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Building & Business Development

Small Business Guide – NEW!

The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, together with our economic development partners, recently launched a Small Business Guide designed for both new entrepreneurs and existing business owners in Jamestown. This guide covers key information and practical steps to help you successfully start, manage, and grow a business in our community.

Small Business Guide

Revitalizing Downtown Jamestown

The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) champions the revitalization of Jamestown by supporting the enhancement of buildings, businesses, and community assets in our downtown core. We pursue this mission through advocacy, technical assistance, and financial incentives.

 

Advocacy

The JRC collaborates with partners—including the City of Jamestown, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, and Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency—to promote downtown Jamestown as the region’s economic and cultural hub.

A central focus of our advocacy is the Urban Design Plan and its 2018 update. These documents offer a long-term vision for downtown, highlighting both assets and areas for growth. The plan takes a high-level view of downtown, focusing on key themes and strategic actions. It provides a solid framework and gives the JRC the opportunity and responsibility to create tools, programs, and initiatives that bring this vision to life.

Beyond the Urban Design Plan, the JRC advocates for downtown stakeholders by helping ensure their concerns are addressed and relevant resources are secured. We work to maintain a downtown environment that supports economic activity, cultural investment, and long-term growth.

 

Technical Assistance

The JRC provides guidance, connections, and expertise to support entrepreneurs, property owners, and community stakeholders. Whether starting a business, enhancing a historic property, or planning a downtown event, a variety of resources are available to help bring your vision to life.

Support may include:

  • Reviewing business plans to explore alignment with downtown goals

  • Discussing available real estate options for lease or purchase

  • Outlining the steps for organizing large events in the downtown area

Helpful tools and information can be found on the JRC website to support your efforts in downtown Jamestown.

 

Leveraging Financial Tools

Enhancing and restoring downtown’s historic buildings is a key priority for the JRC. To support these efforts, we work with property and business owners to connect them with valuable financial resources that help turn ideas into reality.

We administer grants and facilitate access to a range of tools, including:

  • Loans for business or property improvements

  • Alternative capital sources such as crowdfunding and direct public offerings

  • Historic Tax Credit programs

These financial tools play a vital role in strengthening Jamestown’s downtown core and supporting continued investment in the community.