SoDo Main Street District Announces United Arts Community Vibrancy Grant Program Schedule

Requesting Community Support for Businesses Impacted by South Orange Avenue Construction

ORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 21, 2024 / It has been a great spring in the SoDo Main Street District in Orlando, and this week will be further enhanced by the launch of our United Arts community vibrancy grant in partnership with United Arts and Orlando Credit Union. Awarded to SoDo District as a new program specific to Central Florida Main Street organizations, SoDo District is the first in Central Florida to receive and launch their program this week, continuing through late May, titled, "The HeART of SoDo."

The SoDo District initiative seeks to call attention to the growing need for our community to support local businesses affected by ongoing construction impacts of South Orange Avenue infrastructure improvements. While the improvements were valuable, there is no doubt it has had negative effects on SoDo's business community and SoDo District wishes to drive greater engagement to this critical area of Orlando. "Vibrancy is the keyword here. The SoDo community is vibrant in every way - with active neighborhoods, gorgeous parks, and diverse community makeup. SoDo is a living demonstration of a meaningful urban setting adding value to Orlando," noted David Duncan, VP of Marketing at Orlando Credit Union, headquartered in SoDo. "It really is a neighborhood that is a gift available to all of Orlando."

"We foster the uniqueness of SoDo and all it offers our extended community, as recognized by United Arts. SoDo is a community giving life to The City Beautiful, accentuating our richness each day. With the benefit of this vibrancy grant augmented in sponsorship by Orlando Credit Union and the Downtown South Neighborhood Improvement District, we look forward to furthering our mission through this important initiative," stated Misty Heath, SoDo Main Street district Executive Director. "We are thrilled to bring this program to life, bring more performing arts and artists to unsuspecting places, while also drawing attention to these community-minded businesses who need our continued support."

April Gavin, owner of Clean Eatz situated in the heart of SoDo, reflects, "We opened a couple of years ago and were warmly embraced by this amazing community. After about six months of being open, the construction started and it's continued ever since. Fortunately for us, so did the strong community support for our small business. Despite the hardships, the SoDo community has never stopped stopping in. We're so grateful to be here! Construction or no."

"Main Streets are for everyone," Heath adds. "At the core of Orlando's approach to Main Street is a commitment to creating places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement. The Main Street Program champions this vision through our actions and programs," noted Heath. Follow SoDo's social media for full performance schedules, locations, and special offers for guests.

Contact Information

Kaylee Greene
Content Marketing Specialist
kayleeg@orlandocreditunion.org

SOURCE: Orlando Credit Union

View the original press release on newswire.com.