Main Street Challenge

MSC Update

Nearly 60 applications were submitted for the Main Street Challenge, and our selection committee selected 19 to advance to the semifinal round. These 19 finalists are expected to submit more detailed, formal business plans, which will be reviewed by the selection committee. The goal is to select about six finalists, each of whom will make an in-person presentation to the selection committee and answer more questions. From that group of six, the selection committee will pick the three winnners of the Main Street Challenge, sometime in May.

Spartanburg - Always innovative.

This is not your average economic recruitment program. Of course, this is not your average city.

This is the Main Street Challenge, an entrepreneurial start-up competition that may make your business dreams become a reality. Whether you have a new business idea, are an existing business or franchise, or even a local business ready to add a new business component, the Main Street Challenge can be the opportunity that kickstarts your business. The Main Street Challenge will help up to three entrepreneurs open new businesses along one of six storefronts on East Main Street in downtown Spartanburg. If your business concept is chosen, you will receive a cash incentive of $12,000 provided by the City to be used as rent assistance. Additional in-kind incentives — such as marketing assistance, printing, accounting, tax preparation, etc. — will be provided to each winner by local businesses who want to help make your opening easier. The selection process will include several phases, with six finalists ultimately presenting detailed business plans to the selection committee, and the winners must agree to sign a three-year lease for occupancy and operation of their business.

Please contact a member of our Economic Development team anytime if you would like more information about the Main Street Challenge or other opportunities in Spartanburg.