Open for Business: Downtown Dayton Needs You This Week
May 22, 2025
Dayton is in the global spotlight this week—but our local businesses need the spotlight, too. Here’s how you can help keep them thriving during NATO’s visit.
This week, Dayton welcomes the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session, drawing global leaders and international attention to our city. It’s a milestone moment—one that positions Dayton as a center for diplomacy, innovation, and collaboration.
But while our city shines on the world stage, something quieter is unfolding at street level: downtown small businesses are bracing for what could be one of their slowest weeks of the year—unless we show up.
As roads close, parking tightens, and security restrictions take effect, many residents and visitors are steering clear of downtown—often without realizing the cost of their absence. For the businesses that are the heartbeat of Dayton, even a single slow week can be devastating. Margins are thin, and short-term dips in traffic can threaten the survival of beloved shops, restaurants, salons, and service providers.
Despite the challenges, downtown hasn’t shut down. Local entrepreneurs are still opening their doors, showing up, and pouring everything they have into serving this community.
To support them, we’ve created a central hub with videos highlighting local businesses and a spreadsheet featuring updated hours and websites, making it easy to plan your visit and connect directly.
Yes, visiting downtown this week might take a little extra effort. But that effort matters more than you might think.
Every dollar spent at a local business is a vote of confidence. Every customer who walks through the door is a reminder that Dayton takes care of its own. And every shared story, reposted video, or word-of-mouth recommendation helps ensure these businesses make it through the week and beyond.
This moment isn’t about resisting NATO’s presence—it’s about rising with it. It’s a chance to showcase the spirit of Dayton: resilient, entrepreneurial, and deeply connected. While the world looks to our city, let’s look to one another and ensure the businesses built by our neighbors continue to thrive.
Let’s turn a challenging week into a powerful one. Let’s keep Dayton Open for Business, energized, and united.
Are you a small business owner who wants to be featured in a reel and/or added to the list? Reach out.
