.
If you are a member of Alton Main Street, please email [email protected] before registering to receive the discount code for $20 off the price of admission! To learn about all of the benefits, visit www.DowntownAlton.com/Partner
.
State of Illinois Back 2 Business Program
Alton Main Street is a Community Navigator for the State of Illinois pandemic relief programs; business owners who have applied for grants and are in need of updates are encouraged to contact our office for help with the status of your application:
[email protected] / 618-463-1016
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Small Business Hot Topics Series
Presented by Alton Main Street
.
Topic: Producing great DIY videos using only your cell phone!
We have partnered with Megyme Productions on this instructional video that will teach you how to produce great DIY video content for your small business, using only your cell phone!
We also occasionally present in-person workshops for those who would like a deeper dive into Meg’s favorite video editing app. If you would be interested in attending a hands-on session, please email [email protected]
.
.
Topic: Free Marketing Support
.
.
Topic: Creating a Business Canvas
Have you been told you need to “do a canvas” for your new (or existing) company, but you’re not sure what it is or how it can help? Or you’ve been working on yours and you’re not sure you’re getting the most out of the process? Join us for an overview of the key areas of a business model canvas and its more streamlined cousin, the lean canvas. Learn how these powerful one-page tools can be used to give you a framework to test your assumptions, leading to a more efficient business decision-making and planning.
.
Topic: Access to Capital
Click here to view the slide deck
During this session small business owners and budding entrepreneurs will learn sources and criteria for commercial bank and SBA loans, prepare to apply for grants and pitch to angel investors, and receive information on government resources for veteran, woman, and POC-owned businesses.
Presenter: Mary Louise Helbig
Mary Louise Helbig’s career encompasses executive leadership positions in business development for corporations as well as four tech startups. Most recently she was the Executive Director of ITEN, one of the founding Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESO) in the St. Louis region.
.
.
Topic: Accepting Secure Payments
What are small business owners’ options to take payments? Please join us for a deep dive into the Merchant Payments space and options available today.
Nancy Pulizos, 43-year financial industry veteran, partnered with an industry associate from CLOVER, will lead us through options that are available in the small business space today.
We will highlight the offerings available to small businesses and talk through the types of businesses that would benefit from each configuration.
.
The Main Street America team presents a 3-session webinar series focused on helping your business start, or improve, your online presence.
Topic: Marketing Basics for the Digital Age
A successful marketing strategy for your business relies on clearly identified target markets and understanding how your product aligns with their needs and preferences.
Topic: Establishing (or Improving) Your Online Presence
An online presence is no longer just recommended as part of your marketing strategy –it is needed. To be effective, your marketing effort needs to be targeted, coordinated, and the message needs to be consistent on all traditional and digital channels.
Topic: Creative Strategies to Stand Out in a Crowded Cyberspace
People want to communicate and engage with businesses they like – they do not want to “be sold to” all the time. Use the power of storytelling to connect with your existing customers and to attract new ones.