8 Main Street Communities Empowered by The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grants

We are proud to announce the eight recipients of our Small Business Accelerator Grant Program, presented in partnership with The Hartford. This $2 million, multi-year initiative supports the launch, growth, or expansion of new and existing small business accelerator spaces in Main Street communities across the country. From shared storefronts and mentorship hubs to subgrants for local small business owners, the program is designed to create more inclusive, resilient local economies. 

“The Small Business Accelerator Grant Program is built on the understanding that small businesses need more than just financial resources. They need a vibrant support system with access to strategic spaces and networks that can help them scale and sustain growth for the long haul,” said Matt Wagner, Chief Innovation Officer. ​“By offering affordable spaces and mentorship, this program provides the critical places small business owners need to overcome barriers, while strengthening the fabric of local economies where it’s most needed.”

Entrepreneurship is a critical pathway to economic opportunity and inclusive wealth-building. However, access to affordable retail space and limited brand awareness are barriers to small business growth, especially for entrepreneurs of color. The Small Business Accelerator Grant Program will help Main Street districts provide important interim space for fostering entrepreneurship, where business owners can showcase their products and services and receive support and mentorship, while building stronger, more resilient local economies.

Over a period of two years from 2025 – 2027, two cycles of grants will be awarded to up to 15 Main Street communities to support the launch, growth, or operation of new and existing small business accelerator sites. Selected grantees may also apply for $50,000 in additional funding to subgrant directly to entrepreneurs and small business owners involved in their accelerator sites. In addition to supporting physical spaces, this program will fund the development of a virtual accelerator to provide training, networking, and mentorship for Main Street small business owners across the country.

New & Expanding Accelerator Grants

Three communities were selected to receive $100,000 grants to launch or expand physical accelerator, incubator, pop-up, or similar spaces in their districts. These grants will enable the development of versatile spaces that empower entrepreneurs to test and scale their ventures, driving business vitality and fueling a locally rooted economic ecosystem.

Downtown Lansing Inc. | Lansing, Mich

Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) will utilize grant funding to launch The Macotta Club, a culinary accelerator housed in the historic Knapp’s Building in Downtown Lansing. This initiative is designed to support 16 different concepts by providing a 36-month accelerator program that includes a shared concept kitchen, business training, and a quality dining experience spanning from breakfast to evenings and weekends. By offering a low-risk environment, The Macotta Club will serve as a launching pad for diverse culinary startups, helping them transition from early-stage businesses to successful ventures primed for expansion into the Mid-Michigan market.

The Macotta Club seeks to foster economic development and inclusivity in Lansing’s culinary scene, cultivating a pipeline of diverse food entrepreneurs who will bring fresh, culturally rich dining options to the Capital City’s landscape. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to grow their business and make a lasting impact on Lansing’s restaurant and hospitality industry, helping shape the future of the city’s food culture in Michigan’s downtown.

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin | Elgin, Ill.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin will use grant funds to launch the Made in Elgin Retail/​Production Incubator program, a hybrid retail and production space that empowers local entrepreneurs to grow from home-based operations and pop-up markets into thriving storefronts. This initiative will provide shared storefront and production space, training programs, and mentorship to emerging business owners through strategic partnerships with small business support organizations.

This project builds on DNA’s long-standing commitment to small business success and entrepreneurial support, offering participants the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a customer-facing environment while receiving the hands-on support needed to scale sustainably. By activating storefronts with customer-focused businesses and drawing more foot traffic downtown, the incubator seeks to strengthen Elgin’s identity as a hub for small business innovation, filling gaps in entrepreneurial support and addressing the community’s call for more unique retail experiences.

Florence Downtown Development Corp | Florence, S.C.

The Florence Downtown Development Corporation (FDDC) will use the grant funding to launch a dynamic two-storefront retail incubator in the heart of Downtown Florence, South Carolina. The incubator aims to support emerging small businesses by offering affordable, flexible retail space with a focus on innovative, niche retailers. This initiative will provide a bridge for entrepreneurs transitioning from online or pop-up operations to physical storefronts, offering them a safe space to test the market while benefiting from wraparound services and local support.

Aligned with Florence Downtown’s strategic vision to revitalize the local commercial landscape, the program will help launch the next generation of retail business owners and help satisfy the increasing demand for a broader variety of retail options. The goal of the program is to prepare successful graduates to take on longer-term leases in newly developed retail spaces, enabling them to grow and sustain their businesses in Downtown Florence.

Operational Support Grants

Three established accelerator sites have been awarded $25,000 grants to strengthen their operational infrastructure and increase their community reach. These funds will support strategic enhancements that improve service delivery, streamline operational efficiency, and increase their ability to serve local entrepreneurs.

Sterling Main Street | Sterling, Ill.

Sterling Main Street will use the grant funding to support the continued development and sustainability of the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, a retail incubator designed to revitalize downtown Sterling. The Shoppes at Grandon Plaza features six compact retail units, each offering an affordable and manageable space for new businesses. With room for future expansion and the addition of food truck accommodations, the plaza is adaptable to evolving market needs and delivers a dynamic and diverse shopping experience.

The primary mission of the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza is to stimulate economic growth in downtown Sterling by lowering the barriers to entry for emerging entrepreneurs. By providing smaller, more affordable retail spaces, the plaza helps new businesses establish themselves and grow, contributing to a bustling commercial environment. The grant will allow Main Street of Sterling to hire additional staff to support tenant recruitment and cover essential operational costs that will provide the stability needed to focus on grassroots growth and community engagement.

Mount Vernon Downtown Association | Mount Vernon, Wash.

The Mount Vernon Downtown Association will utilize grant funding to support the growth of the LIDO Collective, a retail gallery and gift shop that provides local creatives with a platform to showcase and sell their work while helping to revitalize the downtown area. Located at a central intersection in the district, the LIDO transformed a former office space into a vibrant retail space that encourages a creative microenterprise environment. By offering consignment-based sales and valuable market feedback from experienced staff, the LIDO supports local artists and artisans in developing their businesses.

With the grant, the Mount Vernon Downtown Association plans to integrate ecommerce into the LIDO’s business model, providing additional sales opportunities for its creative entrepreneurs. As the LIDO continues to experience steady growth, this funding will help ensure its long-term sustainability and contribute to the ongoing economic growth of downtown Mount Vernon.

Sweet Auburn Works, Inc. | Atlanta, Ga.

Sweet Auburn Works will use the grant funding to support the ongoing operations of the SPARK Retail program, which aims to attract and retain small businesses in the Sweet Auburn district. The program provides small businesses with comprehensive support by helping them navigate the end-to-end process of securing space, affording improvements, and successfully running a retail operation in the neighborhood. By empowering and incentivizing entrepreneurs to establish

themselves in Sweet Auburn, the SPARK Retail program champions a community-driven experience for residents, shoppers, and tourists. The grant will assist in enhancing the SPARK Retail program’s marketing and communications efforts, a key component in addressing the district’s challenge of limited foot traffic. The program has adapted its service delivery to offer more strategic marketing support for both existing and new retailers. With this funding, Sweet Auburn Works will continue to drive visibility, engagement, and overall economic vitality of the Sweet Auburn district.

Sustaining Grants

Two recipients from the previous year’s grant cycle have been awarded $25,000 each to support the continued success and sustainability of their projects. These funds will cover ongoing operations, enhance program capacity, and provide project management resources so that each initiative can thrive long-term and continue making bold economic impact in their communities.

Middlesboro Main Street | Middlesboro, KY

Middlesboro Main Street will use its grant funding to expand its small business accelerator by transforming a nearby outdoor lot next to The Tradesman Artisan Market into a flexible, multi-use space. The neighboring area will host pop-up retail events, outdoor workshops, and cooperative learning opportunities, giving entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products, connect with customers, and grow their brands. By activating this space, the organization aims to boost foot traffic downtown while encouraging small business visibility and engagement.

The grant will also support increased marketing efforts to attract new participants to the accelerator and raise awareness of the expanded offerings. With its next phase, the accelerator will continue helping local entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and contribute to the ongoing economic revitalization of Middlesboro.

Puerto Rican Cultural Center | Chicago, Ill.

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) has made notable progress with the Mercado del Pueblo North Ave Accelerator, creating an impactful space that supports local entrepreneurs and drives business growth in the community. Since opening, the 5,000-square-foot accelerator has supported dozens of entrepreneurs by providing advising, financial literacy resources, and access to shared facilities, all while contributing to the vibrancy of the North Avenue commercial corridor.

Through strategic partnerships and targeted programming, the accelerator has supported the launch of over 25 new businesses, including six new brick-and-mortar establishments along the corridor, all of which contribute to the growth of the local economy. With continued outreach, marketing, and program delivery, The Puerto Rican Cultural Center aims to inspire more entrepreneurs, strengthen community wealth, and drive lasting economic revitalization.