Self-Guided Course

Economic Vitality: Promoting the District

Promotion plays a powerful supporting role in Economic Vitality. When used strategically, it helps drive investment, attract the right businesses, and reinforce your district’s unique identity.

In this course, you’ll explore how to connect your economic goals with targeted promotional strategies—using data, storytelling, and local input to shape a district that works for both residents and entrepreneurs.

Time: 30 minutes Skill Level: Starting Formal Learning: 100 points

A group of about fifteen people stands together inside a modern restaurant space with wooden floors, high ceilings, and exposed ductwork. They wear a mix of work aprons, casual clothes, and business-casual outfits. In the center, one person holds a “Shop Small” sign that reads “AT Town Hall and The Dispensary.” Behind them are seating benches, tables, and an open kitchen area with tile accents on the walls. — Florence, South Carolina. Photo by Downtown Florence Main Street Program.

Overview

Course Outline

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Explain how Promotion supports Economic Vitality through business attraction, retention, and investment.
Create a business wishlist grounded in both community needs and market feasibility.
Use district data and storytelling techniques to position your community as a place to invest, visit, and grow.

Section 1: Introduction
- 1.1 Welcome
- 1.2 Course Design & Engagement
- 1.3 Meet Your Subject Matter Expert(s)
Section 2: Economic Vitality: Promoting the District
- Economic Vitality: Promoting the District
Section 3: Conclusion
- 3.1 Final Takeaways
- 3.2 Main Street Convo
- 3.3 Survey