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
Play To Our Small Town Strengths
Play to Our Small Town Strengths A lot of big events are coming up, here are some little things you can do to help… With all of the events happening throughout the year one question remains: How can we make sure all of our visitors have a wonderful experience in…
Continue Reading >Can Customers Picture Your Products?
Can Customers Picture Your Products? As social media continues to change, maybe Instagram is right for you! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in a social media world where you can only use 140 characters (for Twitter), pictures are very…
Continue Reading >
Why is Earth Day Important for Main Street Supporters?
A few surprising facts about environmentalism and preservation Earth Day is today, and I thought it was important to share some very interesting information compiled by the National Main Street Center and other entities concerning the environmental impact of the Main Street approach. Concentrating on small efforts, like individual recycling programs, remain important, but we…
Continue Reading >
What is Emporia’s Market Trade Area?
What is our actual Market Trade Area? Where our shoppers are (mostly) from matters In business, we talk a lot about "the market". Identification of customers, spending, demand and supply within an area is so important that it has its own discipline within schools of business called Marketing. But, when actually…
Continue Reading >Are Your Specials Actually Specials?
A little extra thought can improve the effectiveness of your promotional sales Retailers, bars, restaurants and service businesses often struggle with "specials". Financial incentives through discounting can draw consumers into a business if conducted correctly, but without a plan they can simply decrease your margins without helping your business grow. Too often, business people…
Continue Reading >Business Succession Planning = Business Success!
All good things must come to an end. Whether biology catches up to us, our priorities change or something else happens, all businesses need an "end game". Business Succession can be fairly lucrative, or a financial disaster, depending on planning and your willingness to ask for help. Here are some guidelines to help you plan…
Continue Reading >