Small Business Improvement Districts (B.I.D.)

Consulting to Main Street Business Corridors

Although government today is often intricately involved in the redevelopment of our Main Streets, it is private enterprise that drives business and creates a robust economy. Eckstut Consulting believes that the revitalization of any community depends on the input of business and property owners. With regard to concept, planning and development - great ideas come from the people who live, work and play in the communities. They can be greatly helped, however, with the guidance of seasoned professionals.

With over 15 years of experience helping community and business organizations revitalize their Main Street business corridors, Eckstut Consulting can sit down at the planning table with firsthand knowledge of the community experience and the process. From 1989 to 2001, founder and principal Harris Eckstut formed and presided over the South Street/Headhouse Business Improvement District as a member of the South Street business community.

As its chairman, he created a unique management, marketing and operations structure for a small Business Improvement District, which has since been copied nationwide. He co-wrote zoning overlays, contended with government agencies, negotiated contracts, worked with the adjoining residential communities, oversaw budgets and developed marketing strategies, while still owning and operating a successful restaurant. The resulting success is seen today in the on-going prominence of South Street as one of America’s most renowned business corridors.

Since then, Eckstut and his team have taken on a number of challenging redevelopment projects. They have worked with developers such as the East Coast firm of Streuver Bros., Eccles & Rouse and with city agencies such as Wilmington’s Economic Development Corporation as well as with numerous community organizations, investors and realtors. With a unique vision, creative approach and the ability to bring all the pieces together, Eckstut Consulting knows how to produce successful solutions for re-growing urban and suburban Main Street business districts.

What we do:

• Overview and cost/analysis, troubleshooting.
• Concept, planning and development of retail and restaurant businesses.
• Budget development, project management, implementation.
• Zoning overlays.
• Coordinating communications among business owners, residents, and government administrators and agencies.
• Marketing including events and special promotions.
• Negotiating with and providing studies for government and quasi-government agencies.
• Working with individual business owners.