Local Business Support
Supporting Salem entrepreneurs
Salem Main Streets champions the wide diversity of business in Salem’s downtown district, from traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants and retail, to personal services and second-floor businesses, to emerging businesses without a location to call home. Our business support is free to any business located in or operating within the downtown district.
We offer free technical assistance workshops, one-on-one strategy consultations, social media promotion, and initiatives like window contests and sidewalk sales for all downtown Salem businesses.
Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance
Salem Main Streets staff is always available to meet one-on-one to discuss individual business challenges or opportunities, vet new business ideas, or to help bring your business to the next level.
- Our staff has a diverse background spanning a variety of retail, food service, vending, nonprofit, and government work - and if we don’t know the answer to your questions, we’ll help you find someone who does!
- Our board member, Carol McLaughlin, provides free retail design consultations for branding, layout, accessibility, and visibility.
- Our quarterly retail meetings address a range of topics and technical assistance needs, from funding opportunities to storefront designs to supporting a diverse staff and customer base to interior lighting tips …and more! While designed for retail and service businesses, any type of business is welcome. These meetings are always free.
Peer Support
Peer Support
No one knows how to support our businesses better than…our businesses! There’s truly no place like Salem, and our engaged local business community is the best resource we have to help you navigate our City’s unique rhythms and practicalities.
In addition to our quarterly retail meetings, Salem Main Streets manages a Facebook group for downtown retailers and personal service businesses and frequently coordinates additional business meetings based on specific neighborhoods or timely topics that may arise.
Initiatives
Initiatives
Salem Main Streets operates multiple initiatives throughout the year designed to bring attention to the downtown businesses and encourage local spending. From our Holiday Window Contest to the Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate Hearts Challenge to Fashion Show Fundraiser, SMS is always looking to promote our small businesses to an invested local audience.
Business Resources
