: The Corner Apothecary, Delaware Bay Trading Co., General Lockwood’s Coffee House, Simply Charming, Tre Sorrelle Dolce, Delaware Guitar School, Yarn and Bone Pet Supply Company, Halls Family Restaurant, Witt Brothers Market, Knight’s Fine Jewelry
“The Tubman Byway’ Initiative looks at introducing revenue drivers for Byway affiliated businesses like: the ‘Byway Buck’ voucher, redeemable for discounts and other offers at Byway-affiliated businesses special events hosted by Byway-affiliated businesses; tourist discovery areas within businesses; signage and byway improvements; and grant opportunities to entice tourists to visit byways and patronize their businesses,” said Delaware DOT Byways Coordinator, Ann Gravatt. “This pilot program aims to demonstrate increased patronage in Byway-affiliated businesses to promote year-round, statewide tourism in Delaware and instill new a sense of neighborhood pride in our byway communities, all while helping First State businesses succeed. This pilot program is truly a ‘win-win’ scenario. If it is successful, it is slated to expand to all six Delaware state-designated byways.”
“We all have a stake in homegrown Delaware business’ success,” said John Banks, SBA Delaware deputy district director. “Small businesses like the ones along the ‘Tubman Byway’ in Camden tie communities together. They are what make ‘home’ ‘home.’ “We are proud to support their success by supporting programs like this pilot partnership program for small businesses lining Delaware’s byways and by providing entrepreneurs with financing, technical assistance and federal government contracting support.”
The ‘Tubman Byway’ traverses Maryland from the eastern shore region northward, entering the First State from Maryland at Kent County’s Sandtown, continuing north through Kent and New Castle counties, and exiting along Route 52.
Camden and Wyoming, Del. comprise the first condensed, commercial stretch along the ‘Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway’ after it crosses the border from Maryland into the First State.
The ‘Tubman Byway’ Initiative launched Delaware Byway wide in Wilmington, Del.’s Southbridge section, in March 2015.
Businesses joining the ‘Tubman Byway’ Initiative in Southbridge include: Harvest Christian Retail Stores; Sepia Pre-Paid Dry Cleaning; and Ms. Bonnies Savvor the Flavvor Seefood Restaurant.
To learn more about the ‘Tubman Byway Initiative’ or to apply to become a ‘Tubman Byway’ affiliated business, visit: http://www.tubmanbywaydelaware.org.
