Crawfordsville’s Main Street Program hopes to strengthen businesses downtown and lure more to set-up shop.
The organization received a grant of $8,975 from the Montgomery County Community Foundation to do that.
Main Street President Jon Dantzig says the series of presentations and panel discussions were developed based on feedback from downtown business owners.
"Some weren't even members of Main Street at the time, but said if this is the type of thing the program would be doing, they'd join, because they see it as direct benefit to themselves."
He thinks making sure existing businesses succeed will help attract others. The workshop for current businesses is planned for early August.
Dantzig says the city’s downtown is a good place for business with relatively low rent, a variety of available spaces and U.S. 231 bringing traffic.
"The [Athens of Indiana] art gallery, for example, is on 231. So, people come by, see it and stop. While they're here, they might see another interesting business downtown and some restaurants. We can try to make the place into a destination."
The community foundation grant also will pay for some landscaping, and possibly outdoor art, in area parking lots.
Main Street is supported by individual and business member dues and some funding from the city.