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ATHENS,-Athens Main Street is thrilled to introduce its implementation of AL Spark, an exciting initiative of Main Street Alabama, supported by the 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, this new marketing 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 (business development), Illuminate (marketing grants), and Bright Ideas (business pitch competition).
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. Finally, Bright Ideas encourages innovation through a dynamic business pitch competition, fostering creativity and collaboration among community members.
The following businesses completed the online marketing courses and will receive an AL Spark Illuminate marketing grant of $1,000, thanks to the resources provided by Main Street Alabama and the Small Business Administration:
The 15 grant recipients from Athens are:
- Driftwood Dragonfly – 405 W Washington St, Athens, AL 35611
- Frame Gallery of Athens – 125 N Marion St, Athens, AL 35611
- Frank’s Good Stuff – 414 S Jefferson St, Athens, AL 35611
- House of Colour Athens – 1405 S. Jefferson St. Suite A Athens AL 35611
- Limestone Legends Billiards – 111 S Marion St, Athens, AL 35611
- Rad Rags Boutique – 110 W Green St, Athens, AL 35611
- Ro’s Grille – 126 N Jefferson St, Athens, AL 35611
- Snapdragon Kids – 113 W Washington St, Athens, AL 35611
- That’s SO Art – 110 Market St W, Athens, AL 35611
- The Salty Cod – 309 Market St W, Athens, AL 35611
- The Southern Table – 105 N. Jefferson Street Athens, Al 35611
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Southern Throne Boutique – 16 S Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611
- Toodlebugs – 107 E. Market St, Athens, AL 35611
- Trinity’s – 204 W. Market St, Athens, AL 35611
- Wildwood Deli – 113 E. Market St, Athens, AL 35611
“This grant program is a game-changer for our local businesses,” said Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson. “It’s an incredible opportunity for these entrepreneurs to elevate their marketing efforts and further engage with our community.”
Richardson says the ILLUMINATE program exemplifies how Main Street Alabama and its partners foster economic growth and innovation in small business development.
Main Street Alabama President & State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth echoes her excitement for the program and says, “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce AL Spark, Igniting Main Street Alabama’s Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs! 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.”
Media Release/Athens Main Street
