I have found both grants and most other funding sources are restricted to non-commercial use of the space which doesn't align with this plan for economic development in the historical downtown area. Furthermore, most buildings in the historical downtown area are in dire need of major restoration. Banks don't like to fund these sort of projects which means the purchase and restoration must be funded by cash. This is difficult for most small business owners and make starting small businesses unattainable for regular people. What are your suggestions for boosting the downtown economy without grants and loans? I'd like to see local investment rather than non-resident investment whenever possible.

I love this whole page.

I love this. Let's keep Smithville from becoming a place where all you hear is complaints. Celebrating the wins is crucial.

Would this be for existing businesses? How would this goal be implemented fairly?