Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Rural Main Streets

MainStreet of Fremont has been selected as one of 30 communities nationwide, including Puerto Rico, to participate in Main Street America's Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (E3) in Rural Communities Pilot Program, supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, in partnership with Forward Cities. This program aims to engage, activate, and empower entrepreneurial talent in rural communities so that everyone sees themselves reflected on their Main Street. Participants will identify barriers preventing entrepreneurs from starting or growing local businesses and develop action items to address them. 

Along with joining a cohort of national thought leaders and partners, communities will receive a $5,000 seed grant and $1,500 toward professional development certification with the International Economic Development Council. There is also an opportunity for communities to receive additional funding as the program expands.