With help from the city, nine businesses have expanded or opened for the first time in downtown Rock Island. And to celebrate, yesterday Renaissance Rock Island held what it calls a "rolling ribbon cutting."
One of the nine is Tapas Yoga Shala, a yoga school owned by Evan Harris and his wife. He says the business opened in the McKesson building 3 years ago. And with help from Renaissance, moved to new space in the building that's twice as large.
Other new or expanded businesses include Small Wonders Photography, Inland Home Mortgage, and a restaurant - East Town Chinese.
Renaissance Rock Island president Brian Hollenback says supporting small businesses like these is a good way to re-build the local economy.
Just last April, Renaissance held its first "rolling ribbon cutting" for 11 businesses, and has now helped a total of 20 open or expand this year in downtown Rock Island.