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

Vacancy Issues- What Causes Them and What Can We Do About It.

By Casey Woods | March 6, 2024

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

By Jessica Buchholz | February 9, 2024

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!

By Casey Woods | February 2, 2024

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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So WHO are we Marketing to? A new tool to drill down on your exact consumer mix through Emporia Main Street.

By Jessica Buchholz | December 12, 2023

We are always looking for new ways to add value to local businesses and give them a competitive edge. Large corporations have extensive marketing departments that study every element of their consumer market, and market shifts, on a continual basis to create a market advantage. Most small businesses can’t access that type of information in-house.…

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Keep things going during the last month of the year!

By Casey Woods | December 5, 2023

December is upon us, and it is a critical month for many businesses. Keeping your attitude positive and your energy level up is important for customer interactions and your sanity. This newsletter will be about self care, and some strategies that will help keep your focus merry and bright into 2024. Customers want to interact…

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Small Business Saturday!!!!

By Casey Woods | November 22, 2023

At Emporia Main Street, we believe small businesses are a big deal. Supporting our local entrepreneurs isn’t just something we say, it’s something that we do through some very clear actions all year long. We loan dollars to startups and expansions, apply for grants to assist with business and property development, develop systems that allow…

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