Tag: Small Business

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UNOVA Coworking:  Breathing New Life into Mechanic Street with Erie County’s Storefront Revitalization Grant

UNOVA Coworking storefront revitalization project funded by Erie County grant

Two years ago, UNOVA Coworking in the heart of Springville, NY, received game-changing support through the Erie County Storefront Revitalization Grant – a program designed to help small businesses invest in their community, improve curb appeal, and create lasting local impact.

UNOVA Coworking storefront revitalization project funded by Erie County grant

Thanks to this funding, we were able to complete a long-envisioned transformation of our corner-front facade on Mechanic Street, turning UNOVA into a more recognizable and welcoming destination for coworkers, creators, and community members alike.

This project unfolded in three major parts – each showcasing local craftsmanship, design vision, and our commitment to sustainability.

Eye-Catching Exterior Signage by Buffalo Signmakers

Designed by Kevin Opp Design and created by Buffalo Signmakers, Inc., we installed three, illuminated, routed metal signs that now shine proudly on both sides of our building.  These modern, durable signs reflect our creative spirit and enhance downtown visibility – day and night.

UNOVA Coworking storefront revitalization project funded by Erie County grant

Saed and his staff also designed and applied playful frosted vinyl graphics to our glass windows, adding a touch of artistry and privacy.  Together, these features make UNOVA’s corner a standout presence on Mechanic Street.

A Living, Breathing Green Awning

The centerpiece of the revitalization – both literally and symbolically – is our green awning.

Installation of green awning at UNOVA Coworking on Mechanic Street in Springville NY

Installed by Mike, Andrew, and Ricky of Chevalier Outdoor Living, this feature integrates low-water plants, lightweight soil, and a custom drainage system into the existing awning structure.

This living element was an early inspiration for UNOVA itself.  Our coworking model focuses on sustainability, the shared economy, and community growth, and now our building reflects that mission from the ground up (and over our heads!)

The green awning serves as a reminder that small businesses can blend functionality, design, and environmental consciousness in everyday operations.

Finishing Touches by Painting Pro

Finally, fellow-Springvillian Kevin Buncy of Painting Pro & Hardwood Flooring, Inc. completed the transformation by refinishing the upper flashing in black, complementing our awning and window framing.  The previous white flashing had weathered and stained over time, and this fresh coat gives the entire facade a polished, cohesive appearance.

Illuminated metal signage designed by Buffalo Signmakers for UNOVA Coworking

A Heartfelt Thank You to Erie County

This transformation would not have been possible without the Erie County Storefront Revitalization Grant.  The program empowered us to bring long-awaited design goals to life – enhancing not only our building but the vibrancy of downtown Springville as a whole.

At UNOVA Coworking, we believe small businesses thrive when communities invest in one another.  We’re deeply grateful to Erie County for making this possible and proud to share our success story with others pursuing sustainable, community-driven growth.

Come See It for Yourself

Stop by UNOVA Coworking at the corner of Mechanic and Franklin Streets in Springville, NY, to see the transformation up close!

Illuminated metal signage designed for UNOVA Coworking funded by Erie County Storefront Revitalization Grant

Whether you’re looking for a flexible workspace, a meeting or event venue, or simply want to explore how sustainable design can revitalize our Main Street District, we’d love to welcome you.

Visit unovacoworking.com to learn more about our memberships, event spaces, and community programs.

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No Panic, Just Smart Pivots: A Survival Manual for Main Street

Economic shifts hit local businesses first.  A quiet season becomes a sales drought, or a supply chain hiccup ripples into pricing chaos.  You don’t control the storm, but you do control how you move through it.  Adaptation is a discipline, not a lucky guess.  It’s about responding to change with structure, clarity, and the kind of collaboration that builds staying power.  Here are grounded Main Street small business survival strategies for navigating what’s next without losing what matters.

Main Street in Springville, NY — where small business survival strategies and community collaboration keep local businesses strong through every season.

Strengthen the Web, Don’t Stand Alone

When things get unstable, connection outperforms isolation.  That might mean sharing space, pooling costs, or running joint promotions with your neighboring businesses.  The point isn’t to compete harder—it’s to coordinate smarter.  Efforts to build resilient small business ecosystems show that local collaboration helps communities recover faster and with fewer permanent closures.  Everyone benefits when the network holds.  And you don’t need a formal agreement—just a phone call and a shared intention.

Build Skills That Match the Moment

You can’t control the economy, but you can control how prepared you are for its swings.  Learning how to budget more strategically, manage operations, and forecast outcomes can mean the difference between reacting and leading.  A business administration degree program can help small business owners level up their ability to make sound decisions in unstable conditions.  This isn’t about credentials—it’s about clarity.  You’ve got experience.  Now add the structure to go with it.

Rely on the Systems You’ve Already Built

You don’t need to start over—you need to start where you are.  If customers already trust you, lean harder into the habits and communication styles that keep them close.  During economic swings, familiarity becomes a competitive advantage.  Double down on consistency, clarity, and being where your customers expect you to be.  You don’t need to reinvent your brand to stay relevant—you need to keep delivering reliably.  In chaotic times, people gravitate to the predictable.

Let the Market Become a Magnet

Shared retail spaces can become economic engines.  They give you visibility, cut costs, and create energy that no solo storefront can match.  More than foot traffic, you build momentum by co-locating with others who share your values.  Akron, Ohio’s downtown offers a powerful example of how seeing the marketplace as the community backbone can anchor both commerce and identity.  You don’t need a permanent lease—just a consistent presence.  Make your business part of something bigger and people will find you faster.

Be Visible Even When It’s Quiet

You may not control demand, but you can control presence.  Staying active on social platforms, updating your storefront visuals, and continuing to talk to customers—these are all forms of resilience.  Quiet months don’t mean you disappear.  Let your community know you’re still here, still providing, still adapting.  Visibility is part of survival.  When people remember you, they return.

Use the Chamber Like a Toolbox

Your chamber of commerce or Main Street business association isn’t just a handshake network—it’s infrastructure.  From back-office support to town advocacy, it can expand your reach without stretching your budget.  Don’t just attend events—build alliances.  A story of chamber‑driven teamwork in commerce shows how coordinated action helped businesses weather downturns and retool in real time.  Tap into shared assets instead of starting from scratch.  The resources are there if you know how to ask.

Speak Up for the Environment You Need

You shouldn’t have to fight uphill just to stay afloat.  Whether it’s grants, permits, or tax incentives, policy can either enable or exhaust you.  Small businesses often get left out of planning conversations—don’t let yours be one of them.  Talk to local leaders, show up when rules are discussed, and name what would actually help.  Policy doesn’t have to be abstract.  Sometimes survival hinges on a form, a deadline, or a decision you helped influence.

Adaptation isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing smarter.  You don’t have to change your whole identity, but you might need to change how you respond.  Strong networks, thoughtful pivots, and practical skill-building create staying power when markets shift. Don’t wait for someone else to stabilize the landscape.  You’ve already got the tools—you just have to use them intentionally.  The best time to strengthen your business was yesterday.  The second-best time is today.

Questions or comments? Have any additional tips or resources to share on Main Street small business survival strategies? Reply below or reach out to Courtney Rosenfeld.

Discover the perfect blend of productivity and comfort at UNOVA Coworking, where flexible office spaces and top-notch amenities await to elevate your work experience!

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Simple Strategies to Make a Safety Net for Your Business

Part of running a small business is preparing for unexpected issues that might arise today or years down the road. No one can predict the future and accidents are inevitable, but having a safety net in place will help you stay afloat while protecting your financial interests.

In other words, taking steps now to prepare for the unexpected can help ensure your business thrives amid adversity. UNOVA Coworking looks at some practical ways to create the perfect safety net for your small business:

Getting a Home Warranty

If you run your business from home, purchasing a home warranty is an easy way to protect yourself against unexpected repairs and replacements. A home warranty covers all major systems and appliances in the home, so if anything breaks down or needs replacing, you won’t have to worry about paying out-of-pocket.

Plus, since most warranties come with 24/7 customer service, you can rest assured that any issue will be taken care of quickly and easily. Give this a view if you need a good place to start comparing providers!

Establishing an LLC

Another way to protect yourself as a small business owner is to form an LLC (limited liability company). This type of business entity can protect your personal assets from being used to pay debts incurred by your business. If something happens and your business has to declare bankruptcy or face other legal issues, you won’t be held personally liable.

An LLC also protects you from potential lawsuits that can arise due to products sold or services provided by your company. Research the LLC rules in your state, and consider going through a formation service to save time and stress.

Keeping Digital Records

It’s also crucial to keep digital records of all transactions related to your business as well as any contracts or agreements you have with clients or vendors. Using PDF splitter tools can make your life easier when dealing with multiple documents at once.

Such a tool can help you keep all your documents organized and accessible if you need them for any legal disputes down the line. Splitting large files into smaller chunks makes them simpler to manage and store without taking up too much space on your computers or other devices.

Saving an Emergency Fund

No business owner likes thinking about worst-case scenarios, but you must plan ahead and create a plan for unexpected problems. Set aside money in savings each month to cover various costs associated with emergencies, such as sudden machinery or equipment replacements, major house repairs, medical incidents, etc. Aim to put aside enough money each month so it adds up quickly over time; don’t rely on credit cards!

Managing Your Cash Flow

One of the most important steps for creating a safety net for your small business is to manage your cash flow correctly and efficiently. Keeping track of income from sales and expenses associated with running operations allows you to minimize surprises context time — or worse yet if there’s an emergency situation where you need to access extra funds quickly. Set up automated reminders each month so that nothing falls through the cracks when it’s time to pay your bills!

Using a Coworking Space

Working in a shared office or coworking space can provide many benefits to the modern professional. From access to cost-effective facilities and resources to being around like-minded individuals, you can yield numerous advantages when renting a coworking space (whether occasionally or daily).

Working at home can quickly become isolating and lonely, but working at a coworking office can make it easy to get out and collaborate with new people, discover different work styles, and keep up with industry trends. Connect with UNOVA Coworking today to learn about our available spaces!

Wrapping Up

The last thing you want is for your small business to get caught off guard when unexpected situations arise. Establishing an LLC, maintaining digital records, building your savings, honing in your cash flow, and following the other tips above will get you off to a strong start. Remember that taking simple steps today can pay dividends down the line!

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our coworking spaces? Visit UNOVAcoworking.com today!

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From Great Idea to Detailed Plan:  Your Business Destiny Awaits

When an awesome idea hits, entrepreneurs are often ready to pounce, particularly when it is a unique business idea with a lot of potential.  Sometimes the small details of management planning are lost along the way, but those tasks are important parts of the daily management of business.  Fortunately, there are many tools and tricks to help business owners manage the minutiae of administrative tasks.  Read on for UNOVA Coworking‘s tips to make your business destiny come true.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Getting Goods and Supplies

Placing orders for supplies and managing your inventory is a crucial aspect of running your business.  If you are making drastic changes to the business and its goods or services, it may be necessary to identify alternative vendors specific to what you have in mind.  Often specialty vendors can be found through trade magazines.  Shop around to make sure you are accessing good prices and watch out for shipping costs, which can drastically impact your profit margins.

Inventory Assists

Maintaining inventory once your business is established can be a less-than-exciting task.  Fortunately, business owners can use inventory programs to stay ahead of their supply needs.  The best part of an inventory system is the automation that saves a ton of time and misery.  There are many programs available at a range of prices, depending on the size of your business and how much automation you require.

Business owners may be able to delegate some tasks to trusted employees if there is a question about whether there are adequate funds for an inventory program.  Inventory may be a good task to delegate initially.  As business increases and you get your sea legs under you, it may feel like a better time to invest in a program for inventory.  Sometimes there are tasks that business owners take on independently to save capital, and others are more vital to the functioning of the business, such as payroll.  When it comes to payroll, using an established, automated system can spare you hours at a computer and a lot of frustration.

Payroll Simplicity

Most business owners do not relish endless hours crunching numbers for payroll.  To avoid errors in manual calculations, automated platforms can be an ideal solution.  When you use a timesheet calculator, it creates a more accurate account of your worker’s time, including breaks and overtime usage.  Automated systems are also great for keeping track of the varying classifications of workers, which reduces the likelihood of human error.

Another factor to keep in mind regarding payroll is that if you have employees in other countries, you’ll need to find reliable methods for paying them.  One option is to use a money transfer service like Remitly, which allows you to streamline safe and secure payments to people at guaranteed delivery dates in many countries, including Mexico and India.

Technology has offered business owners a wide range of time-saving tools that can change operations for the better.  You can decide which ones meet your needs and whether they are worth the investment.  As your business continues to grow, you may find that automated systems are a time and energy saving way to operate.  Regardless of the systems you choose, consider ways to make your business sustainable and reduce your stress as an entrepreneur.

Questions or comments? Have any additional tips or resources to share? Reply below or reach out to Courtney Rosenfeld.

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Keep Your Client Base Healthy Throughout the Pandemic and Beyond

Photo via Pexels

The success of your remote work and/or small business hinges heavily on your ability to keep up a consistent stream of income. This ultimately comes from steady clients, which speaks highly of your ability to keep them. And of course, as your business grows, you need to be able to increase your client base, as well.

That said, this is a tricky endeavor, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, which is why you also need to leverage tech tools in the spirit of social distancing. The following resources will undoubtedly be of use.

Look in the Right Places:

Be Specific to Your Industry/Expertise:

Stand Out from the Competition:

Create a Professional Environment:

Ultimately, having clients will undoubtedly keep you financially healthy throughout the pandemic (and maybe even beyond). As a bonus, being busy at work will also give you the purpose and distraction that will help you cope at this dark time. So, make the most out of your skills and the tools available to you to maintain and even add to your client roster. It’s for your own good.

Questions or comments? Have any additional tips or resources to share? Reply below or reach out to Derek Goodman at Inbizability.com.

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