In an attempt to support small businesses in the New Bohemia neighborhood impacted by several lengthy street construction projects, the District: Czech Village & New Bohemia Self-Supporting Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) has launched a “Cone Zone Cash” program.
Under the new program, officially announced Sept. 20, businesses, organizations, and individuals buy “Cone Zone Cash – Make It Better” bucks, or vouchers, and distribute them to friends, family, employees and customers.
The vouchers can then be spent like cash at over 30 participating restaurants and retailers in the District: Czech Village & New Bohemia area. The district businesses can then redeem the vouchers for their full monetary value.
Supporters say the “Cone Zone Cash” program will drive more visitors to The District, and that once there, “visitors tend to linger in the District eating, shopping, and experiencing the cultural and entertainment venues” – and potentially spend more than the vouchers’ value in the process.
Businesses in The District have dealt with several bridge and street closures in recent years, including a current road construction project on 16th Avenue SE that has significantly impacted businesses such as The Ideal Theater and Cocktail Bar, Kickstand and Bo Mac’s.
The owners of The Ideal have indicated via social media that their business has declined by nearly 80% since a large fence was erected around their building earlier in September in conjunction with the road project.
In addition, Bo Macs, which had previously announced plans to close as of Aug. 25, announced last week that the closure was only temporary and that they intend to reopen, though no specifics have yet been provided.
“Cone Zone Cash” can be purchased either in packages, to be distributed by businesses to employees or customers, or as individual vouchers in denominations from $5 to $100 each. Purchases can be made either in-person or online. Vouchers purchased by Sept, 30 2024 will have an expiration date of Dec. 1, but new vouchers will also be available soon.
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and the City of Cedar Rapids are partnering with The District on the “Cone Zone Cash” program.
For more information, and to find a list of participating businesses, go to conezonecash.com
