Downtown stores could receive up to $10,000 in upgrades in Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation first-ever Main Street Makeover contest

MARSHFIELD — Businesses in downtown Marshfield could receive up to $10,000 in upgrades and marketing assistance in their stores as part of the first ever Main Street Makeover contest held by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).

The contest invites business owners in the Main Street Marshfield community and the 35 other Wisconsin Main Street communities to provide details on how their establishment could benefit from a “makeover” from the WEDC. The winning business will receive personalized technical support and up to$10,000 to implement the changes that could include interior and exterior design improvements and marketing, business planning, and merchandising assistance.

The winning business will be visited by the Main Street team, which will spend several days at the store to implement the improvements. The new downtown storefront will be formally unveiled during a public celebration featuring state and local officials. The winning business also will be featured in a promotional video and will receive statewide media coverage.

The application deadline is March 20, and five finalists will be selected. All finalists will be recognized at the annual Wisconsin Main Street awards dinner in April, and all eligible applicants will receive outreach and technical assistance from WEDC staff to help them achieve their business goals.

“This is a great opportunity for downtown businesses in Marshfield to get the financial assistance and support they need to make changes that will have a true impact on their stores,” said Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “Whether it’s a new facade, an interior redesign, a marketing refresh, or new signage, this is an opportunity to give your business a whole new look.”

“We are very excited that the Wisconsin Main Street Program and WEDC are providing our local businesses with this opportunity” said Main Street Marshfield Executive Director Angie Eloranta. “Main Street Marshfield will be available to help any interested business prepare their application for a chance at this great opportunity. We hope to see a handful of businesses take advantage of this program.”

To enter the contest, businesses should visit InWisconsin.com/MainStreetMakeover and submit an application that includes photos of their existing store; information on the history, operations, and plans for their business; and information on why their business should be selected for this award. A committee of historic and economic development experts will review all applications and announce the finalists and winner in April.