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
How to Boost Sales 10%+
One simple thing that can boost your sales by 10% or more… Train yourself and your staff to stand out in the mind of the consumer Most people have a routine every day. We get up, we go to work, we eat, we sleep… The same…
Continue Reading >You Need Positive Exposure for your Business, but Where do you Start?
During a recent Kansas Main Street, Inc. Quarterly Training, the subject of business exposure was talked about extensively. Why? With mass media the amount of exposure a business needs to make a lasting connection with a consumer has increased substantially. Just twenty years ago, if you make three or four solid contacts with a…
Continue Reading >Why Shop Local
The Real Reasons Your Spending Matters We usually hear what we “should do” from a variety of different people every day. One of the “should do” categories we hear about all year long, but especially during the Christmas season, centers around shopping locally. Rarely do you hear the “why” beyond the shopping habits request. We know “just do…
Continue Reading >The Final Countdown
The Final Countdown As Christmas approaches, store owners (and employees) get tired (and cranky)… Here are a few tips to make that final push to Christmas! Extended hours, more customers, less natural light, colder weather and less "outdoor time" starts to take its toll on business managers and employees as Christmas…
Continue Reading >The Type of Change No One Wants to Talk About
The Type of Change No One Wants to Talk About Substance Over Style I received an e-mail from a local acquaintance that talked about business trends in 2014. The list wasn't so much about "trends" as it was about responsibilities businesses have in their quest to become better…
Continue Reading >New Spins on Traditional Promotions
New Spins on Traditional Promotions Draw new people to your business destination Looking to the past for ideas that can be updated for the present is a solid promotional tactic. Identifying current promotions that can partner with store fronts is another way we can develop new…
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