Business Loop Community Improvement District announces new updates

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: Columbia Business Loop Community Improvement District has been awarded a grant that allows it to put together a consultant team in efforts to attract “small-scale manufacturing” on the Business Loop.

The Business Loop CID is one of six organizations in the country to receive a federal grant through the Economic Development Administration.

“We applied for this grant because this is something that fits the character of the Business Loop,” said Carrie Gartner, executive director of the Business Loop CID. “We have a lot of empty and underutilized space.”

These locally based, small-scale manufacturing companies could consist of employers such as cabinet makers, metal workings, 3D printing, bakeries, garment fabricators and others.

Business Loop has changed its zoning laws to artisan zoning to further encourage bringing in these new businesses.

The goal is to add to neighborhood and economic vitality within Columbia.

ORIGINAL: New announcements will be made this morning at 11 a.m. regarding the Business Loop development plan.

Representatives of the Business Loop Community Improvement District, Regional Economic Development Inc, and Mayor Brian Treece will be speaking.

They will be meeting at the District Office at Parkade Plaza, 601 Business Loop 70 W, 128.