Through our Neighborhood Stabilization program, LASCO helps revitalize communities that historically have been marginalized and experienced disinvestment. We provide crucial legal representation to low-income small businesses and nonprofit organizations focused on delivering key services, helping families thrive, and bringing needed dollars to the neighborhoods. Through our work, we hope to maintain and increase wealth in these communities.
While there are several important business incubator programs throughout our service area, there is still a need to offer full representation to an owner of a business, on everything from reviewing a commercial lease to deciding how to expand shares in a co-op.
For example, in the heart of the South Side of Columbus, Street2Vintage embarked on a new chapter by transitioning from online sales to a physical store. Excited about the prospect, the owner secured a promising location but faced a lease agreement filled with complexities. Street2Vintage turned to Legal Aid, and Attorney Paul Bryson provided crucial advice on the potential risks hidden within the lease terms. Despite efforts to negotiate with the landlord, the initial deal fell through. Street2Vintage remained undeterred.
With LASCO’s assistance, Street2Vintage quickly regrouped and found a new storefront on Parsons Avenue, where they continue to thrive today. This partnership highlights the importance of seeking legal representation when navigating the challenges of business expansion.
Street2Vintage's journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of collaboration. We congratulate them on their success and look forward to seeing their continued growth in the vintage community. It also highlights the opportunities that Legal Aid provides to business owners to help them grow and rise out of poverty.
The resources to start this program were thanks to the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation (OAJF), which distributed Bank of America Settlement funds for Neighborhood Stabilization programs across the state. With those funds dwindling, we are looking for additional partners so that we can continue wealth building legal services in communities in need. Partnerships come in the form of financial support to continue this important work or in offering pro bono legal help to clients who reach out to LASCO, particularly in areas that fall traditionally in the scope of private practice. Our neighborhoods are stronger when community-minded entrepreneurs can fulfill their mission.
