Renovations planned for two women-owned businesses

Two established neighborhood businesses – Dru’s Place in Midtown and April House Premier in South Memphis - will be getting some much-needed improvements soon thanks to Inner City Economic Development (ICED) loans awarded earlier this month. The loans are making a big impact, sparking revitalization of Memphis inner-city neighborhood business districts through small forgivable loans to assist with signage, building improvements, and business expansion. 
 
“Dru’s Place and April House Premier are existing women-owned businesses with proven track records,” said John Lawrence, Manager of Strategic Economic Development Planning with the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) of Memphis and Shelby County. “With a little help from EDGE, they can expand their customer base and increase sales. At the same time the businesses are being re-positioned as attractive neighborhood anchors through significant building renovations. A diverse network of neighborhood anchors like these can help strengthen and revitalize communities around the City of Memphis.”
 
April House Premier is owned and operated by Paulette Sanford, who has been working as a caterer and wedding planner since 1996. The business is focused on providing healthy and convenient food for the neighborhood. 
 
An $8,255 ICED loan will help fund façade work, HVAC improvements, landscaping, and plumbing and electrical upgrades to the 3,400-square-foot building.
 
Sanford also plans to offer an apprenticeship program, designed through a partnership with the Workforce Investment Network, to help foster young talent interested in the culinary arts. 
 
Dru’s Place at 1474 Madison Avenue in Midtown will also be getting a renovation thanks to a $16,940 ICED loan.
 
The venue, owned and operated by Tami Montgomery, offers entertainment including karaoke, drag shows, comedy, live music, and art shows. Under Montgomery’s ownership for the past eight years, the bar has hosted nearly 25 fundraisers per year, raising more than $100,000 for local non-profits and charities.
 
Planned improvements include a restoration of the 3,000-square-foot building’s historic façade, deck replacement, and awning installation.
 
Since launching the ICED Loan Program in 2014, the EDGE Economic Development Finance Committee has approved 31 ICED loan projects, representing more than 269 jobs and a total capital investment of nearly $3 million.
 
“We are pleased to partner with so many established, small businesses across Memphis as they take steps to further strengthen their own businesses while reviving their neighborhoods,” said Lawrence.