Businesses hope to improve Grant-Ferry

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Small businesses have some big success stories to share in Buffalo's Grant-Ferry district and there's room for more.

Prish Moran took a chance and opened her first business, Sweetness Cafe, last year on Grant Street in a Buffalo neighborhood that's seen better days.

Prish said, "It started out as, 'Let's be a little coffee house for a neglected neighborhood.'"

Boarded up buildings and graffiti are just a few doors away. However, this is about more than making money.

Prish said, "I built this with every intention to have a community coffee house. I built it for this neighborhood because I believe in the third room concept of a community."

Now members of the community are learning how to make a difference at this monthly mixer organized by Buffalo First. The non-profit organization encourages independent business.

Buffalo First Co-founder Amy Kedron said, "We believe they are the hallmark of our main streets and our community."

Now what you see here isn't pretty, but the meeting is about laying the groundwork for the future. The goal, one small business owner at a time, is to give a community new life. They say there is proof it can be done.

Rene Moran, owner of Mum's and Daisy's, said, "Everyone said Elmwood used to be just like this. It started out the same way. It could happen quickly, maybe."

Rene Moran took a chance with a small flower shop.

Moran said, "Just to see the people that come from all over. I feel I made the right decision."

So too does her sister, Prish. A year ago, her coffeehouse was covered by grafitti and had metal gates. It's a new day.

Prish Moran believes people have to get over their fear and take a chance. She says she's had no problems since opening her doors. Follow this link to learn more about Buffalo First .