Welcome to Unlock the Block 2019!

Unlock the Block is an initiative that will serve as a catalyst to reduce vacancy and engage/support entrepreneurs in the Downtown Dover Business Improvement District, and specifically, first-floor commercial spaces on Loockerman Street and streets directly adjacent to Loockerman.  This initiative will encourage economic revitalization, facilitate re-development of first-floor commercial properties, and contribute to a vibrant downtown commercial district by securing owners of retail and professional goods and service businesses that have the capacity to serve/draw local and regional customers alike.

Whether you are an established business looking expand in or into downtown Dover, or are interested in the "Unlock the Block" process as it unfolds, we would like to keep in touch with you!

If you simply wish to keep apprised of the initiative: Proceed to question #1 and you will receive updates from time to time.

If you are a very early stage business:  Please note that Unlock the Block is not targeted to very new or start-up business owners or those that are aspiring to own a business in the future.  If you fall into this category, we thank you for your interest and recommend that you visit "Kent County is Open For Business" where you will be connected with a variety of resource partners that can support you in your new venture.  Click here for more information.  

If you are a current, successfully operating business or have successfully operated a business in the past:  Unlock the Block is targeted to existing, successful business owners (in Dover or elsewhere) that have a proven track record.  We are seeking business owners that; 1.) can show an established, consistent customer base; 2.) have generated a substantial revenue in 2018/2019 and; 3.) are seriously considering one* of the following:

1.  Expanding into a brick and mortar from a very successful home-based, vending, or on-line business model or I have successfully operated a business in the past.
2. Expanding from one current brick and mortar space (in downtown Dover or elsewhere) into a new brick and mortar location in downtown Dover.
3. Expanding your square footage substantially within, or adjacent to, your existing downtown Dover brick and mortar space, thus expanding your overall business model.
4. Expanding your current business inventory (for instance you now sell women's shoes, and you ready to sell men's shoes in the same location).  You may be, but are not necessarily taking additional space to accommodate the new inventory or line of products.
5. Opening an entirely new business, and keeping your existing business open.  (For instance, you now sell cosmetics and you are planning to open a separate, new business location selling office supplies.)

* In addition to fitting into one of the scenarios above, you must be planning to be established and selling from the new location by or before March 15, 2020.

If you meet one of the five bullets above, and anticipate operating the "new business model" on/before March 15, 2020 please complete this survey in its entirety.

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* 1. First Name

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* 2. Last Name

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* 3. Email Address

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* 4. Community you represent

If you are solely interested in receiving updates on "Unlock the Block,"  we will keep in touch with you via the email address you provided.  Please go to Question 15, after which you will be re-directed to the project website.

If you are a business planning to expand in or into Dover and anticipate being open on/before March 15, 2020, continue to question #5.  At the end of the questionnaire, you will be re-directed to the project website.

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* 5. If you are currently in business, in which community are you located?

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* 6. Name of Business

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* 7. Cell Number

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* 8. Website address

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* 9. One other social media address (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.) if you have one:

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* 10. Which of the following describes you/your business?  Check all that apply.

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* 11. I have an operational business and I use the following specifically for my business: (Check all that apply.)

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* 12. Why do you wish to expand in or into downtown Dover?

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* 13. What is your target date to be operating in the new business model and/or location?

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* 14. Share something interesting about you or your business:

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* 15. Where did you learn of Unlock the Block? (Check all that apply.)

Thank you for your interest in Unlock the Block!  We anticipate launching the initiative within the next several weeks and we will be in touch with you via email.

Questions? Contact Diane@DowntownDoverPartnership.com or Tina@downtowndoverpartnership.com

Partners and sponsors of Unlock the Block:
The City of Dover
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Division of Small Business 
Downtown Dover Partnership
NCALL/Restoring Central Dover
Small Business Development Center/Small Business Administration
Tru Capital (formerly First State Community Loan Fund)

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