ELLSWORTH — Heart of Ellsworth, a Maine Downtown Affiliate community that grew out of the Downtown Ellsworth Merchants Association, announces a significant milestone in its mission to enhance the vitality of Ellsworth’s downtown district. The board of directors has decided to apply to be a designated Main Street America Accredited™️ community.
Main Street accreditation offers formal acknowledgment from Main Street America and the Maine Downtown Center. These organizations collaborate to bolster local initiatives aimed at implementing strategies for heritage-driven economic development. Heart of Ellsworth is poised to become one of 1,600 accredited communities nationwide, gaining access to a network that promotes a proven 40-year-old preservation-based approach rooted in place-based economic development. This designation not only provides support and resources but also facilitates informed decision-making across various city departments, fostering close collaboration with business leaders.
As an Affiliate of the Main Street program since 2020, Heart of Ellsworth has used the Main Street Four Point Approach, laying the foundation for this next step. With guidance from the Maine Downtown Center, City of Ellsworth, and elected officials, Heart of Ellsworth has grown and developed as a strong organization, ready for this next phase of growth.
The process of applying for Main Street America Accredited™️ status includes monthly focused committee meetings that are underway, assessing ideal sources of key information about the city and downtown district. The committee will identify priorities for downtown success through a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). This analysis, combined with current City planning initiatives, an asset mapping report completed in 2023, community survey input, and census data, will inform the completion of the application mid-year, with the goal of designation in November.
In preparation for the transition to accreditation, Heart of Ellsworth staff will attend the annual Main Street NOW Conference in Birmingham, Alabama in May. This conference is designed to offer time-tested approaches and new techniques for helping communities thrive.
Upon application submission in the summer and followed by a site visit from MSA, The City of Ellsworth, under the stewardship of Heart of Ellsworth, is on its way to being designated in the fall.
“Ellsworth is excited to join the network of 10 main streets in Maine – Augusta, Bath, Belfast, Biddeford, Brunswick, Gardiner, Rockland, Saco, Skowhegan, and Westbrook,” said Karin Otto Heart of Ellsworth board member and application team co-chair. Otto went on to say “Heart of Ellsworth extends appreciation to all community members, partners, and stakeholders involved in the application process. With Main Street America Accreditation, Heart of Ellsworth will continue fostering a vibrant and inclusive downtown environment for all.”
For further information, please contact:
Cara Romano
Heart of Ellsworth
6 State Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 479 – 5011
Website: Heart of Ellsworth – Becoming a Main Street America Accredited Community
Heart of Ellsworth established in 2017 became an Affiliate Community in 2020 a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the vitality of Ellsworth’s downtown area through historic, community and economic development initiatives. As a leader in downtown revitalization, Heart of Ellsworth works collaboratively to promote growth, sustainability, and cultural richness in the heart of the city.
Why Main Street Accreditation matters to Ellsworth:
Expanded Funding Opportunities: Membership opens additional funding opportunities to support local businesses and nonprofits
across various sectors, prioritizing applicants from member communities.
Investment in Capacity and Knowledge: Membership invests in Heart of Ellsworth’s capacity and knowledge to strengthen leadership
in downtown development, serving as a conduit for technical assistance and funding opportunities.
Economic Opportunity for All: Membership fosters an environment supporting business success and job creation, with free support
accessible for Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Restoration of Public Assets: Membership facilitates the restoration and creation of public assets, enhancing community access
- to art, recreation, and healthy living opportunities.
