One of the first steps in achieving this accreditation is defining what the geographic boundary of the downtown is where we focus our development efforts. This boundary forms a district and is where the efforts of Inspire Mishawaka are to be focused in order to maintain partnership and subsequent resources from the Main Street America program. There are a series of requirements for this district, such as including historic districts/sites, emphasizing commercial activity and avoiding residential areas, and more.

Our team additionally established partnerships with community-based organizations such as Visit South Bend Mishawaka, Michiana Area Council of Governments, and the City of Mishawaka Historic Preservation Commission. With the development of a business inventory downtown, we officially launched our effort to become a Main Street affiliate at a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at the downtown Mishawaka library.

One of the key purposes of becoming a Main Street accredited organization is the proven formula to create transformational change in a community. That effort follows the Main Street American Four Point Approach of building Economic Vitality, supporting Design and the designed use of a historic downtown, Promotion of events and activities bringing people downtown, and Organization best practices. This approach is further described in the photo below.