Business Enhancement strengthens a community’s existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base. The Main Street program helps sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and recruits compatible new businesses and new economic uses to build a commercial district that responds to today’s consumers’ needs. Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district.

The Business Enhancement Committee organizes recruitment of new businesses, support current businesses, and great initiatives like the Youth Pop-Up Competition and our first ever Main Street Challenge.

Led by Chair William Fuller, the Business Enhancement Committee typically meets at 1:30 on the first Monday of each month.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Marketing Research
• Business Assistance
• Incentive Packages
• Business and Property Development
• Business Recruitment

Main Street Challenge

The Heart of Biddeford, in cooperation with the City of Biddeford and area companies, will be awarding an extraordinary incentive package to these three winning businesses that will open in downtown Biddeford by the 2012 Holiday Season. The package includes six months free rent, a forgivable loan, special bank loan rates, and over $6000 in in-kind services.

Congratulations to:

• Jennifer Thibeau and Wes Rhames’ vegetarian restaurant concept called, “Dahlia’s Delights,”
• Michael Macomber’s used bookstore/cafe by day that turns into a taproom/event space by night called, “Elements,” and
• David and Rebekah Clark’s hand carved wood store called, “Tote Road.”

Read the full press release here: PR Main Street Challenge Winners

Download the complete overview, eligibility, rules, timeline and Main Street Challenge Application here!

Entrepreneur’s Group

Held the second Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the North Dam Mill. Join other business owners or folks interested in starting a business for this monthly educational session. We have held sessions about maximizing your Facebook and other social media, marketing tips, an inspiring talk about leadership. Free and open to all.

Friday, May 11 Storefronts that Sell, with Linda Edgerton. This interactive presentation will present ways for business owners to creatively engage the public and get them in your doors! Retail, restaurants, service businesses and non-profits are welcome! Linda has 15 years of retail management in historic downtowns.