AL SPARK Initiative Fuels Small Business Growth in Main Street Alabama Communities

By Kelly Caldwell

Main Street Alabama has launched an exciting initiative called AL Spark, designed to energize and support small businesses in its designated communities across the state. Backed by the Small Business Administration, this program empowers locally driven business development, ensuring communities thrive while preserving their unique character.

“Our magazine works with several Main Street designated communities, and we absolutely love the idea behind AL Spark and what it can do,” said Leisel Caldwell, co-owner of WEDO Media. “Who doesn’t love a good competition? I know WE DO!” 🎉

Among the Main Street Alabama communities that collaborate with Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns magazine are Athens, Enterprise, Eufaula, Gadsden, Oxford, and Wetumpka—all of which have benefited from this new initiative.

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⚡ AL Spark: Fueling Business Growth

AL Spark operates through three key programs:

• Livewire – Business development training and resources to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.

• Illuminate – A marketing grant program that provides local businesses with funding to boost their visibility.

• Bright Ideas – A dynamic business pitch competition that fosters innovation and collaboration. 💡

Recently, Main Street designated communities across Alabama completed their training and were awarded $1,000 grants to help strengthen their businesses.

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✨ Illuminate Grant Recipients

The Illuminate marketing grants were awarded to several businesses within Main Street Alabama communities, including:

Athens

• AMBL Studios

• Athens Alehouse and Cellar

• Broken Brush Art Studio

• Driftwood Dragonfly

• Epiphany Boutique

• Limestone Drug

• Old Black Bear Brewing

• The Southern Throne

• Toodlebugs

• Trinity’s

Enterprise

• The Rawls

• Style ASAP

• Hello Beautiful

• Coffee Corner

• Sixtel Bottle & Growler

Eufaula

• Superior Pecans & Gifts

• Oak and Alley Smoke House

• The Green Hanger

• Cotton and Kudzu

• Red’s Boutique

Gadsden

• Alabama Gift Company

• Back Forty Beer Company

• King’s Olive Oil

• Mater’s Pizza

• The Stone Market

Oxford

• Alfa Insurance – Thomas Shelton Agency

• Edwin Mortgage Team

• The Main Olive

• Ulti-Mutt Bakery

Wetumpka

• Our Place Cafe

• Nick of Thyme

• Oil & Vinegar

• The Shoppes Downtown

• Creed Gym Downtown

• The GAB Salon

• Tiers of Sweetness, LLC

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🏆 Bright Ideas: Regional Finalists

The following businesses from Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns communities will advance to the regional round of the Bright Ideas business pitch competition:

• Athens – Driftwood Dragonfly

• Enterprise – Coffee Corner

• Gadsden – Back Forty Beer Company

• Oxford – Ulti-Mutt Bakery

• Wetumpka – The Shoppes Downtown

Winners at the regional level will advance to the Bright Ideas State Finals, held during Main Street Alabama’s annual state conference in August, for a chance to win an additional $25,000 grant! 💰

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🌟 The Vision Behind AL Spark

Main Street Alabama President & State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating:

“We are absolutely thrilled to introduce AL Spark, igniting Main Street Alabama’s small businesses and entrepreneurs! This vibrant new initiative is dedicated to unlocking the potential of small businesses across our state. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Small Business Administration for the grant, which allows us to uplift businesses in our designated communities and foster a thriving local economy.” 💼

With AL Spark in motion, small businesses across Alabama are gaining the resources, support, and inspiration needed to grow — helping to ensure Main Street communities continue to flourish for years to come. 🌱