Life has not completely rebounded to pre-pandemic normals, especially in downtown business centers, where office workers and corporate travelers continue to return slowly. The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber has partnered with area business leaders to launch Meet Me Downtown, an initiative to reignite Cincinnati’s economic and cultural vibrancy in the urban core.
Even though downtown is known for its corporate headquarters buildings, 93 percent of downtown businesses are small businesses. And those shops and offices depend on activity from other downtown workers and visitors.
“The daytime economy of downtown is critical to the future of the city,” says Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. “Employees who work downtown more often help support small businesses and they find stronger connections to other professionals.”
A number of small downtown businesses are offering discounts through the winter, from group ice skating at Fountain Square (pictured above) to food and drink specials at Taste of Belgium, Brown Bear Bakery, and 4EG bars and restaurants.
Downtown has plenty of spaces to reconnect, share ideas, and build relationships, whether people are collaborating with colleagues, attending a sports or arts event, joining a friend for coffee, or making connections at a local networking meetup.
