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
Summer Reset: Staff Training Focus for the Summer Months
The Emporia calendar is a little weird this year. We pushed through to May, and then saw a huge Cinco de Mayo/Dynamic Discs Open/La Grind event, followed by graduations, the Flatland Cruisers Car Show, Division II National Track and Field Championships at ESU, and Unbound Gravel activities. There have been visitors and traffic. In the…
Continue Reading >New Incentives to Aid in Building Development
New incentives to aid in redevelopment, and strategies to “right size” buildings Development opportunities are important to the future of the community. Ensuring that existing buildings are utilized can assist in growing a vibrant entrepreneurial class, and can aid in creating housing opportunities that are vital to community success. Incentives that aid in redevelopment can…
Continue Reading >Spring Flowers: A Touch of Color Can Catch the Customer’s Eye!
Customer attraction is complex in a lot of ways. Identifying a target market and finding effective strategies to reach consumers predisposed to your product or service is tough. However, some parts of customer attraction are very simple: people are attracted to color and beauty. During the spring, you have the opportunity to “frame” your front…
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Vacancy Issues- What Causes Them and What Can We Do About It.
Across the nation we have an issue that impacts our communities: vacancies. Vacant homes, vacant commercial properties, vacant sections of buildings, and areas that aren’t utilized in our communities. Vacancies occur everywhere from our biggest cities down to our smallest towns. This week’s article will break down common reasons why vacancies occur, and what we…
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Zig When They Zag. As big companies push automated customer experience, small businesses must embrace the personal touch
Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) were the dominant business stories in 2023. AI will develop an entirely upgraded skill set this year (and for the next several years), and large companies are already adjusting by channeling customer service through AI conduits. McDonalds is testing a completely automated restaurant. Large tech firms are laying off customer facing…
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Show of Hands! The third year of the business pitch event will feature a new location, new concepts, and some new support elements!
Four 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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