The Main Street Laurens Economic Enhancement Committee has announced Til Culbertson and Courtney Taylor Mims with Yo’ Cup Cafe and Coffee House as the 1st winner of the Jump Start program. Yo’ Cup was chosen after an application process that included meeting with a CPA, developing a business plan and making a 10 minute pitch to the Economic Enhancement Committee. Rental assistance and other benefits valued at nearly $5,000 is offered. The committee considered market research conducted by Arnett Muldrow. Main Street Director Jonathan Irick said “Yo’ Cup fits several of the market opportunities identified in that analysis.” He explained “The Committee used a scoring matrix to help determine the best business with the most potential for long-term success”. Main Street Laurens will now work with Til and Courtney as they begin the process of up-fitting their future location to house the necessary equipment. The plan is to have the business up and running by late this fall. Main Street Laurens plans to offer the program again next spring. John Young, Chairman of the Economic Enhancement Committee said, “Main Street Laurens wants to make this an annual program, and we hope the success of this year’s winner will serve as a catalyst for future prospective new business owners in the Main Street District.”
Main Street Laurens plans to offer another “Jump Start” award with applications starting next spring. Anyone interested in applying for the “Jump Start” program for opening a Downtown Laurens business can call Main Street Laurens at 864-984-2119.