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Grant helps a delicious idea expand, despite the pandemic
Bill Schwartz and Jeff Davidson are two self-described “computer geeks” and serial entrepreneurs from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. In the late 1990s, as the internet exploded, they developed an educational [...]
5 reasons strong commercial corridors are critical to rural communities
As the percentage of manufacturing and agricultural jobs in rural America continue to decline, many rural communities, including many in Wisconsin, have been able to reverse negative economic trends [...]
Revitalizing commercial corridors with the Main Street Bounceback Grants Program
The damage the pandemic has wrought in Wisconsin, and on the economy overall, is undeniable. According to Yelp, 60% of the 160,000 business closures registered in the platform in [...]
Improving building codes for Main Street
Many common building renovations in our Main Street communities have become too complicated and expensive for property owners to tackle—in no small part because of the past 100 years of layered building codes.
Reports evaluate community events, unlock improvements
An enormous amount of planning and effort goes into staging a successful community event, and the Wisconsin Main Street staff is available to help evaluate an event’s effectiveness and point the way toward improvements.
Two Wisconsin retailers welcome customers back with style
WEDC makeover winners unveiled new looks in June New looks should pay off for two Wisconsin businesses that went through retail makeovers in June with help from WEDC and [...]
Rural Eau Claire County residents testing SpaceX internet service with help from WEDC
WEDC is assisting Eau Claire County in launching a pilot program to test SpaceX’s Starlink, a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites that can provide high-speed internet in rural areas where broadband is limited or not available.
Entrepreneur perspectives
Wisconsin Main Street hosted its first Downtown Pitch Contest in June, inviting entrepreneurs from more than 100 Main Street and Connect Communities districts to share ideas for business concepts or expansions to meet the needs of local customers, enhance their district, and support and sustain local businesses.
Bring the kids for fun-packed downtown adventures
With its good schools, low crime rates and natural wonders, Wisconsin is a family-friendly place—but still, only a handful of downtowns have what it takes to entertain children and their parents for an afternoon.
Wisconsin history beckons today’s tourists
Wisconsin is blessed with historic buildings, districts and communities. Many communities have embraced this history and made a concerted effort to preserve these irreplaceable treasures, resulting in beautiful historic commercial districts and residential neighborhoods.
Main Street destinations to visit this summer
As Main Street staff members, we are often asked to recommend Wisconsin destinations that are unique, fun and exciting.
Girls’ getaway: Hit the road for relaxation and fun
Wisconsin has many destinations with perfect amenities for a “girls’ getaway” weekend—but only a few that truly offer the whole package.
