promotion, and connections to Downtown activity
PITTSBURGH, September 9, 2026 — As major investments reshape Downtown Pittsburgh’s buildings and public spaces, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is launching Business Boost, a two-phase initiative to support and elevate the businesses that bring energy and activity to its streets.
The initiative will elevate Downtown’s restaurants, retailers, and service businesses while expanding the ways PDP listens to and supports business owners. The first phase will focus on direct outreach, increased visibility, and stronger connections to Downtown activity. In the second phase, PDP will retain a local marketing agency to provide participating businesses with marketing support, toolkits, and business coaching.
“Downtown’s future is being built at the street level,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “Small businesses create jobs, contribute to the character of Downtown, and give people reasons to come back again and again. We want to make sure these businesses are visible, connected, and positioned to thrive.”
The campaign builds on PDP’s broader work to recruit businesses, activate storefronts, and strengthen Downtown’s street-level economy. Downtown has now recorded four consecutive years of net business growth. In 2025, 31 businesses opened Downtown, and 26 more opened through August 2026.
That work is part of PDP’s Vibrancy Initiative, a coordinated strategy to strengthen Downtown’s economy, improve public spaces, and encourage long-term investment. More than 100 Vibrancy Initiative projects have been completed or are underway, including 74 retail and storefront activations and 56 streetscape and public-realm improvements.
PDP’s existing small business and storefront programs include:
The Downtown Rent Abatement Program, which helps new independent businesses establish a Downtown location by providing up to 50% of monthly rent, capped at $2,000 per month for one year.
- Project Pop-Up, which works with property owners to transform vacant storefronts into temporary retail and creative destinations. Selected businesses may receive free or significantly reduced rent for six to 12 months, along with grants of up to $15,000 for eligible operating and start-up expenses.
- Storefront activation, which places businesses, public art, creative installations, and visual displays in vacant spaces to improve the pedestrian experience and create opportunities for entrepreneurs and artists.
- Business recruitment and technical support, which connects prospective businesses with available spaces, property owners, incentives, and other resources. These programs have helped reduce vacant retail space and create a pipeline of new businesses. From the first to second quarter of 2026, the number of tracked vacant storefronts declined from 80 to 67. Today, 83% of vacant retail space is programmed for a business, pop-up, art installation, or another form of activation. PDP has set a goal of increasing that figure to 90% by the end of 2026. Business Boost expands this work by placing greater emphasis on retaining and strengthening the businesses already operating Downtown. With support provided by the Benter Foundation, the initiative will roll out in two phases:
PDP Business Support and Promotion Campaign
Launching now, the first phase will strengthen relationships with Downtown business owners and create more opportunities for them to reach customers and benefit from Downtown activity. It will include: - Direct business outreach: PDP will meet individually with Downtown business owners to learn about their current needs, challenges, and future plans.
- Expanded promotion: PDP will amplify business events, specials, and announcements and introduce regular profiles highlighting the people behind Downtown businesses.
- Connections to Downtown activity: Monthly emails will provide information about upcoming events, promotional opportunities, and ways businesses can participate.
- Small business meetings: PDP will relaunch meetings and cohort-style conversations where business owners can connect, share feedback, and learn about available resources.
- Ongoing feedback: Short periodic surveys will help PDP track how Downtown businesses are performing and identify opportunities for additional support.
Marketing Agency Support
Later this year, the PDP will retain a marketing agency to develop marketing toolkits and provide business coaching to participating Downtown small businesses. Support will be tailored to the needs of each participating business and may include guidance on messaging, social media, promotions, customer engagement, and other marketing priorities.“PDP has been a true partner in helping us open and grow our Downtown location. The Rent Abatement Program gave us room to establish the business, while support with marketing, parking, and our grand opening helped us connect with the Downtown community. Business Boost builds on exactly the kind of hands-on support small, locally owned businesses Downtown need to succeed,” said Monique Gillespie, Owner of Keeta’s Pet Salon.Residents, workers, and visitors can support Business Boost by discovering featured businesses and choosing to shop, dine, and spend time Downtown.
About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership:
The PDP is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders,
property owners, civic organizations, foundations, and residents who provide energy, vision, and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, economic development, and advocacy. For more information, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com, follow us on Instagram, Threads, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X @downtownpitt.
