The communities of Harrison and Mountain Home, Arkansas, are set to receive a boost in their downtown revitalization efforts and support for the small business community, thanks to a Rural Business Development Grant secured by the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District through the USDA Rural Development. Collaborating with community leaders from Mountain Home and Harrison, Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies, will spearhead the development of a comprehensive five-year action plan for the downtown area and offer valuable training opportunities for downtown small business owners.
“Our goal is to cultivate a downtown area that embodies the spirit of Mountain Home and creates a place for economic vitality. With the support and expertise of Downtown Strategies, we are eager to start the journey towards growth and revitalization,” said Mayor Hillrey Adams of Mountain Home.
Chelsey Weaver, Community Development Coordinator at NWAEDD, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We look forward to collaborating with the leaders from both Harrison and Mountain Home and the Downtown Strategies team to revitalize the heart of these communities. Downtown rejuvenation plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, and we believe that this partnership will contribute significantly to that goal.”
This partnership will deliver a customized five-year downtown revitalization plan and quarterly training for local small businesses. The plan focuses on five key areas: market analysis, policy and administration, design, tourism and promotion, and economic vitality, aiming to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the small businesses within downtown.
