Alton wins $500,000 makeover as part of Hulu series

Alton will be the recipient of a $500,000 downtown makeover after winning the Small Business Revolution’s Main Street series.

The announcement came Tuesday afternoon on Facebook, while a large party was held at Old Bakery Beer, 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton.

Alton Mayor Brant Walker gave a rousing speech to the crowd.prior to the official announcement at 2:30 p.m..

Alton was one of five finalists in the Small Business Revolution – Main Street project with the chance to win a $500,000 downtown revitalization grant and be featured on the third season of the Main Street TV series which airs on Hulu and YouTube. Other communities in the running included Bastrop, Texas, Amesbury, Mass., Siloam Springs, Ark., and Martinez, Calif.

Alton was among thousands of communities across the United States nominated for the project which is now in its third year. Alton made the cut in December when the Top 20 communities were named and again in January when the Top 10 towns were announced. The five finalists were announced on Feb. 13 and were subject to a national vote to determine the winner. Voting ended on Feb. 20.

Representatives of Small Business Revolution – Main Street visited Alton Jan. 18 – 19, interviewing small business owners, touring the downtown district and speaking to city officials about the community. The Alton community hosted a reception for the Small Business Revolution – Main Street team at Old Bakery Beer Company during the visit.

Deluxe Corporation created the Small Business Revolution in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the small businesses across the country. Previous winners include Wabash, Ind., and Bristol Borough, Pa.

Here is the official announcement:

https://www.facebook.com/smallbizrev/videos/1669116503131973/