MASON CITY 2020 TOP PROSPECT SURVEY
Main Street Mason City and community partners are taking a proactive approach to planning for the future prosperity of Mason City’s traditional downtown district.
The efforts of Main Street Mason City and its partners, along with investments made by the public and private sectors, are working to heighten the appeal of the district among consumers, investors and entrepreneurs. Moving forward, it will be critical for the community to capitalize upon and leverage these investments and ongoing Main Street Mason City marketing efforts to position the downtown as a local and regional attraction, economic engine, and center for commerce.
Earlier this year hundreds of people chimed in with ideas to help Main Street welcome the community back to Downtown Mason City during the COVID-19 reopening and recovery phases. Now, as recovery efforts progress and because of your help, we’ve been able to identify and profile the types of eating and drinking places and retail establishments that could be prime for expansion and recruitment to serve you better!
Main Street Grants and funding opportunities:
Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant (Annual - deadline in September)
Eligible projects must be within the identified Main Street project area. Only the Main Street organization in participating communities may submit applications on behalf of local projects, properties and businesses. This program requires a dollar for dollar match.
Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business competition (grand prize of $28,000)
Eligible projects must be within the identified Main Street project area. Geared toward new or expanding businesses that fill a gap within the local Main Street District. Only the Main Street organization can submit an application on behalf of local businesses. Competitive applications accepted once a year.
Main Street Mason City Resources:
Business Management and Marketing Consultation
Business Assistance is provided to downtown property owners and tenants as a free service through the IEDA's Main Street Iowa program. The Business Specialist will provide economic development assistance as well as one-on-one business consultations.
Business Assistance Seminars and Workshops
Building Improvement Design Services
Design Assistance is provided to downtown property owners and tenants as a free service through the IEDA's Main Street Iowa program. The Design Specialist will provide design recommendations and develop conceptual renderings for each proposed project.
Blade Signs - Contact Main Street for general questions or advice
Brackets: Contact Ray Quayle (bracket fabricator) 641.421.3620
Signs: Contact LeDoux Signs (641.424.6464) or Johnson Signs (641.423.1487)
Business Relocation Assistance within Downtown District
Available Real Estate (lease or purchase) - *list is subject to change
Additional Educational Resources upon request - webinars, articles, library materials on subjects such as urban revitalization, tax credits, upper floor housing, etc. (source - National Main Street Center, SBA, and IA Source Link)
Partnerships: