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Illinois Main Street Training and Technical Assistance.

Illinois Main Street offers membership-based training, coaching, technical assistance, and a statewide network for community-led downtown revitalization.

Offered byIllinois Main Streetverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

Chester is not presented here as a current designated member. A local coalition could explore the network, aspiring, and designated pathways and the organizational commitment each requires.

Best for: A durable Chester downtown organization seeking a tested revitalization framework and ongoing technical help.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Illinois community organizations and local partners prepared to operate a structured downtown revitalization program

Eligible uses

  • Downtown organization development
  • Business-development training
  • Promotion and marketing assistance
  • Design, accessibility, streetscape, and planning assistance

Uses excluded by the source

  • Automatic direct capital funding

Application

How to start.

  1. Convene local business, property, nonprofit, and public partners around a downtown program.
  2. Contact Illinois Main Street to discuss readiness and membership levels.
  3. Complete the applicable membership or competitive advancement process.

Timing: No membership inquiry deadline is published; competitive advancement through the Community Accelerator Program has separate timing.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • Membership is not a direct building grant.
  • Higher levels require sustained local organization and program performance.

Can strengthen readiness for downtown grants, preservation projects, and coordinated business support.

Evidence

Official sources.