Earlham College-led Revitalize Richmond announces new efforts to attract downtown businesses

Revitalize Richmond, a five-year initiative led by Earlham College to drive economic growth in the city, is proud to announce the hiring of John Przybysz as its inaugural director of small business success. The key appointment follows the launch of a strategic partnership with Downtown Strategies, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in small business development and downtown revitalization.

A lifelong Richmond resident, Przybysz brings a deep commitment to his hometown and a strong background in client relations, business development, and strategic marketing. With an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, he most recently served as a marketing specialist for Reid Health, where he led promotional strategy across service lines and managed campaign development. In addition to his professional roles, Przybysz also started and runs a small family business, giving him a practical perspective on the day-to-day challenges and opportunities faced by local entrepreneurs.

In his new role, Przybysz will lead efforts to support small business growth in downtown Richmond. He will advise entrepreneurs, foster partnerships, coordinate programming, and work alongside community and regional partners to build a thriving downtown business ecosystem. The newly created position is funded through the Revitalize Richmond grant program, in partnership with local organizations.

“I’m honored to step into this role and contribute to something truly transformational for Richmond,” said Przybysz. “As someone who grew up here and is raising a family here, I believe deeply in our community’s potential. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and support the entrepreneurs and business owners who are helping shape the future of our city.”

“John has a unique blend of strategic know-how, grassroots understanding, and genuine enthusiasm for this work,” added Dakota Collins, director of community relations at Earlham College. “He’s already built strong relationships across sectors in Richmond, and now he’ll be able to use that experience to help small businesses grow, thrive, and fill the storefronts of our downtown.”

Complementing Przybysz’s leadership, Revitalize Richmond has also engaged Downtown Strategies, part of the Birmingham, Alabama-based firm Retail Strategies, to assist with business recruitment and planning. The firm will provide economic development consulting tailored to small business growth and downtown vitality. Their work will include developing a retail recruitment strategy, conducting market analysis, and supporting activation of commercial spaces downtown.

“We’re building an ecosystem where local businesses can launch, expand, and succeed. Downtown Strategies is a key part of that effort,” said Collins. “Their national perspective and data-driven approach will help us attract the right mix of businesses and align our strategies with long-term downtown revitalization.”

“What excites us most about Richmond is the clear energy and commitment coming from within the community,” said Jenn Gregory, president of Downtown Strategies. “Our team is here to listen, collaborate, and bring resources that help turn that energy into lasting momentum for downtown and its small businesses.”

These developments support the broader goals of Revitalize Richmond, a multi-year, $100-plus million community investment designed to strengthen the connection between Earlham College and the city of Richmond by creating a vibrant, walkable, and opportunity-rich downtown. The initiative is focused on activating public space, restoring historic buildings, expanding housing, and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Local entrepreneurs and small business owners who are seeking support, exploring new ideas, or are interested in opening a business in downtown Richmond are encouraged to connect directly with Przybysz at [email protected].

To learn more about Revitalize Richmond, visit revitalizerichmond.com.

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About Earlham College 

Earlham College and Earlham School of Religion foster a collaborative learning community that inspires and motivates students with transformative opportunities and experiences so they can become catalysts for good in a changing world. Located in Richmond, Indiana, Earlham is one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 75 national liberal arts colleges and offers one of the top 20 classroom experiences in the nation, according to the Princeton Review.