ABOUT US
The Main Street program was initiated in Beaufort in 1985 and was created as a non-profit partner with the City of Beaufort. The program has contracted with the City of Beaufort for more than 30 years to perform services directly related to downtown redevelopment, such as promotion and advertising, business retention and recruitment, and design assistance, to name a few.
In 1989, Main Street Beaufort, USA absorbed the Merchant Committee, which had existed since the 1970s. The merger created a unified voice for small business owners in the downtown district while in turn strengthening Main Streets membership base. The former Downtown Association Board became Main Streets Promotion Committee, a group which continues to direct and coordinate special events, promotions, advertising and cooperative programs for merchants.
Main Street Beaufort, USA, is an official South Carolina Main Street community and is certified by Main Street South Carolina and the National Main Street Center, a non-profit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Main Street Beaufort, USA, is celebrating more than 30 years of downtown revitalization. The organization has been named a semi-finalist in the National Main Street Center’s Great American Main Street award in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM
The Main Street program was initiated in Beaufort in 1985 and was created as a non-profit partner with the City of Beaufort. The program has contracted with the City of Beaufort for 30 years to perform services directly related to downtown redevelopment, such as promotion and advertising, business retention and recruitment, and design assistance, to name a few.
In 1989, Main Street Beaufort, USA absorbed the Merchant Committee, which had existed since the 1970s. The merger created a unified voice for small business owners in the downtown district while in turn strengthening Main Streets membership base. The former Downtown Association Board became Main Streets Promotion Committee, a group which continues to direct and coordinate special events, promotions, advertising and cooperative programs for merchants.
Main Street Beaufort, USA, is an official South Carolina Main Street community and is certified by Main Street South Carolina and the National Main Street Center, a non-profit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Main Street Beaufort, USA, is celebrating more than 30 years of downtown revitalization June 24, 2015. The organization has been named a semi-finalist in the National Main Street Center’s Great American Main Street award in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
4 POINT APPROACH
Beaufort’s successful Main Street program is based on the comprehensive Main Street Four-Point Approach to Downtown Revitalization, developed by the National Main Street Center, a non-profit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This strategy has generated a revived sense of place in historic downtown Beaufort and combines the following elements:
- Design
- Organization
- Promotion
- Economic Restructuring “Business Development”
These Four Points represent the Standing Committees that make up Main Street Beaufort, USA. Along with the leadership of the Board of Directors, the Standing Committees are comprised of downtown stakeholders including business and property owners, employees, residents and community leaders.
Each Committee is responsible for setting an agenda, which is influenced by the Boards annual strategic planning workshop. Throughout the year, the Committees work to develop, research, implement and evaluate projects and activities that help strengthen the History, Culture & Commerce of historic downtown Beaufort.
Become a Friend of Main Street
Being a friend of Main Street Beaufort means one is supportive of the revitalization of our downtown historic district. We appreciate all of our supporters and your money is well spent in our efforts to make downtown Beaufort a wonderful place to dine, shop, stay, and play. If you’re interested in being a ‘Friend’ member of Main Street Beaufort, simply click the link below.
Become a friend of Main Street Beaufort
There are other ways to support Main Street Beaufort as well.
Volunteer for an event or special project. If you are interested in volunteering at one of our festivals, serving on a committee, or simply helping in the office during busy times just email [email protected] and let us know your interest. We’d be happy to have you.
You can also become our friend on FACEBOOK and find out about all of the happenings in downtown Beaufort. Simply tap the button below…
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Events Analysis Team
MSB is taking a look at all of our events. With one staff person, we rely heavily on volunteers to produce more than a dozen events each year. Classifying events under categories like: Festivals, Community/Goodwill Events, and Business Oriented Events will help decide which category is lacking and what events should be added, changed, or removed.
Advertising Team
We began this fiscal year applying for Accommodation Tax Grant dollars from the City and County. Once awards are received, this team will prioritize our original wish list for our of market advertising and begin a local advertising strategy.
Wayfinding Signage Phase II
Wayfinding signage was installed in the fall of 2015 and we couldn’t be happier. The community was so excited, ideas and requests for additional signs and placement on signs are already coming in. This team will discuss a timeline and guidelines to update exist-ing signs and explore opportunities to
fund Phase II.
2015 Retail Market Analysis
The Board of Directors of Main Street Beaufort, USA, recently commissioned a Retail Market Analysis for Downtown Beaufort in the summer of 2014. The analysis also includes strategies that will guide the organization’s work plan for the next few years. The report has 2 components. The first report includes findings on the analysis including zip code surveys, online consumer surveys, roundtable and one-on-one interview sessions, and data derived from various sources, including Claritas Site Reports, the US Census Bureau, and the Urban Land Institute. The second report is a series of strategies and recommendations based on stakeholder input and the retail market analysis processes.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Being a small business owner has its perks and challenges. The links below address a number of needs of small business owners including accounting, marketing, merchandising, information technology, safety and fraud, employee management and relations and overall good business practice.
Beaufort Police Department
http://www.cityofbeaufort.org/189/Police-Department
Information regarding crime prevention, court instructions or general community policing issues.
City of Beaufort
http://www.cityofbeaufort.org/
Visit this site to access various City departments including Codes Enforcement, Courts, Finance, Fire, Planning, Police and Public Works.
National Main Street Center
https://www.mainstreet.org/home
Property owners can take advantage of the Building Opportunities Network, an online information exchange to redevelop vacant historic properties. Business owners can utilize numerous resources in the Business Card Listings.
Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov
Maintaining and strengthening the nations economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.
State of South Carolina
www.sc.gov
A comprehensive site with links to various state departments and agencies, as well as legislation and state laws.
South Carolina Department of Revenue
https://dor.sc.gov/
This resource provides resources such as state taxes, downloadable forms and documents, refunds, codes and regulations, tax policies, workshops and publications.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
www.sled.state.sc.us
This site provides assistance and information on criminal record checks, community services, crime reporting, homeland security and other law enforcement resources.
South Carolina Department of Commerce
http://sccommerce.com/
Learn more about business incentives, workforce training, site availability, market access and international business trade.
