Bridgeport, CT – December 12, 2024 – The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is pleased to announce that Downtown Bridgeport has been selected for the Connecticut Main Street Center’s (CMSC) 2025 Main Street Accelerator program. This prestigious six-month virtual program focuses on applying the nationally recognized Four Point Approach to Main Street Management, fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems that align with and enhance local neighborhood identities.
The Bridgeport DSSD will collaborate with Groundwork Bridgeport, the Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council, and the City of Bridgeport’s Office of Planning & Economic Development to bring this initiative to life. Together, they aim to develop strategies that support downtown businesses and invigorate the community.
Downtown Bridgeport is one of four Connecticut communities chosen for the program, alongside Bethel, East Hartford, and Enfield. Beginning in January 2025, team members will engage in a dynamic curriculum featuring guest speakers, contributions from organizations such as Sustainable CT and Preservation Connecticut, coaching calls, and group assignments.
Participants will learn innovative approaches to downtown development and Main Street management while tackling a specific challenge unique to their community. Successful completion of the program may qualify teams for grant funding from CMSC. To date, CMSC has awarded $15,000 in grants to past Main Street Accelerator teams from Georgetown, Norwich, and Thomaston.
“I’m thrilled to welcome our newest cohort to the Accelerator program, which has proven itself to be instrumental in helping communities build their capacity to address main street challenges. Through Accelerator, the teams learn and practice the Four Point Approach while collaborating with like-minded peers from other Connecticut communities. It’s wonderful to see the camaraderie that develops as much as the skills and action plans.”
Photo Caption: The 2025 Main Street Accelerator participants enjoyed an in-person kickoff luncheon in downtown Wallingford on December 5, captured by CMSC.
To learn more about the Connecticut Main Street Center and the Main Street Accelerator program, visit CTMainStreet.org.