Can you find five umbrellas?

Organization Promotion Design Economic Restructuring

Executive Director

mainstreetportage@verizon.net   

Phone: 608-745-1861

 

Main Street Portage needs and  accepts monetary donations to continue its work. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to:

Main Street Portage

117 W. Cook St.

Portage, WI 53901

(write check to Main Street Portage)

Donations can be earmarked for a top project or added to the general fund. 

Top projects include:

  1. Mercantile Building  Facade Restoration

  2. Events Sponsorship

  3. Downtown Beautification. 

Main Street Portage is a 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law. Information about the deductibility of donations of membership costs, in-kind services, and items is available through the IRS. See Publication 561: Determining the Value of Donated Property and Tax Topics: Contributions for more information.

                                                             

"It's been too easy. Merchants are now coming to us to locate downtown."
-Karen Grimm, PROUD manager, Pontiac, Illinois

"I saw other merchants making commitments, both personal and financial, and saw the positive results. I decided I wanted to be involved, too."
-Joe Brown, business owner, Okmulgee Main Street, Oklahoma

 

                       

Mercantile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mercantile Location:  117 West Cook Street, in Historic Downtown Portage

Store Hours:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

10:00am-5:00pm

10:00am-5:00pm

10:00am-5:00pm

10:00am-5:00pm

10:00am-5:00pm

10:00am-5:00pm

Closed

Interested in starting a business of your own?  Let Main Street show you the ropes and help get you on your feet with real-world experience and reduced leasing rates @ the Mercantile.

The MSP program has been utilizing the building at 117 W. Cook St since 2005 as office space.  In May of 2005, the idea of a retail incubator was developed and the Mercantile came into existence.  In December 2006, the MSP program purchased the building, with the assistance of a generous investment from the Bidwell Foundation.  The MSP Board has the goal to renovate the facade to the picture shown above, to help lead the way in downtown revitalization.  In 2007, the focus of the Mercantile shifted to become a small business project and embrace the need to provide retail space to small businesses to create a shopping destination.  The Mercantile is a project of Main Street Portage to assist small retail businesses.  The Mercantile provides reduced rent and co-op labor.  This project helps small businesses to fill niche markets and helps them to grow in a nurtured environment.  Current merchants include Peg Napralla Designs, Functional Pottery by Liz Gregory, B's Pantry, The Cubby Hole, Giggles for Kids,

NOTE: Artist loft is now open

The Mercantile had added an Artist Loft.  All work will be juried and the commission rate will be 30% with 6 month contracts.  Please contact MSP at 608-745-1861 if you would like to be considered for this area.  The Loft is scheduled to be open in October 2007.

 
The Mercantile is actively recruiting for the following small businesses to join the current merchants:  Lotions and soaps; hobby shop; souvenirs; stained glass; linens/blankets/pillows; kites/flags; unique games; artisan works; quilts and supplies; purses/bags/wallets.  If you are interested or know someone who would be interested in beginning a small business or bringing a business to the Mercantile, please contact Susan at the MSP office at 608-745-1861 to set an appointment.  A business plan is required, which you can receive assistance with.  Minimum rent is $60 per month plus a percentage of sales for a 6 month contract.  Rent structures may be negotiated depending on individual situations.

 
Peg Napralla Designs showcases fused glass jewelry, housewares, and garden art.  The work is exceptional.  She has recently expanded her offerings to include bracelets, clocks, and picture frames.  Peg is an art teacher at St. Mary's School in Portage.
 
Functional Pottery by Liz Gregory is one of a kind pottery featuring mugs, plates, dishes, vases, and custom made items.  She also has samples of her daughters' art work.
 
The Cubby Hole, owned by Pat Atkinson, sells a variety of country type items, including soy candles, jams, embroidered dishtowels, and her best seller- hand-made caramels.
 
B's Pantry owned by Barb Martin is the purveyor of many Wisconsin made gourmet foods and candies.  She has recently expanded her gourmet cheese selection and has added Sprecher soda.  Custom gift baskets are available.
 
Giggles for Kids specializes in infant and toddler clothing and toys.  Puzzles, plush, and non-mechanized toys are found here.  See how Joan Indermark keeps growing her offerings.

Nostalgia Graphics- creating vintage picture reproductions

Eulberg's Old Portage Line- hats, shirts, bags, casual wear
 
The merchants are always willing to work with custom orders and are open to suggested offerings. 

Stop in today to see what is new.

 

Mercantile Advisory Panel

Meets as needed

Goal: Maintain general oversight of the Mercantile Business Incubator.

Susan Weyh - sweetday@verizon.net

Dave Eulberg - deulberg@verizon.net

 

Please email siteadmin@mainstreetportage.org with updates and corrections.  Thanks! 

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