About OurBlock Network

What is OurBlock?

OurBlock is a community demand pilot. It gives neighbors a direct say in which business opens in an empty space near them. You vote for the business you would most like to see, and the results show entrepreneurs, property owners, and city leaders what the community actually wants.

Is OurBlock a pilot?

Yes. We are starting small, with a few properties, so we can learn what works before growing. Some features, such as pledging, are not open yet.

Where does OurBlock operate?

The pilot starts in Minnesota. You can see which communities and properties are listed on our Find Your Community page.

Voting

How do I vote?

Go to Find Your Community, choose a property, and fill out the short ballot on that property's page. Voting is free and takes about a minute.

Does it cost anything to vote?

No. Voting is always free. No payment information is asked for or taken when you vote.

Who can vote?

Anyone who is at least 13 years old can vote. If you are under 18, please use the site with a parent or guardian's permission.

Can I vote more than once?

You can vote once per property using your email address. You can vote on more than one property.

What if my idea is not on the ballot?

Most ballots include an "Other" option where you can write in your own idea.

What happens after I vote?

Your vote is counted and you will see a thank you message. We will email you updates about that property. Your vote does not commit you to anything.

Does my vote decide what opens?

No. Votes show demand. They do not guarantee that a business will open.

Pledging

What is a pledge?

A pledge is a promise to support a business you voted for. Pledging is not open yet. When it opens, you will see every detail before you commit.

Is pledging open now?

Not yet. Right now you can only vote, and no payment is taken.

Will I be charged if I vote?

No. Voting never involves payment.

Who can pledge?

You must be at least 18 years old to make a pledge once pledging opens.

What do pledgers receive?

Pledgers receive a gift certificate to the business they supported. The details will be shown before you commit.

Can I change my mind?

The rules for pledges, including changes and refunds, will be explained in full before pledging opens. Nothing is charged until then.

Privacy and your information

What do you do with my information?

We use it to count your vote, send updates about the property you voted on, and answer messages. We do not sell your information. You can read the full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Will I get emails?

Yes, updates about the property you voted on. You can ask us to stop at any time through our Contact page.

How do I ask you to remove my information?

Send us a message on our Contact page and we will take care of it.

Entrepreneurs

How do I get my business on a ballot?

Use the Entrepreneurs page to tell us about your business idea. We review submissions and add them to ballots for properties that fit.

Does it cost anything to submit?

Submitting your idea is free during the pilot phase.

Does a vote guarantee I get the space?

No. Votes show that neighbors want your business. Additionally, any lease or agreement is between you and the property owner.

Property owners

How do I list my property?

Use the Property Owners page to submit your property. We will follow up with you.

Does listing commit me to a tenant?

No. OurBlock shows demand. You choose who you lease to, and you are never required to accept a business that wins a vote.

Does it cost anything to list?

Listing your property is free during the pilot.

Municipalities

How can my city or town take part?

Use the Municipalities page to get in touch. We can talk about which vacant spaces to include and how the results could help with local planning.

Does OurBlock replace city planning or zoning?

No. OurBlock shows community interest. Zoning, permits, and approvals still follow your city's normal process.

Still have questions?

How do I contact you?

Use the Contact page and we will reply as soon as we can.