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Main Street was first developed in the last quarter of the nineteenth century as the commercial, financial, institutional and cultural center of the City. Two historic districts and several significant structures in the Main street Area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In recognition of Main Street's cultural and historical importance, the Main Street 2000 Corporation, now doing business as Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative, was formed in 1989. The Corporation's mission is to preserve the historic integrity and charm of the area, and to fully develop its potential for commercial activity and tourism, by attracting new businesses, retaining existing business, and rehabilitating Main Street's historic infrastructure. To date, nearly $3 million in City, State and federal funds have been allocated for public improvement projects in the Main Street Area. Several building facades have been restored, parking lots have been reconstructed and landscaped, and a scenic river overlook and canoe launch have been developed at River Island Park (November 1993). The City is in the process of reconstructing Main Street from Market Square to Depot Square. This reconstruction project enabled the conversion of Main street from one-way to two-way traffic, and included the installation of new sidewalks, period lighting and appropriate landscaping. In addition, the development of a Visitor Center and Labor History Museum in the former First Woonsocket Rubber Company building at Market Square, and the historic rehabilitation of the Stadium Theatre at Monument Square are two of the major projects that have been completed. Main Street is once again functioning as the cultural center of Woonsocket and the surrounding Northern Rhode Island Region. Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative's staff is dedicated to the recruitment, development and promotion of Main Street. We're are looking for and are here to serve serious, hard-working, family-oriented businesses. Minority and start-up businesses are welcome. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Main Street offers affordable, visible space suitable for micro enterprises. The Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative offers extra assistance to these businesses with five or fewer employees (one or more of which owns the business). Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative helps businesses:
Matchmaker Program Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative will help to find space and identify sources of financing as follows: Space - assistance in locating the retail and office space to meet the requirements and budget of the business. The Corporation maintains a database of vacant space and will act as the liaison with the property owner. Financing - will review the financial requirements of the business and will match their needs to the appropriate funding source. In the event that the business is unable to borrow money the Corporation will refer the business to the appropriate source (SCORE, SBDC, SBA, MBIC, etc..,) Financial packaging - will review business loan applications, help the business assemble required information, help secure and review a personal or business credit history. Marketing and Image Improvement Program Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative offers a comprehensive marketing and image improvement program which can include a 50% grant to purchase a sign. The objective of the program is to improve and expand the market appeal of Main Street businesses to potential customers and to improve the overall image and appeal of Main Street at the same time. Technical Assistance Program In addition to the above services the Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative offers general support and referral services for business plan development, product diversification, expansion, marketing, management techniques, assistance in identifying and complying with State, local and federal licensing, permitting, zoning, and other regulatory requirements. CALL 765-2000 OR E-MAIL mainst2000@woonsocketri.org FOR ASSISTANCE
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