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.
Business Enhancement Committee Volunteers
Shawn Honea, Chair
IM Design Group
James Willingham
Emporia State University
Rob Scheib
USD 253
Tom Mains
ValuNet FIBER
Lori Andrews
ESB Financial
Bruce Boettcher
BG Consultants
Jana Marstall
USD 253
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
Some Clarity for Your Customers: Accurate information posting can reduce frustration and increase sales.
The pandemic continues to change the hours and operational standards of several small businesses in the region. Customers are wondering: Can I walk into this business? When are they open (days/times)? Do they offer curbside options? Can I order online?We know how important every dollar is to your business right now. We also know that…
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How Has the Pandemic Impacted Your Brand?
There are wonderful people that work very hard to understand the world around them for the benefit of others. These people aren’t simply watching TV, reading commentary, or listening to podcasts; they are collecting data and refining raw information into something useful. When variables hit a market, shifts in consumer buying patterns and perceptions are…
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Radical Transparency: Your customers, staff, and the general public need to hear from you in a different way RIGHT NOW
We have many positive traits in the Midwest. The people here work hard, they are punctual, people believe in teamwork, and they typically value getting things done. One of the negative traits we sometimes experience is out ability to deal with knowledge vacuums. When we don’t know something, instead of simply saying “I don’t know”…
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Diversifying Sales Outlets. Extending Your Sales Capabilities Beyond Your Four Walls.
If there is one strategy that Covid-19 has accelerated for businesses, it is the adoption of technology to extend sales outside the traditional business physical space. Restaurants are promoting curbside delivery through on-line platforms to increase sales in an environment where occupancy has been cut in half, and online platforms allow for order placement without…
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Identifying new business pathways as the population deals with ongoing pandemic impacts
We do a lot of individual business consultations at Emporia Main Street. We prefer individual meetings for “deep dives” because we understand the unique nature of our member businesses. Recommendations that are so broad that they apply to everyone typically boarder on common sense. Specific recommendations for a singular business sometimes doesn’t cross apply to…
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Curbside Assistance to Businesses
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, individuals have been advised to stay away from certain business types. Restaurants, bars, retailers, and entertainment venues have been hit particularly hard by a sharp and unanticipated drop in traffic and sales. Curb side pick-up is an option that some restaurants and retailers are using to encourage product sales and promote some…
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