History: Make it on Main Street was lunched back in 2018 with a $20,000 cash prize, made possible through the vision and generosity of Paul Pabst. During the final event the judges chose to increase the cash prize to $30,000 and award funding to three winners. 802 Fitness welcomed the community through its doors, and Butter Mountain Bakery was able to move into her own space to expand her wholesale business. While the third winner did not open within the parameters of the competition, 1A Coffee did move forward independently and successfully opened.

In 2024/2025 we proudly hosted our second business plan competition, and this time we raised the stakes with a cash prize of up to $75,000, thanks to Dan Kilmurray and the Wilmington Fund. At the final event an anonymous donor generously contributed an additional donation bringing the total awarded to $110,000 that was awarded to first, second, and third place. Butter Mountain Bakery was once again a recipient, expanding her business to include the purchase of a new oven, hiring her first employees, and expanded the footprint of her bakery. Cherry Press Printmaking opened their doors in our historic downtown offering print classes, workshops, collaborations, and more. While the third winner was unable to open within the parameters of the competition, we wish them continued success.

That now leads us to our third competition here in 2026. We are so grateful to our donors and our sponsors for the endless encouragement and belief in our historic downtown. It is our goal to always support the economic vitality of our downtown and encourage entrepreneurs who want to showcase their passion and build their business here.