Programs & Trainings

Downtown Strong:
Building Resilient Economies

Direct Assistance to Businesses In Need During the Pandemic

Investing Big in Small Business

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, MMSC took action in securing public and private funding to deliver services to local Main Street organizations and their small businesses. The services provided technical assistance and capacity building to create more resilient historic districts.

Program Overview

Missouri Main Street Connection was awarded $552,733 CARES Act Recovery grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to assist Missouri Communities in responding to and recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. This grant was matched by local investment of $157,938 to deliver Main Street economic recovery technical assistance and training which will have a continued impact on Missouri communities.

Through the funding received, Missouri Main Street Connection delivered the Downtown Strong: Building Resilient Economies service-grant to 76 recipients in 20 communities including 16 organizations and 60 businesses. In total almost 200 services were administered with recipients of the Downtown Strong: Building Resilient Economies grant receiving one to six services. Additionally, our staff complied the findings and resources from the 13 consultants we worked with into a Small Business Toolkit.

The services that were delivered to grant recipients were more flexible than originally designed as following the pandemic needs were often changing quickly. Our consultants did a fantastic job at adapting the service they were delivering to meet the needs of each individual businesses or Main Street program’s needs.

MMSC Awarded Grant

Missouri Main Street Connection unveiled this opportunity in April of 2021.

MMSC Served 20

Check out where this grant’s services were delivered.

Program Resources

To be resilient for any economic conditions, Missouri’s business and historic districts must be ready to adapt by investing in the development of their business and/or organization. This involves reviewing procedures, updating or creating an online website, and more. Utilize the findings and resources prepared through this grant to take your business and/or Main Street to the next level with this free downloadable Small Business Toolkit.

View the Small
Business
Toolkit

Past Downtown Strong Grant Updates

September 28, 2023 – Lessons Learned – Reflections From The Other Side

May 30, 2023 – A Fresh Perspective on Carthage

April 27, 2023 – Mississippi Mutts and a “Pawsatively” Perfect Strategy

March 1, 2023 – MoMo’s Favorite Treats – Sweet Dreams Coming True

Downtown Strong: Building Resilient Economies Photo Gallery

The services highlighted on this page were prepared by Missouri Main Street Connection, Inc. using Federal funds under award 05-79-06056 from Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Downtown Strong:Building Resilient Economies