15 Sep Planting Seeds

Our downtown is filled with an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs who are following dreams and passions or carrying on a legacy that has lasted generations.

While a lot of the hard work, long hours, and energy spent being pillars of the community may get lost somewhere along the way, we feel that celebrating our local establishments is more than just a mission. It is an everyday focus and one that has unique demands from year to year and from business to business.

Unfortunately, there is no silver-bullet solution that will propel our downtown past others and guarantee success, nor is there one business or person that can carry a town forever. With that being said, we are happy to introduce SEED Rock Island, a new initiative of three strategic programs designed to help start, build, and develop small
businesses in Rock Island.

Authentic and genuine downtowns like ours are built by the businesses that are located within them. Just as we know each business is as dynamic and diverse as its owners, we also know that there must be resources dedicated to ensuring a stronger chance for success – this also gives our downtown a more sustainable future.

As we continue to plant the seeds for success, we welcome new businesses and entrepreneurs to explore and discover all that makes downtown Rock Island great. At the same time, we would like to introduce you to a few of businesses from the area that have already made an impact and are proud stakeholders in our community.

Erik Reader
Executive Director

This article originally appeared in the fall issue of the Downtown Rock Island Magazine. Pick up a copy of your own on shelves around town.