The Truth Staff
On Saturday, August 6, the Toledo Farmers’ Market showcased more than 60 local minority-, woman- and immigrant-owned small businesses. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Toledo organized the evening at the Market with various area partners.
From 6 to 10 p.m. the event – free and open to the public – took 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,” said Brittany Burns, assistant program officer for LISC.
In addition to creating new customers, the Multicultural Twilight Market assisted 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 conducted a small business resource fair prior to the Market to connect small business owners with free resources and technical assistance.
LISC also celebrated the diversity of Toledo, said Burns, by raising money for the event – which was free to vendors and customers – to not only cover the costs but also provided two grants for the vendors afterwards. One grant was from a random drawing; the other was a People’s Choice Award from a survey of attendees.
In addition to the vendors, music from around the world was played by DJ Amjad and there were dance performances by the University of Toledo’s Persian Student Association & the Ballroom Company.
The vendor categories included art, beauty & wellness, books & stationery, clothing & accessories, entertainment, food, home products and jewelry, among others.
Additional sponsorship support was provided by the Lucas County Board of Commissioners, ECDI, the City of Toledo Department of Economic Development, the Human Relations Commission and Thermatru.
The winner of the random drawing was Deflame Candles and the people’s choice grant winner was Choco Couvert.
