​The public is invited to showcase their artistic talents!  All skill levels are welcome to contribute to a community mural at the Dublin Skating Rink. The community mural is a part of the 2024 Wayne County Murals Program and is designed by Indianapolis-based artist, Joy Hernandez.
 
Other activities will include opportunities for sidewalk drawings, coloring pages for kids, and a firetruck sprinkler party by the Dublin Fire Department. Snow-cones will be available. All events are free.
 
The community mural painting event is part of the 2024 Wayne County Murals Program Competition being held this summer. Eleven artists were selected from as far away as Germany and Canada to design and install murals throughout Wayne County to win cash prizes. Wayne County is currently home to over 90 towering pieces of art and with the addition of the new eleven murals, will help contribute to Wayne County’s already awe-inspiring cultural attractions.
 
The event takes place Saturday & Sunday, July 20 and 21, 2024 at the Dublin Skating Rink, 1764 S. Foundry Rd., Dublin, Indiana, from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. each day. To join in the activities, please RSVP with your name, phone number and ages of persons in your party to [email protected].  Participants will be required to sign a release of liability form. For more information, call Pamela Bliss, Wayne County Murals Program Manager, at (317) 696-7349. The Wayne County Mural Festival is funded thru the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP), Wayne County Foundation, and Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau.  

Richmond Neighborhood Restoration is thrilled to announce the sale of 720 and 724 East Main Street to the City of Richmond’s PLACE Program on July 11, 2024. 
 
RNR purchased the property from Jeanne Rush in 2021 for renovation efforts to take place on the second and third floors. In partnership with the City of Richmond, the Redevelopment Commission, the Economic Growth Group and RNR, the renovation costs included a complete demolition of the upper floors, new HVAC, plumbing, and designs that match a modern look for a historic building. The renovation created three 1 bedroom apartments, one 2 bedroom apartment, and a large office space. 
 
The PLACE (Placemaking Loans Accelerating Community Entrepreneurs) program is operated by the City of Richmond's Community and Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Board. The purpose of the program is to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to accelerate their businesses. The program allows entrepreneurs to apply for a downtown building with subsidized lease payments during the first 5 years.
 
Roxie Deer, Executive Director of RNR says, “Secret Ingredient is an incredible accomplishment for our downtown district. It is the first of many projects that will bring life and movement back to the heart of our community. We are thrilled to show this renovation off to our community and cannot wait to announce our next property downtown.” 
 
Dave Stidham from the Economic Growth Group says, “It’s a great improvement to Main Street and will hopefully encourage others to make investments in the district.” 
 
Richmond Neighborhood Restoration is a local 501(c)3 that revitalizes Richmond’s historic neighborhoods through community building, citizen participation, and preserving our local legacy. To date, RNR has completed five residential properties and Secret Ingredient is the first commercial building they have completed. RNR is currently working on a residential property on North 12th Street with plans to continue working in downtown Richmond, utilizing funds from the Revitalize Richmond grant from Earlham College. 
 
To learn more about the PLACE program please contact Beth Fields at the City of Richmond. To learn more about Richmond Neighborhood Restoration visit RNRinc.org. 

When the time comes to expand, consider these questions to make sure your strategy is solid.
By: Emily Heaslip , Contributor

Expanding your business is an exciting prospect, but it requires careful consideration and planning to achieve the next level. Factors like timing, location, cash flow, and staffing all determine whether your expansion plan is successful. As you think through your strategy, consider these key elements that will impact your small business growth.
Is there enough demand?One of the most significant risks in planning a small business expansion is the level of demand for your product or service. You may be ready to open a new location or launch an e-commerce site, but are your customers also prepared?
"When you have regular customers that keep returning and a steady stream of new customers, you have proof that your product or service is driving ongoing demand," wrote Pay.com. "Once you know your demand is consistent, you can feel comfortable knowing that your customers will support your expansion."
You may find that you can't keep up with demand — an even more positive sign that your business is ready for expansion. If you're struggling to keep products in stock, find your establishment gets too crowded, or often feel short-staffed, those are good signs your business is stretched and ready to grow.

What does expansion look like for your business?Expansion doesn't necessarily mean opening a new storefront. Expansion can take many forms, so consider the various options available to your business to find the best fit. For instance, you could:

• Start selling online through an e-commerce page or social media.
• Add a new product line.
• Move to a bigger location.
• Try a pop-up store.
• Open a kiosk, food truck, or outpost.

These options come with different costs and marketing requirements. For instance, if you decide to open a second location, you'll need to consider its proximity to your first storefront, competition in the new neighborhood, and whether you're cannibalizing your customer base. Do some market research to determine which options are best for your company.

Do your finances support expansion?Expanding can be expensive. Prepare a detailed budget covering all expansion costs, including marketing, staffing, and new equipment.
Cash flow is also important: Your existing cash flow may not give you enough to cover all your costs, but it should help provide a financial safety net for investment and growth. Consider your funding options, such as loans, savings, or investors to cover expansion costs.
How will you stay true to your brand?As your business grows, it can become harder to maintain a consistent brand for your customers and your staff. Think about how you will keep the look and feel of your new location or website aligned with your existing branding. How will the customer experience feel familiar while simultaneously adapting to local preferences?
The same consideration should be paid to your employees, too. How will you translate the work culture you've created in a new setting?
"Working in expanded geographic locations can be daunting, as the management of teams becomes more challenging due to differences in time zones, cultural norms, and language barriers," wrote Upwork.
Marketing experts can help you figure out how to translate your brand to a new sales channel. Consider creating training and formal orientation programs to help enforce your company culture to new staff members.

Do you have the right team in place?Speaking of staff members, when it comes time to expand, you can't do it alone. Small business owners wear many hats, but it's impossible to do everything, especially with a new sales channel in the mix.
Surround yourself with a team that you feel confident delegating to. This team may include business mentors, managers, temporary staff or fractional hires, or existing team members who have years of experience working with your business. Consider who will helm the ship at your existing business to keep everything running smoothly while your attention is elsewhere.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.