ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Bringing the community together, one small business at a time: That’s the vision of a Small Business Block Party on Rockford’s west side.
The organizers are entrepreneurs themselves and have planned this large celebration to showcase both small businesses in the East Wind Business Complex and those without a permanent business location.
The East Wind Business Complex on Phelps Avenue in Rockford has dozens of tenants, two of whom are Sharde Calloway and Niema Murdock, both of whom own health and beauty businesses.
“I went to the owner. He said no one had ever come and asked if he could do something like that, so he was all for it,” Calloway says.
“Anything we can do to bring people together is great. I love building trust and making people feel good. For me, that’s where everything comes together,” says Murdock.
To raise awareness of the East Wind Business Complex, the two jointly organized a street festival for small businesses. On Sunday, 45 traders participated, 15 more than at the opening event last year.
“We have been contacted by vendors asking if the street fair will be held again. Of course, everyone had fun and we are happy to host it,” says Murdock.
“They were happy and comfortable. They felt like their goods and services were presented in a great way. And that makes me happy,” says Calloway.
Organizers say this small business street festival was originally conceived as a way to showcase local vendors here at the East Wind Business Complex. Although the event is in its second year, some vendors are participating for the first time.”
One of those dream chasers is 360 Grace Woodworks. Owner Aaron Carlin says it’s crucial for businesses like his to have a platform to showcase their products, which are worth viewing in person.
“It’s inspiring that so many people have a dream that they’re pursuing,” Carlin says. “I hope that everyone here, including myself, succeeds so that we can continue to advance all the things that we do that are good for ourselves, our families and the Rockford community.”
Calloway says she has been in the complex for three years. When she signed her lease, there were about 75 tenants there, according to the owner.
14th District Councilman Mark Bonne donated $1,500 through the Forward for Fun program, which allocates money to each district to host free events.
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