<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#467886;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle19
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:831457135;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1062018772 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:4.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1166558965;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-373228110 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:4.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1499804044;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:216031750 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l2:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l2:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l2:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:4.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3
{mso-list-id:1707679367;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:16817938 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l3:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l3:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l3:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.75in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l3:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:4.25in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="732" style="width:549.0pt;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr style="height:81.0pt">
<td width="348" style="width:261.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:81.0pt">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><img width="325" height="73" style="width:3.3854in;height:.7604in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image002.jpg@01DB4BD2.B0F197C0" alt="City of Durham Communications Department logo"></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td width="384" valign="top" style="width:4.0in;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:81.0pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><b><span style="font-size:8.0pt;color:#00467F"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><b><span style="color:#00467F">News Media Contact<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><a href="mailto:CommsMedia@DurhamNC.gov">CommsMedia@DurhamNC.gov</a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height:3.4pt">
<td width="732" colspan="2" valign="top" style="width:549.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.4pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:50.0pt;color:#00467F">News Release</span>
<br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#EF3D42">For Immediate Release: December 11, 2024</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Helping Durham Businesses Thrive: Fayetteville Street Corridor Bounce Back Program Launches<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Free Workshops and Support Services Now Open for Registration</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">DURHAM, N.C. – Businesses along Durham’s historic Fayetteville Street can now access tailored services to support their growth through the City of Durham’s new
<a href="https://www.durhambusinessinfo.com/BB">Fayetteville Street Corridor Bounce Back Program</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This free program, organized by the City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development in partnership with M-Cubed & Co. Global, offers a comprehensive suite of services for Fayetteville Street businesses located from N.C. Hwy. 147 to
Cornwallis Road, including:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><b>Technical assistance</b> for operational strategies, branding, and financial guidance.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><b>Workshops and training</b> to enhance business skills and long-term growth strategies.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><b>One-on-one coaching</b> for personalized business planning.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><b>Networking events</b> to connect with other business owners and promote collaboration.<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“This program celebrates the resilience and rich history of Fayetteville Street,” said Chris Dickey, senior workforce and economic development analyst with the City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “It’s designed to empower
local businesses with free tools and resources to thrive in today’s competitive market while honoring the corridor’s legacy as a hub of community and commerce.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Upcoming Events<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The program kicks off with <a href="https://www.durhambusinessinfo.com/register-events">
free events</a> designed to equip Fayetteville Street business owners with actionable insights.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>In-Person Workshop: Kickstart 2025 with a 12-Month Income Strategy
<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Wednesday, January 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (lunch provided)<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Focus: Addressing post-pandemic challenges, reigniting business visions, and exploring new opportunities.<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>In-Person Networking Event<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">Tuesday, January 28, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">Focus: Connecting with Fayetteville Street business owners and learning from legacy entrepreneurs.<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Additional Resources for Businesses<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4"><b>New Online Business Directory<o:p></o:p></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fayetteville Street businesses can join a <a href="https://fayettevillestreetdurham.com/">
searchable database</a> connecting visitors to the corridor’s unique offerings, from legacy businesses to emerging startups. Corridor businesses that are not included in the registry, but wish to be considered, should visit the
<a href="https://fayettevillestreetdurham.com/contact/">directory’s webpage</a> for further assistance.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4"><b>New Program Newsletter<o:p></o:p></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay updated on opportunities, events, and resources by <a href="https://www.durhambusinessinfo.com/BB">
subscribing</a> to the program’s newsletter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>How to Get Involved<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fayetteville Street business owners are encouraged to register for workshops, sign up for the newsletter, and learn more about the program and business registry by visiting
<a href="https://www.durhambusinessinfo.com/BB">https://www.durhambusinessinfo.com/BB</a>, emailing
<a href="mailto:clientservices@m-cubedcoglobal.com">clientservices@m-cubedcoglobal.com</a>, or calling 919-321-1302.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">###<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>