Business Resources
It’s good to be here! There are many advantages to doing business in the District: great neighbors, high foot traffic, central location, excellent culture, and prime people watching to name a few.
The CID works to ensure that the District is the best place to be in business. We advocate for our businesses to the local government and provide extra services. These include…
Resources for District Businesses
Homeless Outreach - 4AChange
Businesses in the District have access to 4AChange and are encouraged to connect them with any new homeless community members. 4AChange helps these community members attain proper identification, transportation, housing vouchers, and/or detoxification services. Call 573-256-0174 to contact John or Mike Trapp with any non-emergency concerns about a homeless community member. Business and property owners in the District are encouraged to sign an Authorization of Enforcement for the Columbia Police Department annually. This allows CPD to safely remove aggressive individuals from a property after they have received complaints of harassment or violence.
Cleanliness - Block by Block
Block by Block is the cleaning crew that keeps public areas clean in the District. They will remove graffiti from your building with permission of the property owner. Contact Bill at wyork@blockbyblock.com for graffiti removal requests.
Internal Services/Advocacy
Events
The District hosts 11 events each year to increase foot traffic downtown. Find out more in our events!
Beautification
The CID works with the city, local designers, and local artists to continually improve the form and function of Downtown Columbia. These projects include traffic box art, murals, alley galleries, planters, green space, and overall design work.
Economic Development
The District provides classes and connects small and new businesses with local resources. Contact our office for more information at info@discoverthedistrict.com.
External Resources
Business Partners
SBDC - Missouri Small Business Development Centers are located around the state to assist small businesses of all types and at all stages. Columbia is home to one of this valuable resource centers.
REDI - Regional Economic Development Inc is a collaborative partnership committed to attract, expand and grow business opportunities to create high-quality jobs in Columbia.
MoWBC - Missouri Women’s Business Center provides classes, workshops, networking opportunities, economic resourcing, individualized business training, and counseling for businesses in eight counties, including Boone County, to support women starting or growing their businesses.
The Chamber of Commerce connects local businesses to each other and represents their members in local government and advocacy issues. They also provide valuable resources and connections for members.
ProsperU is a division of the Central Bank of Boone County that specializes in increasing financial literacy and providing classes for existing businesses and future business owners.
Publications
District Neighborhoods - Figure out which of the various neighborhoods within the District your business belongs in, this map includes lists of businesses, major attractions and development trends.
Map Reference Handbook - The series of maps contained in this handbook are the result of a land use and building survey conducted by the City of Columbia in 2009.