Community Updates - Economic Vitality (August - November 2025)

Sustainable small business economy is the name of the game, and Main Street Enterprise recently welcomed Vita-Fuse IV Bar, StabSlab Tattoo & Piercing, and Just Peachy Cosmetology Services.

 

Main Street Wetumpka saw facade grants completed for two local businesses, and Downtown Decatur announced a new boutique hotel with retail and restaurant space for 2nd Avenue. Revitalizing the historic Casa Grande Hotel property is also on the list and promises to add new life to one of downtown’s most notable landmarks.

 

Montevallo Main Street had two new businesses open in its district—S.K. Quilts and Sophie’s Kitchen. Also in Montevallo, construction has begun on its first hotel, a Cobblestone Inn & Suites.

 

In Athens Main Street news, Athens hosted the 2025 Rural Tourism Conference in October, welcoming more than 200 tourism professionals from across Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee for learning, touring, and networking.

 

Everyone had a wonderful experience at Main Street Alabama LAB Conference in Jasper this past August, and Jasper Main Street has also had several new businesses open.

 

Main Street Oxford’s “Grow Your Brand: Small Business Marketing Strategies” workshop proved to be a tremendous service to its local businesses, and Downtown Florence had two new shops open—The Lane and Ashley Mercantile.

 

Fort Payne Main Street continues to find fun ways to support local, including its signature Pete the Cat Day and a Back to School Bash featuring a Sidewalk-sale-a-bration. In a different part of the state, Main Street Marion had a tailgating party for Alabama and Auburn games at the Harris Technology Hub, with two food trucks and Bennie’s Café being open all day for fans!

 

Main Street Anniston’s Restaurant Week featured nine participating restaurants, but new this year was The Sinclair Social, which offered handcrafted, signature cocktails for attendees. But mixing business with pleasure, Main Street Anniston’s GetUp Program began. This eight-week, free program equips local entrepreneurs with the tools needed to bring ideas into reality. Finally for the community, new Small Box tenant Chef Whit’z Hand-Popped Kettle Corn took up residency!

 

Last but not least, Heflin Main Street hosted an important Google Mini Workshop for 40 local small businesses, as well as hosted ribbon cuttings for three new businesses.