ATHENS — It only takes a spark to light a fire and, for some downtown businesses in Athens, a new initiative is designed to light a fire and “illuminate” their marketing efforsts.
Athens Main Street has implemented AL Spark, an initiative of Main Street Alabama that is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration. AL Spark is designed to energize emerging and growing businesses in designated Main Street Alabama communities across the state.
By empowering locally directed business development, officials said the grant program is dedicated to “igniting the potential of small businesses and entrepreneurs in our state, ensuring our communities thrive while maintaining their unique character.”
AL Spark serves Athens through three key programs:
- Livewire offers essential business development and training resources, equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive.
- Illuminate provides valuable business marketing grants, ensuring local businesses shine bright in the marketplace.
- Bright Ideas encourages innovation through a dynamic business pitch competition, fostering creativity and collaboration among community members.
Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson said the Illuminate program exemplifies how Main Street Alabama and its partners foster economic growth and innovation in small business development.
“This grant program is a game-changer for our local businesses,” she said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for these entrepreneurs to elevate their marketing efforts and further engage with our community.”
The following businesses completed the online marketing courses and will receive a marketing grant of $1,000:
- Driftwood Dragonfly – 405 W Washington St.
- Frame Gallery of Athens – 125 N Marion St.
- Frank’s Good Stuff – 414 S Jefferson St.
- House of Colour Athens – 1405 S. Jefferson St.
- Limestone Legends Billiards – 111 S Marion St.
- Rad Rags Boutique – 110 W Green St.
- Ro’s Grille – 126 N Jefferson St.
- Snapdragon Kids – 113 W Washington St.
- That’s SO Art – 110 Market St W.
- The Salty Cod – 309 Market St W.
- The Southern Table – 105 N. Jefferson St.
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Southern Throne Boutique – 16 S Marion St.
- Toodlebugs – 107 E. Market St.
- Trinity’s – 204 W. Market St.
- Wildwood Deli – 113 E. Market St.
“We are absolutely thrilled to introduce AL Spark, igniting Main Street Alabama’s small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Main Street Alabama President & State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth. “This vibrant new initiative is dedicated to igniting the potential of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Alabama.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Small Business Administration for the grant, which enables us to uplift small businesses in our designated cities and foster a vibrant local economy.”
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