The City of Durham has reintroduced the Bounce Back program, aimed at supporting small businesses on Fayetteville Street, a historically significant area for Durham’s Black business community. The 12-month initiative offers technical assistance, branding support, workshops, and grants up to $10,000 for physical improvements.
Business owners like Andre Johnson of AJ’s Barbershop express gratitude for this assistance, as maintaining their properties can be costly. Johnson emphasizes the importance of preserving the corridor, noting it as the last remaining Black-owned business area in the city.
Angelica Greene, who runs Angel World of Flowers, mentions that previous funding helped upgrade her floral cooler, and she now seeks additional support for maintenance needs like ceiling tiles and light fixtures. She highlights a desire for more investment in the area to match developments in nearby downtown Durham.
Tre Tapp, co-owner of Chicken Hut, voices concerns over rising operational costs but believes that even small investments can attract customers. City leaders hope the Bounce Back program will strengthen local entrepreneurship and maintain the historical integrity of Fayetteville Street, ensuring these businesses continue to serve the community.
