MainStreet T or C
E-COMMERCE project
Project Background
Title: E-commerce Education and Development to Promote Growth for Downtown Businesses.
MainStreet Trith or Consequences delivered 15 workshops including a live panel Q&A event, available for free to all local businesses and aspiring business owners. The aim was to help local business owners develop e-commerce skills to help them reach a wider audience.
These FREE workshops were provided through a LEADS grant MainStreet T or C was awarded in 2023.
Current statistics show 63% of shopping journeys start online and according to reports, by 2040, 95% of sales will occur online and we wanted to support our local businesses to help them grow their online presence.
Workshop subjects covered a range of online skills:
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How to leverage free online platforms (such as Google My Business, Facebook, Instagram)
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Creating with online tools such as Canva
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Branding 101
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Marketing 101
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Mastering your Web Domain
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Live virtual sales events on Facebook and Instagram and why it was important to engage with customers using alternate platforms
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So you have a product, how do you sell it online?
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And a surprise Q&A panel event with local business owners in the panel
These workshops were held March - May 2024.
Online workshops are available to watch HERE.
Image from Facebook LIVE virtual sales event workshop led by Victoria Harrington from Rebel Roadrunner.
Branding Assistance
Along with offering the workshops, we provided 7 local businesses with branding assistance and creation of new logos suitable for online advertising.
This helped businesses that need an extra helping hand getting successful start to their online visibility, and supported local artists who can do online branding.
All business owners who attended at least one workshop were entered in the drawing for branding assistance.
AWARDEES:
Emily from Serenity (clothing store)
Erica who is Self-employed
Kandace from The Attic (new consignment store)
Kari from Wildflower Boutique
Terri aka The Dot Lady (artist setting up new store)
Cory from Galactic Digs
Jessica & Chris from Emergence
Kari Fresquez, Wildflower Boutique, local business owner
"The free workshops hosted by MainStreet TorC have enhanced my skills and have already helped me take marketing Wildflower Boutique to the next level."
Nsikak Udoh, Turtleback Coworking, workshop host
"Inspiring experience partnering with Mainstreet Truth or Consequences, NM to deliver ecommerce training. A great example of how collaboration can empower businesses in our community. Together, we're equipping local businesses for the future!"
Mary Kandace, The Attic, branding assistance awardee
"I love that MainStreet TorC has free classes for business owners! It is so nice to have a local resource for help. Winning this voucher will also help me learn even more."