Main Street South Carolina recognized Uptown Greenwood with the Main Street Award for Outstanding Business Development Program.
The award honors projects that support and enhance business-friendly environments in Main Street communities, supporting a thriving market of diverse and locally owned establishments.
Aiming to encourage exterior improvements of commercial properties and improve the overall vibrancy of the community’s business districts, the City of Greenwood partnered with Uptown Greenwood to provide both façade grants and digital marketing grants, all using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The program offered 10 competitive façade grants of $5,000 each, evaluated according to the potential for increasing property values, the potential for finding new uses for vacant buildings; reducing blight; the track record of businesses; the impact on the neighborhood; a signed lease from a viable tenant; and economic development potential, such as job creation. The 10 digital marketing grants of $2,500 helped businesses seeking to improve their digital presentation, as pandemic disruptions revealed digital presence shortcomings in business websites, online advertising and social media.
Many grant recipients who came to question whether their business should continue during the pandemic expressed appreciation for the support from the city and a newfound passion for their enterprises.
“Uptown Greenwood put together an excellent plan working with the city to strategically improve the look of Uptown Greenwood and support its businesses. Improving the appearance of a commercial district can have a transformational impact, and this project is a great example of that process in action,” said Jenny Boulware, Main Street SC manager.
Main Street SC is a program of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. It empowers residents, business owners and local officials with the knowledge, skills, tools and organizational structure necessary to revitalize their downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts into vibrant centers of commerce and community.
Main Street SC follows the National Main Street’s Four Point Approach – economic vitality, design, promotion and organization. Each year, Main Street South Carolina recognizes members’ achievements and successes in downtown revitalization. For more information, visit the Municipal Association’s website at www.masc.sc (keyword: Main Street).
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