Business Enhancement

Our business enhancement programs launch entrepreneurs and help small businesses grow

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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

Organic Leadership

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  Organic Leadership      It's the choice for a new generation   In a recent meeting of Flint Hills Region professionals that were in their 20's and 30's a curious trend started to emerge through table discussions.  Facilitators lamented the "fact" that "fewer people in organizations are doing the majority of the work"…  Individuals disagreed. …

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An Environment for Growth

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  An Environment   for Growth     How can we push the community into a more positive (and sustainable) trajectory?   "I'm pro-growth", "we need to grow", "the only way to fix our problems is to grow"…  With all the "growth" talk floating around, you would think that economists and economic development officials were…

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Does your Business Shine?

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  Does your   business shine?      Implementing lighting strategies can help attract customers, promote services and highlight products.   We have all been to a theatrical performance where a "star" steps towards the front of the stage, the house lights drop and all eyes in the building are drawn to the actor or actress…

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Avoiding Decision Making Paralysis

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  Avoiding Decision   Making Paralysis      Improving your organization starts with direction.   We often are asked if we record feedback from Entrepreneurs starting or expanding a business, and what businesses say "surprises" them about the business process.  Every entrepreneur is different, with varying acumen across the myriad of skills a successful entrepreneur…

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Stress Management for Businesses

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  Stress Management   for Businesses       Because stress happens…   Stress is a topic on most people's mind, but it is still considered a taboo subject for many.  Within a business or organization, some people think they need to adopt a persona of invincibility, while others don't know what to do to manage…

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Bringing it all Together: The 4 Point Approach

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  Bringing it all   Together           Different points provide better results Every business or organization has to ask themselves a series of tough questions to achieve success.  What makes you different?  What makes you special?  How are you different from your competition?  The answers to these questions often make up a large…

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