January 24, 2019 | Community Spotlight: Monticello Bootcamp Program |
For a while, Monticello, Illinois sought to find their place in the new development world. Sitting far enough (20 miles in each direction) from two major university communities, but the largest community in between, this county seat of around 5,700 is home to plenty of talent, multiple tourism destinations, and a beautiful downtown. But it still felt like it was missing something. While any downtown experiences a cyclical ebb and flow of commerce and investment, Monticello seemed to be experiencing a major lull. In 2014, several property ownership transitions led to multiple closures of downtown businesses. When existing businesses and several large buildings were slated to vacate, Monticello leaders decided that a dying downtown will not be their destiny.
After a little divine intervention at the Atlanta National Main Street Conference in 2015, Monticello learned of a program where up-and-coming businesses were encouraged, educated, and incentivized for their efforts. Based upon this, the City Director of Community Development and the Monticello Main Street Executive Director were determined to make the future of downtown Monticello a thriving, invigorating one, and thus – the Monticello Bootcamp program was created.
The Monticello Bootcamp loosely resembles a successful small business development program in Marion, Virginia – a community similar in size to Monticello, with comparable challenges. Based upon the traditional economic gardening concept to grow from talent from the past, present and future – entrepreneurs attend a 5-week program with 15 different components of running a small business, including marketing, accounting, legal setup, and commercial leases – all subjects necessary for completing a business plan. During the last week of the camp, those interested in opening a storefront business within the Monticello City limits are invited to participate in a business plan competition for a chance to win a $5,000 grant towards towards rent/mortgage and/or utility expenses.
The program not only exposes existing entrepreneurs to areas of running a business which they may not be fluent in, but also allows potential business owners to think about which areas they may be lacking in – perhaps delaying a decision until there is a stronger time to jump into the business start-up bath.
After a few rounds under their belt, what happened was completely unexpected and what the community deemed miraculous. A new circle of entrepreneurs was formed who all protect, support, and rely on each other for information and advice. Monticello has been dubbed a “entrepreneurial friendly” community because of its program. The bootcamp is about to begin its eighth round and the interest only seems to be growing.
To date, the program completed seven rounds, with over 150 participants, and six grants awarded. The bootcamp has evolved as an educational tool for all small-business interests, not just those locally. Individuals from eight counties within the region have attended the program. What’s even more exciting is that more eyes are now on downtown Monticello – with over $3M in private investments and 25 new businesses have opened their doors since 2016 in the quaint nine-block downtown.
The Monticello Bootcamp program has been a featured topic at the American Planning Association’s Illinois Chapter conference, the Illinois Municipal League’s annual conference, and at the Midwest Community Development Institute. To learn more, please visit www.monticellobootcamp.com.