The Truth Staff
On Saturday, August 6, the Toledo Farmers’ Market will showcase more than 60 local minority-, woman- and immigrant-owned small businesses. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Toledo has organized the evening at the Market with various area partners.
From 6 to 10 p.m. the event – free and open to the public – will take place at the usual Farmers’ Market site at 525 Market Street.
“We are trying to create new opportunities for historically disadvantaged businesses to reach new customers,” says Brittany Burns, assistant program officer for LISC.
In addition to creating new customers, the Multicultural Twilight Market will assist small businesses owners of color to access resources that are available to business owners in general – and allow them to meet, to interact and network.
LISC will be conducting a small business resource fair prior to the Market to connect small business owners with free resources and technical assistance.
LISC will also celebrate the diversity of Toledo, says Burns, by raising money for the event – which is free to vendors and customers – to not only cover the costs but also provide two grants for the vendors afterwards. One grant will be from a random drawing; the other will be a People’s Choice Award from a survey of attendees.
In addition to the vendors, music from around the world will be played by DJ Amjad and there will be dance performances by the University of Toledo’s Persian Student Association & the Ballroom Company.
The vendor categories will include art, beauty & wellness, books & stationery, clothing & accessories, entertainment, food, home products and jewelry, among others.
Additional sponsorship support has been provided by the Lucas County Board of Commissioners, ECDI, the City of Toledo Department of Economic Development, the Human Relations Commission and Thermatru.