FutureHeights workshop will focus on signage and merchandising

FutureHeights, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and US Bank, will host a branding, signage and merchandising workshop for business owners on Friday, April 13, 9:30–11:30 a.m., at SBDC, located on the second floor of the Lee Road Library (2340 Lee Road).

Speakers Brad and Judy Swimmer, of AlphaGraphics, will talk about the importance of having a foundation, understanding your target market, creating a strong brand identity, the value of compelling signage, and budgeting for signs and other marketing materials. They'll present ideas for generating creative ways to help your business stand out; developing skills that will help you market yourself, your brand and your product; and creating storefront signage that boosts awareness among potential customers.

The workshop is a component of the FutureHeights Planning & Development Committee’s initiatives to attract, retain and support the local businesses in Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

"Because the Heights has so many storefront businesses and they depend on sales from the pedestrian foot traffic in their districts, we thought it would be important to focus on branding, signage, window displays and merchandising," said Micah Kirman, committee chair. "Many Heights businesses already do this well, but there is always more to learn, and it will give business owners an opportunity to share their own ideas and get feedback."

Register for this free event at futureheightssbw2018.eventbrite.com.

SBDC provides no-cost, confidential, one-on-one counseling for businesses that will, or currently do, employ fewer than 500 employees. Additional services include training, e-counseling, quality-based assessments, technical assistance, loan packaging guidance, and information on federal, state, and local regulations and programs. For more information, contact Katie Van Dyke, SBDC director, at k.vandyke@csuohio.edu or 216-321-1633.

Support for the FutureHeights Small Business Workshop Series is provided by US Bank. For more information about FutureHeights’ programs for local businesses, call 216-320-1423 or e-mail info@futureheights.org.