Clintonville home to many thriving small businesses

Clintonville’s proximity to The Ohio State University has long made it a desirable residential neighborhood, but the business community is increasingly taking notice of its attributes.

Restaurants, coffee shops and other gathering places have generally been quite successful in Clintonville, even managing to weather the recent economic downturn, says Cliff Wiltshire, marketing director for Experience Clintonville, which promotes the neighborhood to people outside its boundaries.

“There seems to be a correlation between successful businesses and the ways they give back to their neighborhood through support of local schools and community events,” he says, adding that Weiland’s Gourmet Market is a prime example.

It also doesn’t hurt that Clintonville residents believe that a pedestrian and bike-friendly community is a healthy one, he says, and an integral  part of that formula is businesses that are within walking distance.

One of Clintonville’s most robust commercial corridors is located along North High Street, and for decades has featured a mix of retail and office spaces that are ideal for small business owners.

“The North High Steet corridor has several distinct sections− from the southernmost area near Olentangy Village and Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Café to the central area, which includes hosting the weekly Clintonville Farmers Market every Saturday April through October, to scattered sites at Henderson Road and points north,” Wiltshire says.

The other busy commercial corridor is located along Indianola Avenue, where there are pockets of retail and restaurants, including a retail strip anchored by the Studio 35 movie theater.

“A variety of housing stock also is located in the neighborhood, giving small business owners plenty of opportunity to live in the neighborhood where they are setting up shop,” he says.

Founded in September 2011, Experience Clintonville has a board of six businessepeople and local leaders.

“The board decided to move away from a membership or partner structure, and instead hopes to rely on volunteers, business support −through event sponsorship and newsletter advertising− and grants to generate enough resources to accomplish its mission,” he says.

To learn more about Experience Clintonville, visit .