Main Street Initiative

A grant program designed to help small businesses grow and sustain their operations while making positive community impact and supporting retirement savings.

Geographic Scope:

• Primary markets: St. Louis, MO; Kansas City, MO; Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; Birmingham, AL; Baltimore, MD; Milwaukee, WI
• Other metropolitan markets also considered
• Preference for businesses located in historic main streets, downtown areas, or commercial districts

Business Focus Areas:

• Access to Healthy Food (food stores, green grocers, farmers markets)
• Access to Physical Fitness (gyms, bike shops, recreation suppliers)
• Access to Healthcare (drug stores, community clinics)
• Access to Arts and Culture (bookstores, art supply stores)
• Access to Sustainability and Clean Energy (eco-friendly product stores, clean energy providers)
• Other community health and well-being initiatives

Eligibility Requirements

Business Requirements:

• Age: Business owner must be 18 years or older
• Independence: Independently owned, not a franchise
• Business Status: In good standing (certificate of good standing, current with taxes, has EIN, not under investigation)
• Operating History: Minimum 3 years in operation
• Employees: 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
• Entity Type: For-profit entity (not non-profit)
• Revenue: Annual revenue between $100,000 - $5,000,000
• Location: Not home-based, online/virtual, or in shopping mall; location in historic main street, downtown, or commercial district preferred; storefront preferred
• Community Impact: Products/services make positive impact on community health and well-being

Fund Allocation

Grants must be allocated across three focus areas:

1. Grow and Sustain Your Business: $5,000 - $15,000 minimum/maximum for business development and/or greening initiatives
2. Impact Your Community: Minimum $5,000 for community health and well-being initiatives
3. Support Your Retirement: May use funds for retirement savings initiatives (establishing/maintaining retirement plans, financial education materials/programs)

Program Requirements

• Time Commitment: 4-7 hours per month over 6-month program period
• Engagement: Active participation with program team and specialists
• Meetings: In-person, remote, or hybrid format
• Reporting: Progress and outcomes reporting required
• Resources: Access to business development resources, specialists, and support services

Contact Information

• Email: mainstreet@newleaffund.com

Partners

• Small Business Empowerment Center (SBEC)
• New Leaf Climate Partners
• Edward Jones & Co., L.P.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) resource partner: Small Business Development Center

Application Process

The application is a multi-step online form with the following sections:

1. About You - Personal information
2. Eligibility - Verification of eligibility requirements
3. Business Information - Company details and metrics
4. More Info & Project Plan - Detailed questions about business and fund use
5. Agree & Sign - Legal consent and agreements
6. Review & Submit - Final review and submission

Required Materials and Information

Personal Information:

• Full name
• Company name
• Email address
• Primary phone number
• Mobile number (optional)

Eligibility Verification (Yes/No confirmations):

• Age 18 or older
• Independently owned (not franchise)
• Business in good standing
• Minimum 3 years operation
• 50 or fewer FTE employees
• For-profit entity
• Annual revenue $100K-$5M
• Non-home-based, non-virtual location
• Positive community health/well-being impact

Business Information:

• Company name and ownership structure
• Number of owners
• Website (with https:// or http://)
• Title/position/role
• Business email and phone
• Organization type (C-Corp, LLC, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, S-Corp)
• NAICS Code
• Business focus area selection
• Date established
• Number of full-time and part-time employees
• Retail storefront details
• Metropolitan market location
• Business location type (historic main street, downtown, commercial district, other)
• Building ownership status (owned or leased)
• Full business address
• Ownership certifications (Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned, LGBTQ+, SDB status, etc.) with certification dates
• Business metrics:
  • Number of customers in past year
  • Revenue for prior three fiscal years (2022-2024) and…