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

New Development in Crowd Sourcing

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  New Development   in Crowd Sourcing      Growing Communities are Investing in Their Businesses     Businesses typically need a few things to achieve success.  They need a strong market for their products and services.  They need passion.  They need expertise in their field.  They need logistical support.  They need community support.  And,…

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Experience Based Interaction Leads to Profits

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  Experience Based Interaction   Leads to Profits       No matter your business type, when you can connect with your customers in a unique way, you win.     One of the most interesting parts of modern business is the struggle between consistency and creativity in developing a successful business model.  On the "consistency"…

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How Well Do you Actually Know Emporia?

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  How Well do you   Actually Know Emporia?       A little E-Town Trivia for your Tuesday… Town Crier Bookstore celebrated National Historic Preservation Month in May by putting together a few trivia questions with the help of Brenda Lavington at the Lyon County Research Center. How many can you answer? Answers are at the bottom.…

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Working to Make Things Better

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  Working to Make   Things Better     A Design Team Project and a Business Enhancement Program work to improve Emporia! Successful and positive changes are generally achieved in a three step process. 1. Identify the problem.  2. Plan for a long term solution.  3.  Implement the solution.  The first step is easy…  A…

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Social Media Time Savers

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  Social Media Time Savers        Because no one has time to check everything… There are a ton of social media sites on-line.  I think everyone is aware of that.  What people may not be as familiar with is how quickly people can access their social media profiles through mobile devices, and how important…

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What is your 4th Quarter Plan?

By Casey Woods | July 8, 2014

  What is your 4th   Quarter Plan?         Yes, it's summer, but remember past years when you were overwhelmed? Once we hit mid-August, it seems like businesses blink their eyes and suddenly it's January.  Many of you have great ideas, and you lament at the end of the year that you…

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