Alcorn and MS Development Authority sponsor Possibilities Tour
Alcorn and MS Development Authority sponsor Possibilities Tour
On November 9, “Possibilities Tour: Turning Deserted Spaces into Dynamic Places” will be held from 2 to 5p.m. in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. The event will showcase 12 vacant buildings on Main and Franklin Streets that are available for sale or lease for new or existing businesses, residences or investments. The tour will begin at 114 Main Street in Natchez. Realtors will be on site during the tour.
Sponsored by the Mississippi Development Authority, Natchez, Inc. and Alcorn State University, the tour supports the ongoing entrepreneurial initiatives taking place in southwest Mississippi. Other sponsoring agencies include Natchez Downtown Development Association, Mississippi Main Street Association and Waycaster & Associates Architects.
“Small businesses are essential to the state’s economy, and this tour will provide useful information to potential entrepreneurs and existing businesses looking to locate operations in a facility in the downtown Natchez area,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “I encourage business owners interested in starting a successful venture in southwest Mississippi to make plans to attend this event.”
“The City of Natchez has one of the most cultured, historic downtown districts in the state and offers much potential to start-up and existing business sustainability as well as dynamic spaces for investment property or residences. The Possibilities Tour is a huge opportunity for the City of Natchez to showcase our assets and encourage people to take advantage of the vitality of our downtown district,” said Natchez Mayor Larry L. “Butch” Brown. “Natchez is a business-friendly city, and I assure everyone that we work to foster the success of our businesses. We appreciate the enthusiasm and creative initiatives that MDA, Natchez, Inc. and Alcorn continually bring to us.”
The tour will coincide with other events that attract tourists and residents from throughout the region. These include the Natchez Chili Cook-off, Angels on the Bluff, the Natchez Antiques Forum, Second Saturday festivities, Innovate Mississippi’s Start-Up Weekend and the Veterans Day Parade, all of which will be taking place in downtown Natchez.
“Small business is the heart and soul of economic development, and Natchez Inc. is thrilled to be partnered with Alcorn State University and the Mississippi Development Authority to present Possibilities Tour,” said Sue Stedman, Natchez, Inc. chairwoman. “It will be an exciting day full of activities and events for business owners looking to start or expand their businesses, improve bottom lines and network. The tour will feature realtors and building owners who are knowledgeable and willing to share good information about potential business success. It is a one-of-a-kind event for not only our region, but also for our state.”
“Empty and underutilized buildings are real opportunities for most downtowns. These empty buildings and warehouses present opportunities for downtown residential and other mixed use development,” said Bob Wilson, Executive Director of Mississippi Main Street. “When you factor in New Markets Tax Credits along with State and Federal Rehab Tax Credits, these empty historic buildings become very attractive to the developer or property owner and puts these buildings back on the tax rolls. Repurposing these empty buildings is a win-win for every municipality, private sector developer and the community as a whole.
“The success of this partnership’s regional Possibilities Tour and other creative small business support projects clearly demonstrate economic vitality in southwest Mississippi,” said Alcorn President M. Christopher Brown II.
This event is offered free of charge. Interested parties may visit the Calendar of Events page at www.natchezin
