Main Street Brookville Launches 2026 New Business Recruitment Initiative

The initiative aims to strengthen the historic commercial district, fill key storefronts, and support ventures that enhance local quality of life.

(Brookville, Ind.) - Main Street Brookville, Inc. has announced the release of its 2026 Be Bold in Brookville Request for Proposals (RFP), inviting aspiring entrepreneurs, existing business owners, and creative innovators to launch new businesses in downtown Brookville.

The initiative aims to strengthen the historic commercial district, fill key storefronts, and support ventures that enhance local quality of life while attracting year-round foot traffic.

A Growing Downtown with Strong Local and Visitor Activity

Downtown Brookville benefits from steady weekday activity and significant seasonal tourism driven by Brookville Lake, outdoor recreation, and regional events. Main Street businesses enjoy consistent local traffic from residents, courthouse activity, and area workers, with notable increases during summer and fall tourism peaks.

Businesses in the district benefit from:

• High summer and fall visitor volume tied to boating, camping, and lake recreation
• Event-driven spikes during festivals, parades, and downtown programming
• Reliable weekday traffic from government, professional services, and local commerce
• A regional draw from nearby communities and travelers passing through Franklin County

These patterns create a strong foundation for retail, food, and entertainment concepts seeking both dependable local customers and seasonal boosts.

Priority Business Types

Proposals featuring the following business types will receive strong consideration due to community demand and market gaps:

• Mercantile-style general goods
• Bike shop (sales, service, rentals)
• Sporting goods
• Men’s apparel or accessories
• Children’s boutique or specialty retail
• Tea room or small café
• Candy store or sweet shop
• Bakery
• Restaurant introducing a new concept to town
• Quilting or crafting
• Specialty entertainment (gaming, hobby shop, escape room, creative experiences)
• Artist or maker-focused businesses

Other creative, feasible, and community-enhancing concepts are also encouraged.

Program Benefits

Selected applicants may receive support through the Be Bold in Brookville Initiative, which may include:

• Jumpstart Lease Assistance to reduce early operating costs
• Business Bootcamp, an 8-week training program covering finance, marketing, operations, and compliance
• Mentorship and technical assistance from local experts and business coaches
• Marketing and visibility support through Main Street Brookville channels
• Potential storefront matching with local property owners

Final benefits may vary based on funding, property availability, and applicant needs.

A maximum of five applicants will be selected for the 2026 cohort. Due to program capacity and available resources, not all applicants will be chosen. Applicants are encouraged to submit strong, well-developed proposals that clearly demonstrate feasibility, community benefit, and long-term sustainability.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate the capacity to operate a business, commit to participating in the Business Bootcamp if selected, and be willing to locate within Brookville’s designated Main Street district. A feasible business plan and timeline are required.

Proposals must include:
1. Business Concept Overview
2. Market Feasibility
3. Operational Plan
4. Financial Plan
5. Timeline
6. Space Needs

The submission deadline is April 20. 

Proposals should be emailed to info@mainstreetbrookville.org or deliver a printed copy to: Main Street Brookville, Inc., PO Box 61 Brookville, IN 47012 or in person at 632 Main Street, Brookville, IN

Questions may be directed to Christine Craig at info@brookvillemainstreet.org 765-547-3454

The selection process includes review of written proposals, interviews, participation in the Business Bootcamp, final selection, storefront matching, and awarding of lease assistance where applicable. Not all applicants will be selected.