Ripon Focuses on Strengthening Local Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ripon, Wis. – As Wall Street struggles, Ripon is taking steps to strengthen Main Street. Proactively pursuing economic development, Ripon Main Street, Inc. is focused on creating a positive business environment that supports business growth and expansion. In an effort to bolster the local economy, Ripon Main Street has several initiatives in place to help strengthen the business base, assist entrepreneurs with opening new businesses, and increase Ripon’s customer base.

Ripon Main Street has teamed up with Ripon College and its Creative Enterprise Center (CEC) to provide free business consulting. Business support services are offered that include creating business plans, conducting market research, and developing financial projections. This service is available for existing as well as potential start-up businesses.

In addition, financial assistance is available through Ripon’s Revolving Loan Fund which provides a dollar for dollar match for each job created. Businesses can receive up to $20,000 for each full time position created. Main Street has also established a Façade Grant Program along with a Downtown Revolving Loan Fund to assist with building renovations. The goal of these programs is to promote the continued use and restoration of buildings located within Ripon’s central business district. Low-interest loans ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 will soon be available.

Ripon continues to plan summer events such as the Village Green Concert Series, Cookie Daze, Maxwell Street, and the Watson Street Farmers Market. New ideas and activities are being developed for the holiday season in an effort to attract new customers. Dickens of a Christmas, the highlight of Ripon’s holiday season, returns for the 19th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

“Main Street takes the economic downturn seriously and is working with the city and other partners to deliver services and produce events,” says Craig Tebon, Ripon’s Downtown Manager. “We urge area residents to continue patronizing area businesses first in an effort to keep money circulating through our local economy which in turn will keep our community vibrant.” Ripon Main Street, Inc. is working to organize a Shop Local campaign to further this effort.

Ripon Main Street, Inc., which leads a volunteer-driven, preservation-based economic development program, is part of a national network of communities using the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Approach to commercial district revitalization. Visit www.downtownripon.com for more information or call the Ripon Main Street office at (920) 748-7466.