Economic Development Services
Contact Information
Economic Development
Project Types
Project Types
Market Studies & Feasibility Analyses
Economic Development Plans
Economic Development Training
Downtowns & Business Districts
Commercial Real Estate Projects
Creative Economy/Arts & Culture
Business Development Projects
Healthy Food Initiatives
Distressed Communities
Economic Development Plans
Economic Development Training
Downtowns & Business Districts
Commercial Real Estate Projects
Creative Economy/Arts & Culture
Business Development Projects
Healthy Food Initiatives
Distressed Communities
Project Examples
- Transit Corridor Retail Research and Business Recruitment Project
- Loan Portfolio Assessment
- Economic Development Consulting for 16 Main Street Organizations
- Art Center Development Study
- Town Hall Reuse Study
- Village Center Economic Analysis and Strategy Recommendations
- Market Analysis & Development Planning for Distressed Multicultural Commercial Districts
- Davis Bacon Construction Project Monitoring
- Economic Development Toolkit and Training Curriculum
- Strategic Plan for Arts District/Downtown Development Organization
- Economic Analysis and Planning for Public Property Disposition
- Downtown Market and Development Opportunity Assessment
- Retail/Mixed Use Development Assessment
- Main Street Business District Analysis and Planning
- Financial Analysis Modeling and Business Planning for CDC
- Healthy Food Access Study
- Village Center Retail Market Study
- Business Plan for Creative Economy Incubator
- Mill Site Redevelopment Assessment
- Downtown Market Study and Business Recruitment Strategy
- Retail Market Study and Business Composition Analysis
- Strategic Planning for Arts & Culture Organization
- Commercial Real Estate Finance Curriculum
- Planning Assistance for Downtown Arts and Culture/Revitalization Program
- Downtown Market Assessment and Strategy Recommendations
- Strategic Planning for Multi-Cultural Rural Organization
- Urban Renewal Plan Market Study
- Shopping Center Assessment
"Based on your market research, we decided that there was a significant opportunity for a Bakery Cafe . . . it had a great impact on us."
"The Economic Analysis, completed by FinePoint, with its solid practical recommendations, infused new energy into our downtown planning process. I will not hesitate to work with them again." . . . George Meservey, Orleans Planning Director
"Peg Barringer is an amazing teacher! Despite the complexity of the subject, she makes the content relevant and understandable." . . . Christina Rausch, Program Manager, MDC, Inc
Smart Growth Transit Corridor Retail District Research and Business Recruitment Project
Conducted market study and assessment of current business district strategies being implemented for several nodes along an expanding transit corridor. Conducted research to identify factors that contribute to successful commercial development near transit stations. Interviewed many business recruitment prospects, evaluated barriers to business expansion and identified potential strategies to address obstacles inhibiting business development.
Loan Portfolio Assessment
Conducted a "wellness check" of Section 108 Loan Portfolio. Reviewed loan performance, policies, procedures, documentation and provided recommendations and training for staff.
Economic Development Consulting for 16 Main Street Organizations
Provided economic development consulting services to 16 Main Street Organizations working to revitalize urban commercial districts. Services included: market analysis, retail mix analysis, customer attraction strategies, business, resident and restaurant surveys, business recruitment strategies, business development/retention programming and assistance with commercial real estate development projects.
Art Center Development Study
Investigated feasibility of creating “mini art center “ that could meet the needs of a local theater group as well as other performing arts groups and arts-related businesses while generating economic development benefits of attracting customers, out-of-town visitors and increasing local business sales.
Town Hall Reuse Study
Explored feasible reuse alternatives for currently underutilized historic town hall property that would have the support of the residents and contribute to the economic development of the community.
Village Center Economic Analysis and Strategy Recommendations
Conducted assessment of how well the central business district is functioning as a commercial center, evaluated market conditions and sales leakage, assessed opportunities associated with year round population and seasonal/visitor market, conducted resident, visitor and business owner surveys, and provided strategy recommendations to guide the Town in crafting an economic development plan to ensure the long-term prosperity of the Village Center.
Market Analysis & Development Planning for Distressed Multicultural Commercial Districts
Conducted market study to identify opportunities for new and existing businesses, including: evaluation of real estate and business conditions, business mix analysis, extensive resident and visitor surveys, market demand and sales leakage analysis. Developed recommendations for strategies to enhance aesthetic appeal, attract the right types of businesses, assist exiting businesses, create positive image, promote the district, increase customers, encourage residential development and improve safety.
Davis Bacon Monitoring
Managed compliance moniioring for several large federally-funded construction projects.
Economic Development Toolkit and Training Curriculum
Worked as a team member to produce a revised Economic Development Toolkit manual and design and deliver training course for HUD staff. The toolkit and training provides guidance on the effective use of CDBG financing for eligible economic development projects, including microenterprise and small business development, large-scale commercial and industrial development, and job creation, job retention, and job training activities. It covers the basics of financial underwriting, application of HUD’s public benefit standards and explores a variety of economic development financing methods including the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program.
Strategic Plan for Arts District/Downtown Development Organization
Assessed past and current activities of a public/private downtown partnership organization that has been operating over 10 years, evaluated existing business and market conditions, solicited input from business and property owners, and assisted the organization to develop strategic priorities and course of action to guide downtown planning and development for next 5-years.
Economic Analysis and Planning for Public Property Disposition
In association with a plan for disposition of several public owned properties, conducted economic analysis, assessed market opportunities and worked with community members to create business development goals, identify target businesses for recruitment and create development scorecard – criteria for evaluating potential benefits of proposed business and real estate development projects
Downtown Market and Development Opportunity Assessment
Conducted assessment of assets and challenges, investigated market potential for new retail and restaurant development, explored impacts of additional residential development and identified opportunities and strategies to improve the downtown.
Retail/Mixed Use Development Assessment
Evaluated the potential for mixed-use development on a 20,000 sq. ft. parcel in a low-to-moderate income urban neighborhood and the likelihood of attracting retail tenants.
Main Street Business District Analysis and Planning
Conducted market analysis and assessment for distressed urban business district. Provided consulting assistance to identify opportunities and establish business development priorities in 4 commercial nodes, create business recruitment brochure, and develop shopping & dining promotional material.
Financial Analysis Modeling and Business Planning for CDC
Developed financial analysis model to enable non profit organization to evaluate income and expenses by department and project/product line for better planning and revenue generation. Activities include real estate development and management, workforce development, environmental conservation and cultural programming.
Healthy Food Access Study
Conducted research and analysis for a policy study aimed at improving access to healthy foods particularly in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Conducted food store location/distribution analysis and detailed food store research and sales leakage analysis in target neighborhoods. Identified “food deserts”, areas without supermarkets and residents without transportation. Explored strategies to encourage small food stores to carry fresh produce and healthy options.
Village Center Retail Market Study
Provided a refined understanding of the market potential for achieving the community’s vision for the Village Center that balances its position as a regional shopping destination with a desire among area residents for a pedestrian-friendly mixed use center that includes more “home-grown” smaller scale retail and services. Analyzed business composition and clusters, evaluated unmet market demand based on year round and seasonal residents, current competition and sales leakage. Assisted the community to identify a preferred business mix and develop strategies and policies for business development and recruitment that would achieve that mix.
Business Plan for Creative Economy Incubator
Developed business plan for enterprise center designed to promote development of creative enterprises by providing shared infrastructure of business services, marketing channels, specialized equipment, education, workspace and performance space. Conducted market study to evaluate the extent of the creative economy and identify business needs through surveys, focus groups and other activities. Completed feasibility analysis for various program designs, developed menu of program of services, pricing strategy and financial projections.
Mill Site Redevelopment Assessment
Conducted site assessment, created community economic profile and preliminary analysis of development potential to provide a basic foundation of information prior to the start of a master planning process for a vacant mill site.
Downtown Market Study and Business Recruitment Strategy
Evaluated commercial composition of downtown, business clusters, trade area demographics, lifestyle segmentation, and sales leakage. Identified key retail and restaurant market opportunities and developed business recruitment materials.
Retail Market Study and Business Composition Analysis
Conducted retail market study, evaluation of business mix and projected market demand generated by planned future residential development.
Strategic Planning for Arts & Culture Organization
Provided strategic planning assistance to an organization focusing on cultural economic development, including: 1) creation of a Mission Statement, 2) developing a set Recommended Action Steps to help the organization prioritize, manage and implement its planned activities with limited resources, and 3) crafting a draft organizational structure with a board, committee and staff structure designed to increase the organization’s productivity.
Commercial Real Estate Finance Curriculum
Developed and delivered advanced commercial real estate development finance training and technical assistance program for statewide private, non-profit and public clients of Redevelopment Authority.
Planning Assistance for Downtown Arts and Culture/Revitalization Program
Analyzed the potential customer market, evaluated the business mix and explored strategies for promoting arts and culture activities and creative economy business development.
Downtown Market Assessment and Strategy Recommendations
Analyzed potential customer base, projected market demand, current sales leakage, evaluated existing business mix and provided recommendations for business development strategy.
Strategic Planning for Multi-Cultural Rural Organization
Worked with Board and staff to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the organization, its current projects and opportunities, and develop a 5-year strategic plan. This included mission and vision statements, goals, objectives, outcome measures, projects/programs and detailed descriptions of planned activities. Projects included: 40 artists live-work units, theater, computer lab, business incubator, purchase of historic downtown plaza, arts and environmental programs and planned commercial shared-use kitchen.
Urban Renewal Plan Market Study
Conducted a market study In order to better define the private investment and development opportunities created by an urban renewal plan that included numerous development parcels, roadway improvements, expanded parking, a new rail trail, and new riverfront park. Analyzed potential customer base, projected market demand, estimated current sales leakage, evaluated business mix and business clusters, provide recommendations regarding the types of businesses to target for recruitment and how the Town might market itself to potential new businesses.
Shopping Center Assessment
Assessment and recommendations to improve performance of a recently developed, urban shopping center that, aside from a successful anchor grocery was not performing as well as expected and not fully leased.
Conducted market study and assessment of current business district strategies being implemented for several nodes along an expanding transit corridor. Conducted research to identify factors that contribute to successful commercial development near transit stations. Interviewed many business recruitment prospects, evaluated barriers to business expansion and identified potential strategies to address obstacles inhibiting business development.
Loan Portfolio Assessment
Conducted a "wellness check" of Section 108 Loan Portfolio. Reviewed loan performance, policies, procedures, documentation and provided recommendations and training for staff.
Economic Development Consulting for 16 Main Street Organizations
Provided economic development consulting services to 16 Main Street Organizations working to revitalize urban commercial districts. Services included: market analysis, retail mix analysis, customer attraction strategies, business, resident and restaurant surveys, business recruitment strategies, business development/retention programming and assistance with commercial real estate development projects.
Art Center Development Study
Investigated feasibility of creating “mini art center “ that could meet the needs of a local theater group as well as other performing arts groups and arts-related businesses while generating economic development benefits of attracting customers, out-of-town visitors and increasing local business sales.
Town Hall Reuse Study
Explored feasible reuse alternatives for currently underutilized historic town hall property that would have the support of the residents and contribute to the economic development of the community.
Village Center Economic Analysis and Strategy Recommendations
Conducted assessment of how well the central business district is functioning as a commercial center, evaluated market conditions and sales leakage, assessed opportunities associated with year round population and seasonal/visitor market, conducted resident, visitor and business owner surveys, and provided strategy recommendations to guide the Town in crafting an economic development plan to ensure the long-term prosperity of the Village Center.
Market Analysis & Development Planning for Distressed Multicultural Commercial Districts
Conducted market study to identify opportunities for new and existing businesses, including: evaluation of real estate and business conditions, business mix analysis, extensive resident and visitor surveys, market demand and sales leakage analysis. Developed recommendations for strategies to enhance aesthetic appeal, attract the right types of businesses, assist exiting businesses, create positive image, promote the district, increase customers, encourage residential development and improve safety.
Davis Bacon Monitoring
Managed compliance moniioring for several large federally-funded construction projects.
Economic Development Toolkit and Training Curriculum
Worked as a team member to produce a revised Economic Development Toolkit manual and design and deliver training course for HUD staff. The toolkit and training provides guidance on the effective use of CDBG financing for eligible economic development projects, including microenterprise and small business development, large-scale commercial and industrial development, and job creation, job retention, and job training activities. It covers the basics of financial underwriting, application of HUD’s public benefit standards and explores a variety of economic development financing methods including the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program.
Strategic Plan for Arts District/Downtown Development Organization
Assessed past and current activities of a public/private downtown partnership organization that has been operating over 10 years, evaluated existing business and market conditions, solicited input from business and property owners, and assisted the organization to develop strategic priorities and course of action to guide downtown planning and development for next 5-years.
Economic Analysis and Planning for Public Property Disposition
In association with a plan for disposition of several public owned properties, conducted economic analysis, assessed market opportunities and worked with community members to create business development goals, identify target businesses for recruitment and create development scorecard – criteria for evaluating potential benefits of proposed business and real estate development projects
Downtown Market and Development Opportunity Assessment
Conducted assessment of assets and challenges, investigated market potential for new retail and restaurant development, explored impacts of additional residential development and identified opportunities and strategies to improve the downtown.
Retail/Mixed Use Development Assessment
Evaluated the potential for mixed-use development on a 20,000 sq. ft. parcel in a low-to-moderate income urban neighborhood and the likelihood of attracting retail tenants.
Main Street Business District Analysis and Planning
Conducted market analysis and assessment for distressed urban business district. Provided consulting assistance to identify opportunities and establish business development priorities in 4 commercial nodes, create business recruitment brochure, and develop shopping & dining promotional material.
Financial Analysis Modeling and Business Planning for CDC
Developed financial analysis model to enable non profit organization to evaluate income and expenses by department and project/product line for better planning and revenue generation. Activities include real estate development and management, workforce development, environmental conservation and cultural programming.
Healthy Food Access Study
Conducted research and analysis for a policy study aimed at improving access to healthy foods particularly in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Conducted food store location/distribution analysis and detailed food store research and sales leakage analysis in target neighborhoods. Identified “food deserts”, areas without supermarkets and residents without transportation. Explored strategies to encourage small food stores to carry fresh produce and healthy options.
Village Center Retail Market Study
Provided a refined understanding of the market potential for achieving the community’s vision for the Village Center that balances its position as a regional shopping destination with a desire among area residents for a pedestrian-friendly mixed use center that includes more “home-grown” smaller scale retail and services. Analyzed business composition and clusters, evaluated unmet market demand based on year round and seasonal residents, current competition and sales leakage. Assisted the community to identify a preferred business mix and develop strategies and policies for business development and recruitment that would achieve that mix.
Business Plan for Creative Economy Incubator
Developed business plan for enterprise center designed to promote development of creative enterprises by providing shared infrastructure of business services, marketing channels, specialized equipment, education, workspace and performance space. Conducted market study to evaluate the extent of the creative economy and identify business needs through surveys, focus groups and other activities. Completed feasibility analysis for various program designs, developed menu of program of services, pricing strategy and financial projections.
Mill Site Redevelopment Assessment
Conducted site assessment, created community economic profile and preliminary analysis of development potential to provide a basic foundation of information prior to the start of a master planning process for a vacant mill site.
Downtown Market Study and Business Recruitment Strategy
Evaluated commercial composition of downtown, business clusters, trade area demographics, lifestyle segmentation, and sales leakage. Identified key retail and restaurant market opportunities and developed business recruitment materials.
Retail Market Study and Business Composition Analysis
Conducted retail market study, evaluation of business mix and projected market demand generated by planned future residential development.
Strategic Planning for Arts & Culture Organization
Provided strategic planning assistance to an organization focusing on cultural economic development, including: 1) creation of a Mission Statement, 2) developing a set Recommended Action Steps to help the organization prioritize, manage and implement its planned activities with limited resources, and 3) crafting a draft organizational structure with a board, committee and staff structure designed to increase the organization’s productivity.
Commercial Real Estate Finance Curriculum
Developed and delivered advanced commercial real estate development finance training and technical assistance program for statewide private, non-profit and public clients of Redevelopment Authority.
Planning Assistance for Downtown Arts and Culture/Revitalization Program
Analyzed the potential customer market, evaluated the business mix and explored strategies for promoting arts and culture activities and creative economy business development.
Downtown Market Assessment and Strategy Recommendations
Analyzed potential customer base, projected market demand, current sales leakage, evaluated existing business mix and provided recommendations for business development strategy.
Strategic Planning for Multi-Cultural Rural Organization
Worked with Board and staff to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the organization, its current projects and opportunities, and develop a 5-year strategic plan. This included mission and vision statements, goals, objectives, outcome measures, projects/programs and detailed descriptions of planned activities. Projects included: 40 artists live-work units, theater, computer lab, business incubator, purchase of historic downtown plaza, arts and environmental programs and planned commercial shared-use kitchen.
Urban Renewal Plan Market Study
Conducted a market study In order to better define the private investment and development opportunities created by an urban renewal plan that included numerous development parcels, roadway improvements, expanded parking, a new rail trail, and new riverfront park. Analyzed potential customer base, projected market demand, estimated current sales leakage, evaluated business mix and business clusters, provide recommendations regarding the types of businesses to target for recruitment and how the Town might market itself to potential new businesses.
Shopping Center Assessment
Assessment and recommendations to improve performance of a recently developed, urban shopping center that, aside from a successful anchor grocery was not performing as well as expected and not fully leased.