Texarkana, TX

The City of Texarkana, TX engaged ASH+LIME and Antero Group to study the New Boston Road Corridor and identify strategies to support small businesses through funding, community/economic development, and outreach and engagement. In this study, the team has identified opportunities within several catalyst sites within the corridor. 

As of this writing in November of 2021, the COVID-19 crisis has had a serious impact on daily lives for more than a year and a half. This has created stresses on businesses in Texarkana, and throughout the country. By the same token, it has underscored the importance of local businesses—and entrepreneurs—on neighborhood cultures and economies. Traditional economic development policies often overlook these often-unique and essential businesses, particularly outside of downtowns and other high-profile neighborhoods and districts.

There is an opportunity to reset that approach, and to develop broad strategies to support recovery and resilience for small businesses, even in an autocentric road experiencing gradual disinvestment. ASH+LIME recommended creating a community space dedicated to promoting and supporting small businesses. This permanent space would house small, creative makers that are looking to expand outside of the home, as well as small business development services for these and other local businesses.

COVID rebound strategy for small businesses

2020- 2021