Benicia Main Street Vying For $25K In Nationwide Contest

BENICIA, CA - From Benicia Main Street: On February 25, Independent We Stand, the national small business movement, kicked-off its fourth annual America’s Main Streets contest to help consumers, small business owners and Main Street organizations reward a deserving Main Street with $25,000 in cash and sponsor-related prizes. Benicia Main Street made it to semifinals in 2018 and is again vying for the grand prize this year.

“Our Independent We Stand America’s Main Streets contest shines a light on the pride business owners and communities take in their Main Streets,” says Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle. “We know small businesses on these Main Streets help them thrive and have a measurable economic impact. This contest is a chance to share those stories with people from coast-to-coast.”

Benicia Main Street has been in need of additional room in the Southern Pacific Depot for many years and would use the prize money as matching funds for a grant for ADA (Americans with Disabilities) access to the Depot's Freight Room, giving access to nearly 1,000 sq/ft of underutilized space. The space would then be used as an art gallery and an additional space to display historic memorabilia to further boost Benicia's rich community of artists and history.

The first round of voting is currently going and runs through April 21. Vote for Benicia Main Street online at www.mainstreetcontest.com/profile/33

Important dates:

· Through April 21: “America’s Main Streets” nominations and quarterfinalist voting

· April 29 to May 26: “America’s Main Streets” semifinalist voting

· June 2: “America’s Main Streets” winner announced

For more information on Benicia Main Street, visit: www.BeniciaMainStreet.org.