Business Incubator

In 2005, the City of Meridian funded the Urban Land Institute to study the downtown area. From this study, it was concluded the only retail business that would prosper downtown would be specialty retail stores and restaurants. From this study, the Meridian Downtown Association drafted a program to encourage and assist new specialty retail and resturaunt growth. To be eligible for the program, a business must be a specialty retail store or restaurant, opening within the downtown boundaries (as determined by the City). After being approved for the program, said business gets at a minimum of three months free rent, three months advertising for a grand opening, assistance with grand opening, as well as, free membership in the Meridian Downtown Association. For more information about the incubator, contact Michele Pearson at (601)482-6699.