MainStreet Owatonna Issues Retail Challenge

Melanie Sunnarborg of the Owatonna MainStreet program was a guest on AM 1390's Talk of the Town. She offered further details on the Retail Challenge being offered.

The winner of the retail challenge will receive an incentive package of up to $30,000. There are three areas of business eligibility. Either the opening of a new retail business in Owatonna's historic downtown, expand a second or third retail satellite business from an existing location in another town, or create a significant expansion to a current downtown retail business that includes an added business concept.

The first step is to go to the Owatonna Chamber website and click on the Retail Challenge application. Remember that the due date is July 26.

There will then be two more phases of the contest, with the second phase beginning in early August, followed by Phase 3 beginning in September.

Among the prizes to be awarded include a $20,000 grant from the Owatonna Economic Development Authority along with advertising packages and a number of professional services.

A detailed explanation can be found at the Owatonna Chamber website and click on the Retail Challenge Information link.