Formed in 2010, the Southern Boulevard Merchant Association (SBMA) is an organization made up of merchants who collaborate to build a vibrant business district in the Crotona Park East neighborhood of the Bronx by attracting businesses and shoppers, beautifying the neighborhood, and organizing community events.
In its early day, SBMA focused on merchants located on Southern Boulevard (between Westchester Avenue/ Simpson Street and East 174th Street) and Louis Niñé Boulevard (between Jennings Street and Southern Boulevard). In 2017, SBMA started working with merchants in the greater Southern Boulevard Commercial Corridor, which includes Southern Boulevard, Louise Niñé Boulevard, Boston Road, and E 174th Street.
How does SBMA help small businesses?
SBMA serves the specific needs of the district through:
• Merchant organizing
• Neighborhood beautification
• Shopper attraction and special events
• Small business support
• Business attraction
The SBMA also works with the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco), other community-based organizations, and city agencies to develop a number of different projects that benefit and beautify the Southern Boulevard Commercial Corridor, including:
• Bronx Summer Fest Weekend Walks
• Bronx Summer Fest Pop-Up market
• NYC Department of Design and Construction Tree Guard Painting
• Wayfinding Signage
About Our Partner: WHEDco
The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) has worked for nearly twenty years to build a more beautiful, equitable, and economically vibrant Bronx. WHEDco reaches 30,000 people annually through energy-efficient, healthy and affordable homes, early childhood education and youth development, family support, home-based childcare micro-enterprise and food business incubation.