FAB Biz Blast – Feb 2021

STAY ALERT, FAB!
There has been a disturbing uptick in thefts and burglaries in the district, including a particularly brazen incident at Mac Shack in Clinton Hill in late January. The thief pitched a brick into the storefront glass window, crawled through, and stole the cash drawer. (See more here.)

Following this recent incident, NYPD’s 88th precinct Crime Prevention Officer paid a visit to the Mac Shack crew, and later distributed information to the surrounding businesses. We spoke with the Neighborhood Coordination Officers assigned to our area who shared helpful tips to avoid break-ins and other crimes to small businesses:
  • lock all doors and windows when closing up
  • install cameras when possible, and display signage that the business is under surveillance
  • install adequate lighting
  • leave the cash register open if it’s empty
  • be aware of people possibly “casing” your store: looking around, asking questions about staffing and hours, etc.
 
Other suggestions include sharing contact info with neighbors, and installing an alarm system if possible; a co-owner of Fort Greene’s Peaches Hot House recommends alarm.com as an affordable option. The NYPD also conducts an etching program to safeguard delivery e-bikes from larceny and theft.
 
You should also get to know your NCOs, and contact them with any questions or concerns. They can meet one-on-one with you and your staff, as well as set up crime survey walk-throughs with the Crime Prevention Officer. FAB FULTON falls within Sectors A (Classon to Clinton Avenues) and D (Clinton to Flatbush Avenues) of the 88th precinct.
Names and email addresses of 88th precinct NCOs for Sectors A and D
 
MEET THE NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS
FAB FULTON is co-hosting a virtual roundtable on Thursday, February 4 for our newly elected State representatives to speak with merchants about small business issues. The invited officials include Senator Jabari Brisport and Assembly Members Phara Souffrant Forrest and Emily Gallagher. You are invited to join this Zoom call set for 9:30am; register here
 


SWEETHEARTS SHOP LOCAL
You may have already noticed the citywide effort to coordinate a marketing campaign around supporting Small Businesses. On Monday, February 1, a month-long Valentine’s Day campaign launched across over 40 BIDs and other city agencies, called #SmallBusinessSweetie. We’ll be promoting all your sweet specials for gifts, date night ideas, and more throughout the month, suggesting that customers also show some love to local small businesses by leaving good reviews, ordering for takeout, and posting shout-outs on social media. Follow the hashtag #SmallBusinessSweetie, use it in your posts and encourage your customers to use it!


BLACK HISTORY IS BROOKLYN HISTORY!
February marks Black History Month, which is an annual collective celebration of the achievements of Black Americans and their numerous contributions to the nation’s culture. FAB FULTON will highlight fascinating local stories in a focus on the Black Brooklyn experience all month long. Check-in regularly for Black History bits, including profiles of locally owned businesses! Bookmark this link and follow along!


NEED ASSISTANCE WITH PPP APPLICATIONS?
The process to apply for the second round of PPP loans is open through March 31. Get help with your application from local bank branch Ridgewood Savings Bank (1035 Fulton). You do not need to have a previous account to get assistance. Send an email to SBAppp@ridgewoodbrank.com or call 844-772-4722.

 
IT’S TIME TO GET “UNSTUCK!”
FAB RESTAURANTEURS! You could be one of three restaurants selected to receive three months of FREE strategic guidance, including brand analysis, website and marketing analysis, campaigns, events, and more! 816 NYC is a strategic brand consulting agency that specializes in working with restaurants and small business teams. If you’ve felt stuck, invisible, or undervalued by your industry, team or customers, enter here by February 12 for a chance to work with 816 NYC to take your business to the next level, for FREE! Be sure to mention FAB FULTON on your application as your business area.
 
 

ABOUT FAB FULTON
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB FULTON) is a non-profit organization that advocates for and collaborates with small businesses and property owners along Fulton Street in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming community while securing resources and partnerships for initiatives that enhance and promote the district.

This post contains links to the articles and information referenced in our latest FAB BIZ BLAST email communication. You can subscribe to future newsletters; sign up here for the FAB FULTON BIZ BLAST to get the latest information and resources for FAB FULTON Businesses!