HARTFORD – The Connecticut Main Street Center has selected teams from Bethel, Bridgeport, East Hartford, and Enfield for its 2025 Main Street Accelerator Cohort.
During the virtual, six-month program, team members will learn the nationally proven Four Point Approach to Main Street Management while they collaborate on applying it to a specific challenge their respective communities are facing.
The teams and their projects represent a diverse array of Connecticut towns and cities:
- Bethel– Local business organizations and downtown business owners will work together to boost brand awareness and attract commerce and tourism in downtown Bethel. The team will also focus on developing a process for business owners to support each other on future projects.
- Bridgeport– The Downtown Special Services District is teaming up with Groundwork Bridgeport, the City’s Office of Planning & Economic Development and the Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem in support of downtown businesses that complement the neighborhood’s identity.
- East Hartford– The team comprised of City, art, and economic development representatives will work on a coordinated cultural plan for Downtown East Hartford, focusing on identifying current cultural assets and opportunities for arts programming that supports long-term cultural and economic development.
- Enfield– Members from town government will join with community members to focus on starting a nonprofit main street group and creating an organized marketing plan for signage and banners.
“After seeing how thoughtfully and enthusiastically our inaugural class approached the curriculum, I’m looking forward to the continued high standard our 2025 Cohort are sure to bring. Their ideas and desire to help their main streets are a terrific reflection of their commitment and we’re looking forward to digging in,” said Kristen Lopez, CMSC’s senior director of programs.
Applicants were asked to identify a team of at least three people who can directly impact their identified challenge. Beginning in January, team members will attend a six-month curriculum of virtual classes featuring guest speakers and content provided by organizations such as Sustainable CT and Preservation Connecticut, coaching calls, and group assignments.
In addition to learning strategic approaches for downtown development and Main Street management, Main Street Accelerator participants will apply what they learn to their specific challenge. Those who successfully complete the course may also qualify for grant funding from CMSC to undertake their identified project.
To date, CMSC has awarded $15,000 in grant funds to three Main Street Accelerator teams from Georgetown, Norwich, and Thomaston.
“Through Accelerator, the teams learn and practice the Four Point Approach while collaborating with like-minded peers from other Connecticut communities,” said Michelle McCabe, CMSC’s executive director. “It’s wonderful to see the comradery that develops as much as the skills and action plans.”
