For Our Merchants

For Our Merchants

This page is a resource for all of our Downtown merchants. It is meant to help our merchants stay engaged and up-to-date on everything going on Downtown, such as new programming or marketing opportunities, economic development initiatives, holiday or special event notices and other pertinent information that will help our business owners and managers be successful. On this page, you will find a practical guide for doing business Downtown, information on who to call for various topics or concerns, our quarterly newsletters and information on new parking programs, such as the employee parking program that is being finalized and tested this summer. Thank you for choosing Downtown Delray Beach for your business! We are looking forward to working with you. 

The DDA 2017-18 Annual Report is available!

Downtown is our City’s meeting place and the symbolic heart of our community where many areas of activity are represented. Downtown is a thriving business center; a fun & vibrant retail center; a cosmopolitan residential center, where residents enjoy living as a part of the rich energy of urban life; and an ethnically and generationally diverse community.

Distributed to property owners, business owners and residents within the DDA’s district, the Report details the Position Marketing, Placemaking, and Economic Development activities from the past year and also provides a snapshot into 2017-2018.  

Also, the DDA has created a video about who we are, what we do, and how we can help you. Click here to view.

2020 Guides to Downtown Delray Beach—2 Options to Advertise

Click here to view the 2020 Media Kit. If you're interested in advertising in the 2020 Travel Guide to Downtown Delray Beach or A Locals Guide to Downtown Delray, contact the DDA office at DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or (561) 243-1077. 

Delray Beach Fashion Week 2020 - 7th Anniversary

Attn: All Downtown businesses. You are all invited to be a part of Delray Beach Fashion Week's 7th Anniversary. Delray Beach Fashion Week is an international, award-winning event that will be held January 29—February 2, 2020. If you are interested in participating or being a sponsor of this event, please contact the DDA office at DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or (561) 243-1077. 

Click here to view the Retail & Hair Salon Participation Form.

Click here to view the 2020 Sponsorship Packages.  

 

Annual Downtown Property & Business Owner Town Hall Session: 2017 RECAP

Robert J. Gibbs delivered a riveting presentation at our annual Town Hall Meeting on April 19, 2017, at the Delray Beach Marriott, with valuable research & recommendations for our Downtown Business & Property Owners as well as our city's decision-makers. "New Trends in Urban Retail Planning and Development" by the featured speaker, Robert J. Gibbs, AICP, ASLA, CNU-A, President, Gibbs Planning Group was recorded & is available online. Click here to watch the presentation.

 

 

Downtown Merchant & Business Association (DMBA): Upcoming Meetings 

The Downtown Merchant & Business Association consists of restaurants, businesses, and retail owners or operators from the Downtown (DDA) district (I-95 to the beach and within Pineapple Grove area as well as South of Atlantic). If you are a Downtown business owner or operator within the District, you are welcome to join the DMA free of cost. 

DMBA Purpose:

To provide a forum for the downtown businesses to collaborate on programs, communicate amongst the organization and community, and be a collective voice that advocates for activities that promote the retention and smart growth of the downtown business community. 

The next DMBA Meeting is held at Courtyard Marriott (135 SE 6th Ave) at 8:30 a.m. 

-        Thursday, Nov. 14 

Business Intake Form 

Click here to fill out the Downtown Business Intake Form for DDA record-keeping purposes and to ensure that you are included in all of our listings, marketing, programming opportunities, and outreach efforts. This form is for merchants in the Downtown District only. If you are unsure of whether or not your business is within the Downtown District borders, please contact the DDA office at 561.243.1077. Please send your completed forms to DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com.

DowntownDelrayBeach.com Website

All merchants within the Downtown District receive a full merchant landing page on the website for Downtown Delray Beach. Merchants can upload photos, videos, promotions, events and so much more to their merchant landing page. This site also offers enhanced visibility & searchability for all of our Downtown merchants. Additionally, it has a mobile-friendly & responsive design!

Website visitors can search for your business by:

•Categories of business or interest
•Keywords
•Neighborhoods within the Downtown District (i.e. Pineapple Grove,  The West Atlantic Neighborhood, Beachside, SOFA [South of Atlantic], US1 and Arts & Entertainment).
 
Click here to view the Website Features Presentation & Login Instructions.

If you haven't received your website login information for your merchant landing page, please contact the DDA office at 561.243.1077 or DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com.

 

 

Business Profile Videos for Downtown Merchants

The Downtown Development Authority is proud to partner with VUP Media in offering this unique and affordable business profile video package for our Downtown Merchants (within the DDA District). Take advantage of increased exposure to potential customers, by marketing your business everywhere!

We have been able to leverage this opportunity for you at an extremely cost-efficient price point of only $425 per video profile (a $2,500 value). Each business profile includes an on-location HD shoot of your business, HD post-production editing, business profile video (up to 2 minutes in length).

Business Profiles Can Be Used For • Your business' website • On DowntownDelrayBeach.com, the DDA's Facebook Page & Youtube Channel, increasing your exposure! • For tradeshows • Hotels (looped video) • In-Store Displays • Through your business' social media, blog, & email marketing channels

Click here to view details & pricing.

Click here to view existing Business Profile videos.

If you are interested in having a Business Profile video created for your business, please contact the DDA Office at 561.243.1077 or DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com.

 

 

CodeRED Emergency Notification System

The city of Delray Beach has implemented an emergency notification system to provide critical information to residents and businesses in emergencies.

The CodeRED system, capable of placing sixty thousand calls per hour, can call all persons registered with the service or just those located within an affected area, making up to three attempts to reach each number.

The system is only activated in emergencies.  Examples of why you might be called are:

  • Evacuation orders and instructions

  • Boil water orders

  • Warnings of bomb threats, chemical spills, or gas leaks

  • Missing person alerts

  • Reports of criminal activities in or near your area

Click here to register & learn more. 

B.R.A.G.

Downtown Delray Business Relief Assistance Grant

Wednesday, June 3, 2020 - 9:39am

[Update: Application closed] Downtown Delray Business Relief Assistance Grant — Due to the results of the COVID-19 Executive Orders, all non-essential businesses and restaurants within Downtown Delray Beach had been forced to close or change their operation to provide curbside pickup or delivery service. Downtown Delray Beach is home to over 96% small businesses making up the fabric of the community. Many of these businesses have been along Atlantic Avenue for over 10 years and are now facing an unprecedented crisis.

The Downtown Development Authority has designated $30,000 to assist small storefront businesses within the DDA district that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Downtown Delray Local Business Relief Grant Assistance program will award up to 30 businesses $1,000 grants. Administered and funded by the Downtown Development Authority, these grants are designed to serve as flexible emergency funding in an effort to assist with retaining as many small storefronts, for-profit businesses including retail, gallery, independent restaurant, or retail service business with a physical location within downtown Delray Beach customarily open for customers/patrons. Grant criteria include the small business being open and operating for over five years, have 25 employees or less, and be locally owned and operated. Grant awards to individual businesses shall not exceed $1,000. The online application will go live on June 16, 2020, at 8 a.m. and the deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. on June 17, 2020.

The Business must meet the criteria below to be eligible to apply:

-     Own a storefront business within the DDA district that qualifies as a "small business" (25 employees or less)

*Business owners with multiple locations within the Downtown Delray district may submit one application for each site. A separate application must be submitted for each location.

-       Business Type: For-profit, retail, gallery, independent restaurant with a physical location within the downtown & customarily open for customers/patrons

-       Open and Operating within the district for over 5 years (Business Tax Receipt, BTR, or other proof of operations, proof of business's state license (Sunbiz), and W-9 must be provided)

-       Be locally owned (owner to reside in Palm Beach County)

-       Lost ability to operate due to COVID-19 public health requirements OR demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused a minimum 50% decline in revenues since March 13, 2020 (using average revenue for the same two-month period in 2019 and/or average monthly revenue based on total 2019 revenue).

-       Have no outstanding liens or legal judgments

-       Demonstrate the desire to continue operations and have applied for federal relief provided

Submitted applications will be reviewed based on timestamp received, and 30 qualified businesses will each be awarded a $1,000 grant by June 19, 2020. Grants recipients must provide the DDA with proof of how the funds were used within 60 days of receipt of the grant funds.

Questions regarding the grant should be emailed to grant@downtowndelraybeach.com

PDF documents you will need to complete your form:

  • Business Tax Receipt (or other proof of years in operations as a business/organization)
  • Proof of business’s state business license (Sunbiz)
  • W-9 Form
  • Proof of decline in revenue

DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH BUSINESS DISTRICT MAP (click to enlarge):


We strongly urge interested businesses to take the weekend to review the application criteria, gather any necessary supporting documents you will need, and take a look at the SAMPLE APPLICATION prior to the application going live.

 If you have any questions, please reach out to grant@downtowndelraybeach.com and we can assist you.

 

THE APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR POTENTIAL FUTURE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES. 
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FAQs of Unemployment

Friday, April 3, 2020 - 12:28pm

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING UNEMPLOYMENT

 

I’ve lost my job or my hours have been reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. Can I get unemployment benefits?

 

Yes. Go to https://connect.myflorida.com or call 1-800-204-2418 to apply. Those who are eligible will be able to get up to $275 per week for up to 12 weeks in state unemployment benefits, as well as an additional $600 per week for up to four months in federal benefits.

 

I’m having trouble getting through to Florida’s unemployment benefits website. What should I do?

 

This is a frequent complaint due to the large number of applicants. The Governor’s office is in charge, and they told us they are working urgently to improve the site. I will continue to press the issue.

 

I am self-employed or an independent contractor. Do these benefits apply to me?

 

Yes, thanks to a new federal law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Go to https://connect.myflorida.com or call 1-800-204-2418 to apply.

 

My small business is suffering as a result of the pandemic. What resources are available to me?

 

There are a number of different opportunities. The new Paycheck Protection Program provides assistance to employers to maintain their payroll and expenses during this public health emergency. These will be available retroactively from Feb. 15, 2020.

 

Beginning on April 3rd, businesses can go to a participating SBA 7(a) lender, bank, or credit union, apply for a loan, and be approved on the same day. These loans feature eight weeks fully forgivable funds to cover payroll, rent, utilities, and mortgage interest.

 

Small businesses are also eligible to apply online for immediate relief through Economic Injury Disaster Loans for an advance of up to $10,000 within three days, and Emergency Bridge Loans to help bridge the short-term gap in resources available. Subscribe to SBA emails for updates on available webinars and other resources.

 

I heard the government will be sending checks to people. How do I know if I qualify and when will I get my payment?

 

If you make $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples) or less per year, you will receive a payment of $1,200, with an additional $500 per child (16 and under). This payment decreases as incomes increase and stops entirely at $99,000 ($198,000 for married couples).

 

Payments will be issued by the IRS via direct deposit and will be based on your 2019 tax returns. If you have not filed for 2019 yet, then it will be based on your 2018 filling. If the IRS does not have your bank account information on file there will be an opportunity to submit this information to the IRS online. If you do not typically file a tax return, you will likely need to file a simple tax return to receive the economic assistance.

 

I’m on Social Security. Will I still get a stimulus check?

 

Yes. Everyone is eligible for the payments as long as they have a social security number and meet the household incomes limits listed above. This includes Social Security beneficiaries (retirement, disability, survivor) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. You will receive this money the same way you receive your Social Security payments.

 

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Delray Beach Ice Cream Challenge Recap

Thursday, January 9, 2020 - 5:30pm

This fun summer program was created to develop both awareness for a subset of shops (everything ICE CREAM) in the Downtown Delray Beach area, while encouraging guests to try something new and explore Downtown Delray Beach. The campaign was launched both in-store and on Facebook.  The organic engagement that evolved from this program was really fun to see, even a local Youtuber got involved! 

We hope you enjoy our recap of this sweet summer campaign:)

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Venetian Drive & Gleason Street Intersection Improvements

Monday, August 27, 2018 - 11:04am

UPDATE: As of 11/9/2018

The road work on Atlantic Ave at the intersections of Venetian and Gleason will be wrapping up. The holes will be filled in over the weekend with rock material. Density testing will be performed early next week. Upon passing the density test, the asphalt will be laid middle to end of next week. Minor adjustments to sewer manholes/valve boxes along with ancillary striping will occur in the following week.

The City of Delray Beach will be working in conjunction with R&D Paving, LLC on the Venetian Drive & Gleason Street Intersection Improvements project that will begin September 4, 2018. This project, developed by the City of Delray Beach, was developed for the purpose of improving the paver brick intersections and pedestrian crosswalks at the intersections with Atlantic Avenue. The anticipated completion date of this project is December 3, 2018.

This project will cause vehicular and pedestrian travel inconveniences and as a result, will be constructed in two phases. During Phase 1: east/westbound traffic along Atlantic Ave will remain open, pedestrian traffic will remain open and ONLY right turns (eastbound) are available from Venetian Dr. & Gleason St. During Phase 2: east/westbound traffic along Atlantic Ave. will remain open, pedestrian traffic will remain open, Venetian Dr. & Gleason St. access to Atlantic Ave. will be closed. During the construction period, there will be lane shifts, road detours, and pedestrian detours. For your safety please adhere to the posted maintenance of traffic signage.  All disturbed areas of work will be restored prior to to the project's completion.

 

If you have any questions or concern regarding the construction of this project, please feel free to call the City of Delray Beach's Program and Project Management Division at (561) 243-7341

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Top 5 Ways to Practice Positive Mental Health

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - 4:41pm

The busy season in South Florida is winding down and summer is on the horizon, so it’s no coincidence to us that Mental Health Awareness Month is in May.

It’s easy to get stuck in a routine with a schedule full of work, school, family and other personal commitments without ever taking a moment for a little R&R. Whether you prefer hitting the gym, getting pampered or simply being one with nature, take some time this month to take that much-needed mental break, right here in Downtown Delray Beach!

Here’s five top ways to unplug and practice positive mental health and wellness in #DowntownDelrayBeach!

  1. Get active

Set up a nice playlist, plug in your headphones and get moving! Taking a walk, run or bike ride along the beach is an easy way to increase your energy and revitalize your mind and body. If you’re looking for more structure, there’s always the option of hitting a gym or fitness studio and lucky for you, we’ve got plenty of options. Barre Envy, PurLife, Ride Delray and Slash Fitness are just a few places in Downtown Delray where you can work up a sweat and release the stress.

  1. Enjoy Nature

There’s nothing like the great outdoors and we’ve got the options to prove it! If the waves are calling your name, then Delray Beach is where you need to be. What’s better than swaying palm trees, the feel of the sand beneath your feet and sound of crashing waves to help you relax. We also have plenty of parks throughout Delray Beach, perfect spots for you to take a few moments to yourself. Veteran’s Park also provides a serene environment with a perfect view of the intracoastal waterway. Bring a blanket and book or word puzzle to stimulate your mind or set up an impromptu yoga session.

  1. Perfecting the swing  

​If you’re feeling competitive, then participating in sports is a great way to get the adrenaline going. The Delray Beach Tennis Center is friendly enough to make you feel at home, with courts large enough to make you feel like you’re playing alongside the greats. Play a casual game among friends or take a lesson from one of their instructors. If quiet precision is your style, then playing a round at Putt’n Around is exactly what you need. So, grab a snack and hit the course.

  1. Mind, Body & Soul

What better way to release the stress than to fine-tune your body? Enhancing your health and overall wellbeing is the most important way to practice positive mental health. Whether it’s a trip to Foot Haven Reflexology Bar or Acupuncture Zen, you’ll walk away anxiety-free and ready to take on the world!

  1. Be A Tourist

Sometimes if you need a refresher, a Delray Beach staycation provides the perfect mental getaway. Here in Downtown Delray Beach, we’ve got everything you need including hotels, restaurants, art galleries and museums. Put on your tourist cap and explore this village by the sea. Need some inspiration? Stop by our brand-new Visitor Information Center & grab some guidebooks while talking to our knowledgeable staff about all the hidden treasures you can experience in Downtown Delray Beach.

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