FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Katie Cheslock, Centreville Main Street 

(205) 901-3864 

centrevillemainstreet@gmail.com 

Centreville, Ala. (January 27, 2025) — Centreville Main Street is thrilled to introduce its implementation of AL Spark, an exciting initiative of Main Street Alabama, supported by the Small Business Administration. AL Spark is designed to energize emerging and growing businesses in designated Main Street Alabama communities across the state. By empowering locally directed business development, this new marketing grant program is dedicated to igniting the potential of small businesses and entrepreneurs in our state, ensuring our communities thrive while maintaining their unique character. 

 

AL Spark serves Centreville through three key programs—Livewire (business development), Illuminate (marketing grants), and Bright Ideas (business pitch competition). 

 

Livewire offers essential business development and training resources, equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive. Illuminate provides valuable business marketing grants, ensuring local businesses shine bright in the marketplace. Finally, Bright Ideas encourages innovation through a dynamic business pitch competition, fostering creativity and collaboration among community members. 

 

The following businesses completed the online marketing courses and will receive an AL Spark Illuminate marketing grant of $1,000 thanks to the resources provided by Main Street Alabama and the Small Business Administration: 

 

  1. J&S Drugs 
  2. Centreville Press 
  3. TopLine 
  4. Rugged Boutique 
  5. G&H Building Supply 

 

 

Main Street Alabama President & State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth echoes her excitement for the program and says, “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce AL Spark, Igniting Main Street Alabamas Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs! This vibrant new initiative is dedicated to igniting the potential of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Alabama. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Small Business Administration for the grant, which enables us to uplift small businesses in our designated cities and foster a vibrant local economy.”