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
Social Media Insights
Get the most out of your online engagement efforts! By Shane Wilson – Special Projects Coordinator Buffer. SocialBro. Bubbly. Frilp. Am I making up words on the spot, or is there something more to this “new age” lexicon? The top experts in social media strategy know about these tools and use them on a daily…
Continue Reading >Building a Business Culture
Modern successful businesses are focused on lifestyle branding – are you? Through the Start Your Own Business Class, countless business start up meetings, and business funding programs, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of successful and growing businesses within the region. I’ve also worked with businesses that weren’t as successful. When potential…
Continue Reading >Back to School
Tips to capture an important market! While at the Anderson Building dedication on Sunday, I ran into an area teacher that was speaking with a group of friends. An individual in the group changed the direction of the conversation from the wonderful remodel of the building to the impending arrival of students for the new…
Continue Reading >Survey Says!
A spot survey conducted revealed your thoughts In an effort to stay more “in tune” with your wants and needs, Emporia Main Street Special Projects Coordinator Shane Wilson recently hit the streets to collect a randomized sample of responses to a very basic survey. We weren’t asking businesses for anything except for some honest feedback.…
Continue Reading >Persistent Entrepreneur-ism
A mindset for growth, diversified income and sustained success The Emporia Main Street newsletter often focuses on how to improve existing businesses, take advantage of business opportunities (market gaps) that exist, or new tools to aid your business. We don’t spend enough time discussing how to think like an entrepreneur. The entrepreneurial mindset is extremely important in a community…
Continue Reading >2015 Emporia Main Street Annual Meeting
The Emporia Main Street Annual Meeting tends to emulate the organization itself. We have a group of super busy people that get together to honor productivity and offer thanks to those people making tangible improvements to the community, then we start working on making the future even better. This year’s tribute to Steve Hanschu made the…
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