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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

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Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

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People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

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Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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December 22, 2020 | HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Spotlighting BuzzBomb Brewing |

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BuzzBomb Brewing Company's outside space in Springfield's open street initiative. Photo credit: Josh Flanders

BuzzBomb Brewing Company: Springfield, Illinois

Owner: Josh Flanders

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your small business.
Partners Josh Flanders, Benjie Gines, and Bill Larson had been avid homebrewers for years when they took their beers to a local festival in 2016. The reception from the public there was so good that with the help of the Small Business Development Center by the end of 2016 financing had been secured, a location purchased, and the journey begun. The partners spent the next 14 months renovating and remodeling a building in downtown Springfield into a production microbrewery with a two-story taproom. Since then, they have continued to add features and bring more excitement to downtown Springfield including Trivia nights, live music, comedy, and more.

How has your business been impacted by COVID-19?
The pandemic has hit us hard, as the bulk of our income has and continues to come through our taproom. Being both a bar and a music venue we're in two of the hardest hit industries. Since March we've operated in a reduced capacity. Our income has been down while our expenses have been up due to costs associated with cleaning supplies, outdoor seating, tents, heaters and propane, purchasing a new canning machine, and a significant increase in labor (for managing and cleaning expanded outdoor seating).

How are you using the grant funds, and how will they help your business?
Grant funds were used for the down payment to purchase a new canning machine. Thanks to the canning machine, we were able to increase our distribution and sell our beer ourselves, either as carryout or delivery, as well as sell it to stores so that we can diversity our income and make more money outside of our taproom. Distribution is the larger money maker over the long-term, so this is a really big step in that direction and will help grow our business not just now but in the future.

Are there any other ways you've pivoted your business in response to the pandemic?
The biggest pivot has been our expansion into distribution, which this grant has greatly facilitated. In addition to that we’ve added carry out and delivery, which we didn’t previously have. Also, while we’re not able to sell beer online, we have done some virtual happy hours and other online events to keep people engaged and hopefully supporting us during shutdown times.

What advice would you give to small business owners who are struggling right now?
This is a harder question to answer than it would have been a month ago. With winter approaching and COVID cases running rampant the immediate future looks dark. Our best advice is to be creative, keep your eye out for any possible help (e.g. our local utilities are making accommodations for small businesses around here), and utilize your social media to get as many people to support local as you can. Small businesses are the beating heart of Main Street and we’re only going to make it together.

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View more spotlights of the first round of recipients for the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program.