What is MainStreet?
MainStreet is a regional small business assistance program focused on minimizing potential impacts to businesses located along RTA roadway improvement projects. This program is available to any business that is located within a quarter mile of the construction zone and that wants to participate.
How much will these services cost?
Nothing… services are free to businesses in the established construction zone.
How will I know if I need or can benefit from business assistance?
Talk directly with one of our MainStreet independent consultants. They understand that road c can result in significant effects on businesses, most notably the potential loss of revenue Our team has many years of direct experience on what to expect during road construction projects and more importantly how we can help.
How much time can the consultant spend working with me?
Every business, project or situation is unique, so we look at factors when determining how much time a business may require and how you may benefit from our program. Some of these factors include:
1. Potential construction impacts (i.e., related to the project’s size, scope, schedule and duration)
2. Business proximity to planned construction activities
3. Type of business (i.e., retail, dining, service, office, manufacturing, trades, non-profit, etc.)
4. Nature of business (i.e., destination, convenience, competitors or substitute products /services, etc.)
5. Business access (i.e., pre, during and post construction)
6. Longevity at current location (i.e., start-up, established, franchise, multiple locations, etc.)
7. Acquisition or relocation requirements imposed by the municipality
8. Other factors (i.e., company size, sales volume, profitability, growth rate, opportunities, economic conditions, etc.).
What services are provided?
1. Facilitation of general communications and/or providing specific information to businesses in the construction zone
2. Point-of-contact (i.e., ombudsman) for business issues related to the project
3. One-on-one consulting services
What services ARE NOT provided?
1. Compensation (i.e., reimbursement of lost revenue, advertising costs, marketing budgets, etc.)
2. Tax deferment or exemptions (i.e., property, sales or income tax)
3. Property acquisition and relocation (municipalities provide these services)
Who is eligible to receive these services?
All businesses located within a quarter mile zone of RTA-funded transportation projects are eligible. Businesses outside this zone may contact us for special consideration of services if they believe they will be impacted.
Who are typical participants?
Owners and managers of small businesses and professional services are typical participants. e also have assisted not-for-profit entities such as private schools, churches, charity foundations, business associations and chambers of commerce.
What is involved in the consulting process?
An independent consultant, on contract with MainStreet, will meet with you to discuss your anticipated business needs. For many businesses, this may be as simple as receiving timely project updates, traffic control plans and other communications. For others, this may include detailed construction readiness plans tailored to specific needs. Some businesses also may want a complete business assessment of their operations, resulting in recommendations additional free consulting services and deliverables. Finally, the participating business will be asked to give autonomous feedback about the services provided and about the program overall.
Will sensitive business information remain confidential?
Yes, only basic contact information is included in our outreach database. Information pertaining to your specific operations will be given at your discretion and confidentially maintained between you and the independent MainStreet consultant.
Why do you want my e-mail?
Whether or not you provide your e-mail is optional. However, e-mail has proven to be the quickest, most effective and least costly method to disseminate project information. We ask for e-mail addresses because municipalities frequently use e-mail to provide project updates and other types of communication in an attempt to better serve the business community.
What if we are required to relocate because of the project?
We understand that if you are required to relocate as part of a municipality’s project plan this can have significant impacts on your business. MainStreet increased business consulting services both pre and post relocation in these special cases
What results can be expected?
In general, the better prepared a business is before heading into a road improvement project, the greater the chance for success. MainStreet can provide the tools and services that have historically worked. However, the level of success that a business experiences depends on factors including working with an independent MainStreet consultant, maintaining a “can do” attitude, and being determined to plan and implement a variety of mitigation strategies. In other words, we believe that it is far better to be proactive than to be reactive.
What can I do next?
To learn more about the program or to begin working with the MainStreet team, please call (520) 838-4352. We are here to help!