On Tuesday, May 2, 2017, the City of Gaffney will reveal the three businesses slated to open in Gaffney’s historic downtown.
The City launched its Main Street Challenge in January this year. Two teams of volunteers were formed to assist with the process; the benefits team to gather in-kind services from area businesses, and a panel of seven corporate leaders to score the applications. This panel of judges carefully combed through the applications, resulting in fourteen potential businesses advancing to Phase II of the competition. During Phase II, applicants were required to submit business plans.
“Our thanks go out to the benefits team, judges and all the applicants,” stated LeighAnn Snuggs, Director of Gaffney’s Main Street program. “The benefits team put together an attractive packet, the applicants spent hours perfecting their business plans, and the very competent panel of judges carefully selected three from many great entries.”
After review of the business plans, judges conducted face-to-face interviews with the top five scoring applicants. Three have now been selected. These three winners of the challenge will be announced at the Main Street Challenge Reveal Party on Tuesday, May 2nd at 6pm in the Exhibit Hall of the Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery, 210 W. Frederick Street, Gaffney, South Carolina.
“This is a very exciting time for Gaffney and the Main Street volunteers,” said Mark Chandler, chairman of the Main Street Advisory Board.
The public is invited to attend the party. During the reveal, each of the winners will share the visions and details of their respective businesses. To conclude the evening’s celebrations, attendees will vote for their favorite business. The business receiving the most votes will receive a People’s Choice award.
“The real challenge is now extended to patrons,” concluded Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly. We need people to support these businesses long term. This is a great economic enhancement to our beautiful historic commercial district.”
Each of the three winners will receive a financial and in-kind benefits package (valued at approximately $14,000) to assist with the costs associated with opening their respective businesses.
For more information, please contact Main Street Director LeighAnn Snuggs at 864-487-6244.