Marshalltown downtown vying for $25K grant in national contest
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The Marshalltown Central Business District is one of several Main Streets vying for a $25,000 grant in a national contest and is asking community members to vote.
The grant comes from Independent We Stand, a national small business movement. This is the fourth annual America's Main Streets contest “to help consumers, small business owners and Main Street organizations reward a deserving Main Street with $25,000 in cash and sponsor-related prizes,” according to the organization.
Revitalization and overcoming last year’s EF-3 tornado are listed in the Marshalltown Central Business District’s nomination.
“The preservation of this important historic district in the heart of the city is essential in restoring the unique character of the community, and serves as an anchor for surrounding reinvestment and revitalization,” the nomination reads.
About 95 percent of businesses downtown faced or are facing substantial damage, according to the MCBD, and 15 to 20 buildings were completely destroyed.
“In Marshalltown, there is a renewed sense of pride, of ownership, and collaboration that has not been present for many years,” Marshalltown Mayor Joel Greer said. “Not only will we survive, but give this community three to five years and it will be better than it has been in a very long time.”
Only 5 percent of businesses impacted have closed permanently while the rest are open or finding ways to re-open, according to the business district. Some businesses are also finding a silver lining in restoration efforts by seizing the rare opportunity to do renovations or redevelop how space is used.
"Our Independent We Stand America's Main Streets contest shines a light on the pride business owners and communities take in their Main Streets," said Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle. "We know small businesses on these Main Streets help them thrive and have a measurable economic impact. This contest is a chance to share those stories with people from coast-to-coast."
The first round of voting in the contest began as soon as Marshalltown Central Business District was nominated and runs through April 21. You can vote for Marshalltown online at: https://mainstreetcontest.com/profile/67