We have had several inquiries from communities about planned events for Missouri Main Street Connection’s (MMSC) “Celebrate Preservation Month!” The only answer we can give is that each community has to make its own decision based on the type of event and the date. Some of the earliest events have already been cancelled, but events planned later in the month may still be able to proceed, especially with social distancing. If you plan to visit another community’s event, please call first to make sure the event is still happening.

In the meantime, if you have to cancel, or perhaps your community did not have an event planned in the first place, we would like to encourage you to make plans for a virtual tour or some other online event. Maybe a treasure hunt in the downtown windows or exhibiting historic photos in downtown buildings.  A virtual tour could be of a historic building, your historic district, a museum, or a historic site. Adding narration is a great way to add interest. Perhaps you want to do an architectural scavenger for the whole family to participate while walking the district. It could even be as simple as posting historic photos with a bit of history on your Facebook page. Use these events to help celebrate businesses opening and make customers and residents aware that downtown is open!

So our message is that if you have to cancel, you can shift your ideas and still energize your community about preservation. Use Preservation Month as a tool to begin recovery in your downtown district!   

#MoPlacesMatter

Mornings on Main free webinar will feature small business owners discussing ways to sell online and promote their businesses using social media platforms on Wednesday, April 29. The webinar will begin at 8:30AM and will allow for a question & answer segment from 9:00AM – 9:30AM.

Blue Willow Boutique owner, Stephanie Campbell from Maryville, will share her expertise and adjustments that she has made with her boutique during this difficult time. During this crisis, Blue Willow's sales have remained steady despite having to close their physical location. Blue Willow was established in 2016 with the belief in getting back to basics by supporting local and regional artisans that connect us with the beauty in our worlds. Stephanie's boutique has created a social media presence through live videos, social media posts, and more! 

Bachman's Farm Store owner, Scott Bachman from Chillicothe, will share his experience in launching an online store in March just before the crisis. Bachman's Farm Store markets to the mid-west, but has now created a nation-wide audience. Scott will share his experiences with targeted Facebook campaigns and using Weebly and Square.

Register here: 
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4441573284329621772

MMSC has extended the deadline to submit award nominations for the Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony & Dinner to May 15, 2020. We know that you are in the midst of COVID-19, but Missouri communities still have good news to share!

Winners will be announced at the Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony & Dinner on July 30, 2020. The award nominations are an opportunity for YOU to honor the people, projects, and activities that are outstanding achievements in your community.

Download the nomination from here.

Mornings on Main free webinar will feature small business success stories on Wednesday, April 22. The webinar will begin at 8:30AM and will allow for a question & answer segment from 9:00AM – 9:30AM.

Willow Spring Mercantile's owner, Daphne Bowman from Excelsior Springs will share her expertise and adaptions that she has faced with her bistro and store. Willow Spring Mercantile was established in 2005 and not only sells all Missouri goods in their store, but offers exquisite food from their restaurant. They are a small business champion and leader in downtown Excelsior Springs. 

Genevieve's Home & Handmade owner, Pam Wheeler from Blue Springs will present how she is being creative in her engagement with customers and being resilient in the face of COVID-19. Pam opened her store in 2012 and features modern handmade goods from over 25 local artists. She is a true success story of a small business owner thriving in a downtown business atmosphere.
 
Register here: 
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2494790090673045772

During this unknown time, Main Street's around the country are making adjustments to their marketing campaigns. Now more than ever people are wanting to engage with their communities.

Here are some marketing campaigns, tools, and templates that we have found! To view more, visit our Facebook page.

The services that Missouri Main Street Connection offer are now more important than ever. We are offering the Community Empowerment Grant Workshop virtually as a webinar. You are able to view on a tablet, computer, smartphone, or dial in on your phone to listen to the conversation if your internet access is limited. You can submit questions during the webinar or ahead of time by email to ben@momainstreet.org

What could a 60/40 matching grant do for your historic commercial district? Any Missouri community interested in assistance to establish a Main Street organization or Downtown Revitalization program should attend this workshop. Only 7 grant awards will be available in 2020. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. All potential applicants must attend one Community Empowerment Grant Workshop. The grant workshop will explain the Main Street philosophy of revitalization and demonstrate the grant application criteria, materials, and process. You will hear from a Main Street professional from 12 -1PM. 

This workshop is FREE, but RSVP is required. All materials will be emailed to attendees prior to the webinar beginning.   

May 7  |  10AM - 1PM    Register here.

Missouri Main Street Connection and the National Main Street Center are seeking information from small businesses in Missouri. We want to collect information to help understand the issues and challenges Missouri small businesses are currently facing. Your response will help us to better assist you, guide resources, and provide programming in the future.  

Click here to access the survey.

On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses.

Mornings on Main free webinar will feature a U.S. Small Business Administration Lender Relations Specialist on Wednesday April 8, 2020. The webinar will begin at 8:30AM and will allow for a question & answer segment from 9:00AM - 9:30AM.

There is no need to register ahead of time. 
Please join the webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/298614957

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: (646) 749-3112
Access Code: 298-614-957

COVID-19 Impact on Missouri Small Businesses

Missouri Main Street Connection and the National Main Street Center are seeking information from small businesses in Missouri. We want to collect a little bit more information to help understand the issues and challenges Missouri small businesses are currently facing. Your response will help us to better assist you, guide resources, and provide programming in the future. There are two, short surveys for you to complete.

These surveys work together so it is important that you complete both. Access both surveys here.