Emporia Main Street's BUSINESS ENHANCEMENT programs are implemented by a committee of volunteers along with Main Street staff. The primary goals of our business enhancement initiatives are to:
- support, educate, and provide resources for ALL entrepreneurs and businesses throughout Emporia
- grow a sustainable core business district downtown
Our business enhancement programs provide a wide variety of tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that strengthen Emporia's local economy.
Business Enhancement Programs
Start Your Own Business Class
If you're ready to take your business from concept to reality, the Start Your Own Business class is one of the best tools at your disposal.
Available Property Listings
We can help you find a property that's a great match for your business concept. If you own a property, contact us for a free listing!
Incubator Space
Next door to the Emporia Main Street office, this 1,100 square foot rent-free space is available to start-up businesses for a set period and includes business mentoring.
Business Consulting
Individual advice tailored to your business.
Grants, Loans & Tax Credits
Emporia Main Street provides access to wealth of financial incentives to start or expand a business, including our own low-interest loan program, matching fund opportunities, and assistance with local, state and federal financial programs.
Business Investment Guide
Created for entrepreneurs and developers, our Business Investment Guide outlines why Emporia is a great place to do business, and includes a list of available resources to get started.
Want to support budding entrepreneurs, or become an entrepreneur yourself?
Emporia Main Street is here to help your business grow. Your support also promotes overall economic development and re-investment in downtown and the community as a whole.
Interested in Joining the business enhancement committee?
The Business Enhancement Committee perfect for those who are passionate about business, fueling job growth in Emporia, and helping entrepreneurs launch or expand. Click the button below if you'd like to join!
Business Education
Weather Woes some simple ideas to help make it through weather related traffic downturns.
As a small business owner, you have control over many aspects of your operation—your product and service mix, business hours, staff training, layout, merchandising, marketing, and more. However, one thing you can’t control is the weather. Winter in Kansas can be unpredictable, with snow-covered roads, freezing temperatures, and school or event cancellations all impacting customer…
Continue Reading >Show of Hands. The 4th Annual Business Pitch Event.
Five years ago, Emporia Main Street had an opportunity to participate in a study by the Brookings Institute. The study focused on the practices of three Main Street programs in the rural communities of Laramie, Wyoming; Wheeling, West Virginia; and Emporia, Kansas. While researchers were busy studying us, each community got the chance to study…
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User Stats for 2024. Understanding Shifts in the Marketplace.
Third party analytics are an important part of understanding the local market. Understanding how consumers react to a region can help businesses adjust hours, staffing, marketing plans, product/service priorities, and much more. Metrics are a critical component in business decision making. Emporia Main Street gathers metrics that detail area usage, and we have the ability…
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Making Spirits Bright! Creating a Fun & Festive Holiday Atmosphere for Your BusinessMaking Spirits Bright!
The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect opportunity for small businesses in Emporia to create a magical atmosphere that delights customers and energizes employees. With a little creativity, you can transform your shop into a festive wonderland that spreads holiday cheer while also boosting sales. Here are some practical ways to cultivate a…
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The Reasons for Shopping Local (and locally owned). A Healthy Community Starts with Smart Consumer Decisions.
Emporia Main Street supports local shopping all year long. Through events, marketing assistance, access to data, gift certificate programs, and a variety of other initiatives we encourage local citizens to shop local and locally owned. Our organization works hard to place visitors immediately adjacent to our unique local businesses to facilitate in-store traffic and boost…
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Local SEO Optimization for Small Businesses. Getting noticed online is a key to driving in-store traffic.
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for small businesses, especially in local communities like Emporia, Kansas. Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful tool that can help your business stand out to potential customers searching for products or services in your area. This article will define what local SEO…
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