Design improvements result in a reinvestment of private and public dollars into the downtown. Economic Restructuring involves analyzing current market forces to develop long-term solutions. Recruiting new businesses, creatively converting unused space for new uses, and sharpening the competitiveness of Main Street's traditional merchants are examples of economic restructuring activities. Promotion creates excitement downtown. Street festivals, parades, retail events, and image development campaigns are some of the ways Main Street encourages consumer traffic in the downtown.
Promotion involves marketing an enticing image to shoppers, investors, and visitors.
The Wisconsin Main Street Program, the National Main Street Center, and private consultants spend more than 80 days in each new community during the start-up phase. Other benefits are an annual awards ceremony, cooperative marketing opportunities, and an extensive library of slides, videos, and printed materials. In addition, scholarships are available for local Main Street program directors to attend the National Town Meeting on Main Street. Application Information Application Workshops Communities interested in applying to the Wisconsin Main Street Program are required to send at least one representative to a workshop. Communities are strongly encouraged to send more than one representative.