Search Results

New program launches to help small businesses grow in Northeast Indiana. Registration is now open for the new, four-county Business & Entrepreneur Launch Tool (BELT) program, a 10-week cohort designed to teach participants everything they need to know about launching or growing a small business in the northeast corner of Indiana. The BELT program is a collaboration of the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC), the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), local economic development organizations (LEDOs), chambers of commerce, Main Street organizations, and business associations from across Noble, Dekalb, LaGrange, and Steuben Counties. BELT is funded in part by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) as well as community grant funders. Anyone who wants to grow their own professional skills and small business is welcomed to apply. Classes will be held weekly beginning on Wednesday September 3, 2025, and will rotate to various locations in all four sponsoring counties. A complete course schedule is available at the link below. The cost to participate in BELT is just $125. Cohort members will participate in professional skills training, learn from local leaders with years of experience and knowledge, and be eligible to earn awards upon completion. The value of the BELT experience equates to thousand of dollars if the same content was acquired "al a carte" from all of the various providers who are coming together to make this program possible. Registration is now open and class size is limited! Upon the completion of BELT, cohort members will have the opportunity to compete for a plethora of tangible awards including small business loans, storefront space, marketing assistance, and much more. For a full list of benefits, download the flyer below: Historic Downtown Kendallville is a proud sponsor and collaborator in the BELT program. For more information, please contact Lynne Koepper with the SBDC at lkoepper@isbdc.org or Angie Harrison with the NIIC at aharrision@niic.net .

Hosler Realty, Inc. is giving away $500 to one lucky shopper in Historic Downtown Kendallville (HDK) this Christmas in July! Now through Monday, July 28 at 4:00 PM, shoppers who make purchases in Kendallville's locally-owned, small businesses can receive one chance to win for every $25 they spend! Receipts showing how much was spent "shopping local" must be submitted to the Kendallville Chamber of Commerce or HDK office at 231 Main Kendallville Coworking to be eligible for the drawing. Original receipts or copies, showing dates and locations of purchases, can be submitted in person at the Kendallville Chamber office located at 122 S Main Street or placed in the drop box attached to the outside of the coworking space at 231 S Main Street. Digital copies can also be emailed - to kendallvillemainstreet@gmail.com or nalbright@kendallvillechamber.com . FAQ: -- Can I spend $10 at one store, and $15 at another store, and count that as one $25 entry? YES! -- Can I spend $100 locally and count that as four entries? YES! -- Is there a limit to how many entries I can have? NO! -- Can I email my receipts? YES! Send them to either of the email addresses listed at the bottom of this post -- Do I have to spend money for a chance to win? NO -- you can also like, comment, and share this post to be entered to win. -- Where can I drop my receipts? You can drop them during normal business hours at either the Kendallville Chamber (122 S Main) or Hosler Realty (106 S Main St) offices, or after hours in the red mailbox located outside of the Kendallville Coworking Space (231 S Main Street) -- all located conveniently in downtown Kendallville. Questions? Please contact Kristen at kendallvillemainstreet@gmail.com , or Nikole at nalbright@kendallvillechamber.com .

The 2025 Art on Main project is underway! For 2025, we are showcasing eight large, raised planters, and four adorable dog (or cat!) houses! Each planter and house was lovingly designed by a local artist - or group of artists -many of whom spent dozens of hours creating these beautiful works of art. Not only do they add a bright and beautiful touch to Main Street this summer - they will do the same for your own yard or business when you bid to win your favorites! The proceeds of the Art on Main auction helps Historic Downtown Kendallville carry out its mission to encourage the economic development, historic preservation, and continuous improvement of downtown Kendallville. Happy bidding! The online auction is open now through September 1, 2025!

( See full press release here. ) INDIANAPOLIS (June 24, 2025) – Today, Indiana’s Commerce Office awarded $925,107 in grant awards to accelerate entrepreneurial activity and resources statewide through its Community Collaboration Fund (CCF). These awards will help fuel 28 community-led projects focused on entrepreneurial education, connection and acceleration across Indiana, including one serving Noble County. "Under Governor Braun’s leadership, Indiana is more committed than ever to cultivating the growth of Main Street entrepreneurship and celebrating the impact our business owners have on our economy,” said Secretary of Commerce David Adams. “These community projects will ensure that current and future entrepreneurs across the state have access to the programming, resources and support needed to start and scale a business right here in Indiana.” CCF provides matching grants to support new community collaborations, services and programming that will serve Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with a focus on education, connection and acceleration. After receiving a large number of applications, the state’s Commerce Office selected 28 projects for matching grants based on their potential to fill critical gaps across the entrepreneurial ecosystem, support underserved markets and collaborate across boundaries. The projects selected – which are outlined below – will result in a variety of new programs and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners, such as AI education, business planning, financial literacy, online visibility and prototyping design, for businesses across a variety of industries such as the creative economy, childcare, food and beverage, defense and in rural communities. Business and Entrepreneur Launch Tool (BELT) | Historic Downtown Kendallville ($33,475 award) Historic Downtown Kendallville will launch a 10-week business accelerator cohort, providing hands-on training to 20 local entrepreneurs to help launch and expand their businesses. Once completed, participants will participate in pitch and business plan competitions. About the Indiana Office of Commerce The State of Indiana’s Office of Commerce was created by Governor Mike Braun to align and accelerate the state’s economic development efforts and is led by Indiana Secretary of Commerce David J. Adams.

(Press release from the Indiana Arts Commission, June 19, 2025) (INDIANAPOLIS)  - The Indiana Arts Commission announced today that ten Indiana communities have received training on how to accelerate their arts and culture development and been approved for grant funding through the Creative Convergence program. Creative Convergence is a program of the Indiana Arts Commission, conducted in partnership with the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University’s Miller College of Business. The program was launched in 2023 and consists of a two-day training workshop and an Early Action Grant Program. Teams of community members representing local government, economic development entities, arts organizations, educational institutions, tourism groups, and other community-focused roles were in attendance.   The two-day Creative Convergence workshop was held on November 21st and 22nd, 2024, in Fishers, IN. The training focused on how to embed arts and creativity in community and economic planning and solutions, how to work collaboratively across sectors, and how to effectively engage with community. Representatives from Kendallville attended a two-day training last Fall in Fishers, Indiana, in preparation for a grant proposal which was later awarded $10,000. View more photos of the training. Following the training program, communities had the opportunity to apply for a Creative Convergence Early Action grant. This grant program is designed to allow communities to apply the learnings from the workshop to a project that benefits creatives and the community. Each community received $10,000 in grant funding to support their project.    The Tipton Public Art Commission is utilizing the Creative Convergence Early Action Grant to launch the Tipton Teaching Artist in Residence program. The Tipton Public Arts Commission is collaborating with a visiting artist in residence to build community excitement and curiosity for arts activities. Programming includes workshops for families, youth engagement, creative community gatherings, and a culminating celebration.  The Franklin Public Arts Commission is utilizing the Creative Convergence Early Action Grant for a public art activation in downtown Franklin.  The project features 180 kites hung overhead in downtown’s Artcraft Alley. The kites, in school and city colors, have a unique blacklight feature that allows them to glow, creating an art installation that draws residents and visitors to downtown throughout both the day and evening hours.   The complete list of participating communities, and their projects, are as follows:  Chesterton, “Chesterton Cultural District”  Evansville, “My Evansville (ME) - Veterans' Stories, Told Through Art”  Franklin, “Artcraft Alley Kites”  Kendallville, “Imaginuity - Immersive Art Experience”  Mount Ayr, “Beacon for the Arts”  Michigan City, “Artist in Residence Program”  Pendleton, “Creative Convergence - An Interactive Artistic, Cultural, and Eco Trails Experience”  Santa Claus, “Hometown Holiday Tree”  Tipton, “Teaching Artist in Residence”  Winamac, “Creative Hub Community Conversations Project”   Read about each of the Creative Convergence Early Action Grant Projects.    Participating communities applied to participate in the program. Applications for the next cohort of the program will open later this year. Communities with interest in learning more about participating in the future should contact Eric Ashby, IAC Director of Programs, at eashby@iac.in.gov .  About the Kendallville Project: Kendallville   Imaginuity - Immersive Art Experience: Imaginuity is a community project to bring unique & immersive art to Northeast Indiana. The project will curate art that visitors can interact with through visual/tactile experiences. The goal is to expose the community to a wide range of art, spark new ideas, and embrace the artistic talents that exist in Kendallville. The project also plans to create a public work of art that will be created piece by piece by patrons.

In the heart of every town is a story quietly unfolding—not in the headlines or social media feeds, but in the parks, sidewalks, and plazas where people pause, linger, and, sometimes, connect. This is the story of how one community discovered the quiet magic of public spaces in battling one of the loudest silent epidemics of our time: loneliness.   It started with a bench…   A simple wooden bench, freshly painted and tucked beneath the sprawling limbs of an old oak in the town square. It wasn’t special at first glance, but someone—no one remembers exactly who—left a handwritten sign taped to it: “This is a friendship bench. Sit here if you want to talk.”   Friendship Bench The idea was disarmingly simple. People sat. Others noticed. Conversations began.   Marjorie, 74, who had lost her husband two years prior, found herself returning to that bench every Tuesday. She’d bring her knitting and sit quietly until someone stopped by. Sometimes it was just a polite smile, other times a full conversation with a stranger-turned-friend.   Then there was Malik, a college student new to the town, struggling to find a sense of belonging. One day, on a whim, he sat on the friendship bench with a book in his hand but little hope in his heart. Marjorie sat down beside him. They talked for over an hour. They now have coffee every other week.   Public spaces have always held the potential to be more than just in-between places. They can be extensions of our living rooms, places of spontaneous connection, and fertile ground for community spirit to grow.   When thoughtfully designed and purposefully activated, public spaces can become antidotes to isolation. Here’s are a few examples of how it can work:   Design That Encourages Pause Wide walkways are efficient—but small pockets with benches, shade, or interactive art invite people to linger. The longer people stay in a space, the higher the chance they’ll connect with someone else.   Community Programming Outdoor yoga, book swaps, live music, or simple community picnics can breathe life into a space. These aren’t just events—they’re excuses to show up, be present, and interact.   Inclusive, Accessible Environments When public spaces are built with accessibility in mind, they welcome people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. That mix is vital to reducing social isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.   Safe, Clean, and Welcoming Atmospheres People don’t gather where they don’t feel safe or valued. Public spaces need maintenance, lighting, and thoughtful upkeep to remain magnets for community.   Welcoming Design Back in the town with the friendship bench, things began to ripple. A local café set up an outdoor chess table. A retired teacher started a free weekly storytelling circle in the park. A group of teens painted colorful murals on the community center’s walls. None of it was formally orchestrated—it was organic, like conversation itself. People began to look up from their phones. To wave. To sit down next to someone just because the sun was shining and the bench was there.   Loneliness thrives in silence and solitude—but public spaces? They’re loud with life. When we build them with intention, care, and room for serendipity, they do something extraordinary.   They remind us that community is not just a collection of people in proximity—it's people willing to see and be seen.   And sometimes, all it takes is a bench.   If YOU have an idea on how to create more inviting spaces for downtown Kendallville, please reach out and let us know.   Or better yet—let’s brainstorm to create it together.

Now through April 18, 2025, you can enter to win a free six-month membership to 231 Main Kendallville Coworking - a $600 value! 231 Main memberships offer: Exclusive 24/7 access code Paid utilities High speed, wireless broadband connectivity Complimentary coffee, water & snacks A business mailing address Use of a scanner Conference room (reservation required) Podcast room (reservation required) How to enter to win: Submit a short video (30-60 seconds) telling us: How you would use the space How it will help you build/grow your business Submit your video, your name, business name and contact information to: kendallvilecoworking@gmail.com by no later than April 18, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. to enter! Please note, by submitting a video you give permission to 231 Main to use the video for promotional purposes on social media. A winner will be selected and announced by April 30, 2025. Questions? Contact Kristen Johnson at (260) 318-0883.

In today’s market, small businesses have to work extra hard to stand out and attract customers. As a result, it’s important for small businesses to find creative and effective ways to draw people in. Understanding the needs of your local community and using strategies that offer value and create memorable experiences can help. Below are some techniques that can help you bring customers through your door – and keep them coming back! 1. Exceed Customer Expectations:  One of the best ways to attract customers is by offering an exceptional experience from the moment they walk through your door. Personalize the customer experience by training your staff to be friendly, helpful, and attentive. A small gesture, such as remembering a customer's name or their preferences, can go a long way in fostering loyalty. Consider offering loyalty programs that reward customers for repeat visits or referrals. This also encourages customers to bring friends and family. 2. Host In-Store Events or Workshops:  Hosting events or workshops is a great way to engage your local community while showcasing your products or services. Whether it’s a product demonstration or a themed event related to your business -- events offer a fun way for customers to connect you on a more personal level. 3. Leverage Social Media:  Having a strong social media presence is essential for any business. Post about new products, behind-the-scenes looks at your business, customer testimonials, and promotions – or just ask a question that engages people in a fun or meaningful way. 4. Use Time-Sensitive Promotions or Discounts:  Offering limited-time promotions or discounts creates a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to visit your store sooner rather than later. Flash sales, holiday promotions, and "happy hour" specials can generate excitement and entice people to walk through your door. 5. Create an Inviting Atmosphere:  The physical environment of your store plays a significant role in attracting customers. A clean, organized, and visually appealing space makes customers feel comfortable and welcome, and soft background music can encourage customers to stay longer. 6. Engage in Local SEO:  Nowadays, many people search online before visiting a local business. Make sure your business is listed on Google My Business and that your website contains location-specific keywords. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google and other review sites. 7. Offer Personalized Experiences or Products For example, if you run a boutique, offer custom styling consultations. If you operate a café, ask regular customers for their preferences and offer them a discount for being loyal.  When customers feel like they are receiving a product or service designed specifically for them, it enhances their experience and increases the likelihood that they will return. 8. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses:  Consider collaborating with nearby stores or service providers to cross-promote each other’s offerings. For instance, a local bakery could partner with a coffee shop to offer a discount when customers buy from both. These kinds of partnerships create a win-win situation for both businesses while exposing your brand to a wider audience. 9. Give Back to the Community:  Support local charities, sponsor events, or host fundraisers to demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of the area. Not only will this create positive publicity for your business, but it will also earn you the respect and support of the community. Bringing people through your is about creating lasting relationships with your customers. Implementing even a few of these techniques will help increase foot traffic and ensure that your small business thrives in today’s competitive environment!

Just a few weeks ago, Historic Downtown Kendallville and Indiana Landmarks had the unique opportunity to present to the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission about a new program being developed in the region, called the Preservation Trades Collaborative.  As a result of this presentation, the Collaborative was awarded a grant of $277,500 to develop the program.   About the Heritage Trades Program The Collaborative brings together local and statewide partners to eliminate and rehabilitate blighted properties while attracting and growing talent in the trades arena through a Heritage Trades training program. Targeting the immediate five county area around Kendallville (where the program will be launched in partnership with IMPACT Institute ), the Collaborative will be a pilot project assisting development of this approach as a model for implementation across the state of Indiana. Heritage Trades refers to specialized skills and crafts used to maintain, restore, and rehabilitate historic buildings. Heritage Trades skills are becoming increasingly scarce, despite the growing need. In fact, the need for new trades people is a well-known issue across the US, and Indiana unfortunately fits that trend. A particularly critical need in the region are trades people who understand and have skills specifically targeted to historic, older homes and buildings. With a preponderance of these structures constructed before WWII making up the target area’s building stock, the initiative seeks to begin to fill that need.   Using Kendallville as a “working lab,” this program will fill the gap by providing training and instruction in these highly sought-out skills, while also identifying and building the capacity of individuals within the target area to be future instructors and mentors in the field.   Historic Downtown Kendallville has witnessed the ongoing skills challenge through the implementation of the $2M PreservINg Main Street award in 2021. The project experienced significant delays and bidding roadblocks due to a lack of available contractors with skills to undertake the scope of services specified for the buildings located in the Kendallville National Register District. This lack of competition was partially responsible for the higher than estimated project costs. Work such as masonry repair, plaster work, window restoration, the rebuilding of cornices, cupolas, historically appropriate features, along with paint and other work that would retain or revive the historic integrity of the buildings all experienced shortages of available and qualified contractors. In fact, it took nearly two years and multiple requests for proposals before the execution of a successful bid award - and even then, it required tapping contractors from outside of Indiana. Indiana Landmarks’ experience shows a need in every county for these specialized skills.   Project Partners The Collaborative is facilitated and will be managed by Indiana Landmarks in partnership with Kendallville Restorations, Inc. , Historic Downtown Kendallville, the City of Kendallville , the Dekko Foundation , Ivy Tech , and IMPACT Institute. Each partner brings experience and passion to develop these crucial preservation skills, create a working laboratory for existing construction trades business owners, and students and recent graduates who wish to learn the art of historic preservation and start their own specialty business.

As the heart of our community, our Main Street district thrives because of each and every one of our downtown merchants. Your business plays a vital role in the vibrancy and success of our downtown; which is why – as a Main Street -- we’re always striving to support you in any way we can.   We’ve been thinking a lot about the look and feel of our district and want to share an opportunity with you that could positively impact your business—both aesthetically and economically. While the front of your store might be the first thing customers see when driving through downtown,  have you thought about how the rear of your business looks?    Source: https://moss-design.com/ The back of your building plays a significant role in shaping the overall experience of our district, especially since that is where the majority of our parking exists.  The rear of your business might be the first impression when someone arrives by car or on foot. Clean, well-maintained rear facades can provide a welcoming feeling to customers entering from this direction.   Updating the rear facade can also increase the value  of your property . Potential investors, future tenants, or buyers will see that you care about maintaining your building from all angles. A well-kept rear facade signals that your business is an attractive and professional place to invest in or visit.   Source: https://moss-design.com/   And as we have learned over the last couple of years as a recipient of the PreservINg Main Street grant -- when one business improves its exterior, it elevates the entire district . The small improvements you make have a ripple effect on neighboring businesses -- creating a stronger, more vibrant environment. Aesthetic upgrades can even attract new customers who may have previously overlooked your business or district entirely. This collective effort strengthens the local economy and makes our Main Street district a destination people want to spend time in.   To make updating your rear façade easier and more affordable, the Kendallville Historic Preservation Commission (HPC recently simplified their rear elevation guidelines.  Below are the new and revised guidelines  for updating your rear facade:   Keep It Simple Rear elevations should maintain a simple, straightforward appearance. These areas are meant to serve a functional purpose, so avoid overly ornate details that might distract from the overall look of the district. Focus on clean, minimal designs that will complement the historical architecture of the area.  Keep rear entrances minimal and functional. Basic signage and awnings for business identification are recommended -- but avoid overcrowding or adding excessive decor. The goal is to create an inviting yet simple entrance that doesn’t overpower the space.   Preserve Historic Doors & Windows If your building has a historic door at the rear entrance, it's best to preserve it. These doors add to the unique character of your building and should be maintained wherever possible. If your door is no longer functional and needs replacing, consider using historically appropriate doors such as single-lite glass-and-wood models.  Just like doors, windows are key components of your building's character. If your rear elevation features historic windows, they should be preserved. If new windows are necessary, replace them with windows that match the original size and type. Vinyl windows can be used for rear elevations as long as they are in line with the original design.   Replace with Appropriate Materials If the brick or mortar on your rear elevation is deteriorating, durable metal siding may be an option. However, make sure the new materials match the historical feel of the district. Metal siding can be an excellent solution for buildings with significant wear but should still complement the existing structure.   Screen HVAC and Service Equipment HVAC units and other service equipment are essential but can detract from the building’s appearance if visible from the street. To maintain the aesthetic of the district, screen these units using landscaping, wood, or brick enclosures. Alternatively, consider placing the units on the roof, out of view from the street.   Paint If you’re thinking of updating the paint on your rear facade, the RDC may be able to help with funding. To qualify, the paint colors must come from the Sherwin Williams pre-approved historic color palette. This can be an excellent opportunity to refresh your building while staying within the district’s aesthetic guidelines. You can find the full list of approved colors Sherwin Williams website at: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/ .   Things to Avoid While updating your rear facade, it’s important to follow the district’s recommendations to preserve the area’s historic integrity. Here are a few things that the Historic Preservation Commission generally does not approve: ·         Covering windows with plywood ·         Using vinyl siding ·         Replacing windows with a size or type that differs from the original design   By sticking to these recommendations, you can be confident that your updates will enhance your building and contribute positively to the overall feel of Main Street.   We understand that maintaining and updating a historic building can seem like a big task. That’s why we’re here to support you! If you need guidance, have questions, or are interested in funding for paint or other façade work, give us a call.  We will direct you to the appropriate resources to ensure your success!   And if you’re thinking about a rear update in collaboration with neighboring buildings , let us know that as well!  We are happy to help you coordinate the process of getting recommendations and quotes for the work, as well as applying for façade grant funding.   Let’s continue to work together to ensure that our district remains a place that businesses thrive, and customers love to visit. We look forward to seeing the improvements you make to your rear facades in 2025 and beyond!   Thank you for your continued commitment to Main Street’s success!

In the heart of every thriving downtown lies a vibrant community of local businesses—each one contributing to the area’s unique charm and character. However, despite their individual successes, many downtown merchants face the same challenges: competition from online retailers, rising costs, and the struggle to attract foot traffic. In such a competitive landscape, it's crucial for these businesses to come together and collaborate, offering a united front to draw customers into the downtown area.   One of the most effective ways to foster this sense of community is through cross-promotion. By working together, downtown businesses can not only share resources and customers but also create a stronger, more appealing destination for shoppers.   Rather than competing against one another, merchants can combine their strengths to attract more customers into the area. For example, a café might team up with a nearby bookstore to offer discounts to customers who shop at both places. A cross-promotion like this encourages people to stay longer, explore more businesses, and spend more money in the neighborhood.   By supporting each other, these businesses create a ripple effect that benefits the entire downtown area, from local shops to restaurants and service providers.    Likewise, by cross-promoting each other through social media, newsletters, and in-store signage, businesses can reach a wider audience—one that may not have been familiar with their brand before.  The more businesses that collaborate, the more robust the local economy becomes.    Not only that, but collaboration fosters relationships and makes the downtown area feel more like a neighborhood. This sense of community can be built through shared events, promotions, and collaborations (such as sidewalk sales and unique holiday offerings) between local merchants.  These types of events build a sense of camaraderie between merchants and create an atmosphere of inclusivity for shoppers, making them more likely to return.   Collaboration can also help small businesses keep the cost of marketing down. Rather than each business having to invest heavily in individual advertising, businesses can share the costs -- while amplifying their message -- thereby increasing their chances of being noticed by potential customers.  Moreover, cross-promotion helps merchants show their appreciation for their customers, fostering goodwill and encouraging word-of-mouth marketing. This customer loyalty, fueled by consistent collaboration, can have a lasting impact on the success of downtown businesses.   In closing, when businesses in downtown areas collaborate, they collectively champion the "buy local" message, which tends to resonate with customers who want to support their community – and which is a win for everyone!

In small towns across the country, the potential for economic growth may be hiding in plain sight—above the bustling sidewalks of downtown streets. Upper-floor housing, often overlooked in urban planning, is increasingly recognized as a key driver for revitalizing small-town economies. By converting the underused or vacant spaces above shops into vibrant living areas, small communities can foster growth, increase foot traffic, and breathe new life into their downtown districts. In many small towns, downtown areas are struggling to compete with sprawling suburban developments and online shopping. The once-thriving "main streets" have become quieter, with empty storefronts and dwindling foot traffic. However, introducing upper-floor housing to these areas can reverse the trend. When residents live within walking distance of businesses, they naturally help sustain local shops, restaurants, and services. "People living downtown tend to become loyal customers to businesses within walking distance," says Kristen Johnson, Kendallville’s Main Street Executive Director.  "They grab coffee at the local café, shop at the local boutique, and enjoy meals at nearby restaurants. It's a win-win for the community." But the benefits of upper-floor housing goes beyond increased foot traffic.  With more people living downtown, tax revenue grows and property values increase as buildings are renovated, leading to higher tax revenues for local governments. In addition, renovating older buildings creates construction jobs, while a bustling downtown attracts entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as tourists seeking new experiences. Of course, converting upper floors into housing often has roadblocks. Many small-town buildings require significant investment to meet modern safety codes and accessibility standards. Property owners may be hesitant to take on the risk without the help of local incentives.  To address these challenges, the following incentives are available to downtown Kendallville property owners who wish to renovate their buildings: ·           Kendallville Redevelopment Commission (RDC) Façade Grants:  The RDC offers a variety of grants to improve the look and integrity of your building, including grants for windows, tuckpointing, awnings, and other exterior aesthetics of the building, as well as grants for roof repair/replacement, signage, and parking lot repairs.  ·         Vacant Tax Abatements:  This incentive offers a tax break to individuals who purchase a building within the economic development target area that has been vacant for more than one year. ·         Historic Tax Credits:   The Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA) offers a 20% income tax credit on qualified expenses for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings. Several of Kendallville’s downtown building owners have recently taken on the challenge of creating 2nd floor living spaces – both in the form of apartments, as well as short- and long-term stay AirBNB rentals.  While the upfront costs may require taking out a loan, the benefits over time can be substantial. For small towns looking to thrive in an increasingly urbanized world, the path forward may be upward. By embracing the potential of upper-floor housing, communities can create a mutually beneficial relationship between residents and businesses, ensuring downtown areas remain the heart and hub of Kendallville’s social and economic life. The formula is simple but powerful: more people downtown equals more business, more vibrancy, and more opportunities for growth—one floor at a time.