The month of February was jam-packed with entrepreneurship, and we are beyond thankful to see such an ecstatic energy around business ownership in our community. From celebrating established businesses to welcoming new ones, February proved that Downtown Junction City is a place where entrepreneurs thrive!
Love Downtown Awards: Honoring Those Who Make Downtown Shine
We kicked off our 2025 IMPACT Social on Tuesday, February 25th, at Blu Restaurant and Bar with a night full of celebration, inspiration, and big ideas for the future of downtown Junction City. With over 100 people in attendance, this was our most well-attended IMPACT Social yet!
A highlight of the evening was the Love Downtown Awards, where we recognized businesses and individuals making a lasting impact in our downtown community.
🌿 Newbie on the Block: 9th Street Plant Shop
This award honors a new business bringing something special to downtown, and 9th Street Plant Shop was the perfect recipient! Their positive and uplifting energy is infectious, and it’s nearly impossible to have a bad day when surrounded by their gorgeous greenery. Their passion for plants and the community makes them a welcome addition to Main Street.
🏆 Downtown Legend: Godfrey’s Indoor Ranges & Tactical Supply
A true pillar of our community, Godfrey’s Indoor Ranges & Tactical Supply has been a steadfast supporter of our Main Street program. From allowing us to use their property for markets to actively participating in downtown events, the Godfrey family’s dedication is unmatched. They have cemented themselves as a Downtown Legend, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their ongoing support.
❤️ Biggest Heart for Downtown: Josh Gray, Parks Superintendent
There’s no one more deserving of this award than Josh Gray. Whether he’s answering our crazy Main Street calls, assisting with logistics, or making sure events run smoothly, Josh and his team go above and beyond to support our downtown. His dedication, hard work, and love for the community do not go unnoticed, and we are so thankful for him!
JCE 101 & 201: Empowering Entrepreneurs
In addition to celebrating our downtown legends, we also recognized the incredible entrepreneurs who participated in JCE 101 and 201—courses designed to teach the ins and outs of successfully starting and operating a business.
Students make a $150 deposit to enroll in these courses, but they receive a full refund upon completion with 100% attendance—a testament to investing in oneself and one’s business. Throughout the course, participants learned from local professionals in real estate, finance, and law, equipping them with the knowledge to turn their dreams into reality.
At the IMPACT Social, we proudly announced the JCE 101 and 201 winners:
🏅 JCE 101 Winners:
🥇 Blue Bird Speech Therapy – $4,000
🥈 Sword & Anchor Construction – $3,000
🥉 Barricada Consulting – $2,000
🏅 JCE 201 Winners:
✨ Maple and Birch – $4,000
✨ Activated Arts – $3,000
✨ Urban Brim Co. – $2,000
What an exciting moment for these entrepreneurs! We can’t wait to see how they grow and contribute to the future of downtown. And to all of the amazing entrepreneurs who took JCE 101 and 201, JC Main Street will always be cheering you on!
The Community Speaks: The Top-Requested Businesses for Downtown
On February 21st, we asked our community what types of businesses they’d love to see in downtown Junction City. With over 100 responses, we tallied up the requests and are excited to share the TL;DR version with you!
So, without further ado, here are the top five most requested businesses:
🥇 Bookstore – By far the most requested! A cozy spot for book lovers to gather, browse, and connect.
🥈 Indoor Play Space for Kids – A much-needed option for families looking for fun, safe activities for their little ones.
🥉 Breakfast/Brunch Spot – A go-to place for morning meals, coffee, and weekend brunch with friends and family.
🏅 Craft Store/Creative Center – A hub for makers, artists, and DIYers to shop for supplies or take creative workshops.
🏅 Everyday Clothing & Shoe Stores – More retail options for everyday fashion and footwear.
Other highly mentioned businesses included:
🥪 Deli/Sub Shop – A fast, fresh option for busy folks looking for a quick and delicious bite.
🥬 Health-Focused Food Market – A store featuring local Kansas produce, handmade products, and fresh, healthy options.
🕹 Teen Hangout Space – A safe and engaging environment designed just for teens.
🌱 Restaurants with More Gluten-Free Options – Expanding dining choices for those with dietary restrictions.
🎲 Game/Puzzle Store – A dedicated shop for board games, puzzles, and strategy games.
☕ Coffee Shop – Because you can never have too much good coffee in town!
🎣 Outdoor Recreation-Focused Businesses – Such as athletic wear, hunting, and fishing gear.
🏓 Pickleball Courts – This fast-growing sport has a huge demand in our area!
🛁 Body Care Shop – Featuring locally made soaps, skincare, and self-care essentials.
👾 Barcade/Arcade – A throwback to the good ol’ days of arcade games, but with a modern twist.
🥤 Soda Bar/Shop – A creative, fun beverage spot offering unique soda flavors and mocktails.
🥖 Bread-Based Bakery – A European-style bakery specializing in fresh bread and baked goods.
🐱 Cat Café – Coffee, pastries, and adorable adoptable cats? Yes, please!
🏛 Multipurpose Venue – A flexible event space for weddings, markets, and community events.
🛍 Thrift Store – A vintage and secondhand shopping experience for bargain lovers.
🍷 Wine Bar – A boutique spot for wine tastings, pairings, and social gatherings.
🔮 Metaphysical Store – A shop featuring crystals, tarot, and spiritual wellness.
🔐 Escape Room – A fun, interactive experience for groups and families.
🪓 Axe Throwing – The perfect thrill-seeking group activity.
🐶 Animal Grooming Services & Pet Shop – Supporting pet owners and their furry friends.
🍜 Asian Restaurant – Offering Vietnamese, Thai, and other international flavors.
🌏 International Food Market – A diverse selection of global ingredients and specialty foods.
👩🍳 Incubator Kitchen or Business Space – A shared kitchen or co-working space to support local food entrepreneurs.
What a list! If any of these ideas spark your entrepreneurial spirit, now’s the time to take action! Main Street is here to help—whether it’s connecting you with resources, guiding you through the process, or cheering you on as you take the leap.
Have a dream to bring one of these businesses downtown? Let’s make it happen! Reach out to Main Street today and take the next step toward your business journey. 🚀
Celebrating Our Entrepreneurs & Looking Ahead
As we wrap up an exciting month of entrepreneurship and community growth, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible business owners, dreamers, and doers who make downtown Junction City thrive. From the newest businesses bringing fresh energy to our Main Street to the legends and leaders who have supported downtown for years, we are grateful for each and every one of you. Your passion and dedication make our community stronger, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
But the momentum doesn’t stop here—there’s so much on the horizon! 🌟
🍀 First-Ever Main Street St. Patty’s Day Bar Crawl – March 15th
Get ready to paint the town green! Join us for the first-ever Main Street St. Patty’s Day Bar Crawl on Saturday, March 15th, from 12 PM to Close! The amazing downtown businesses are bringing you a day full of green beer, great times, and $500 in cash prizes!
Participating bars & restaurants:
🍺 Highwind Brewing Co.
🍹 Blu Restaurant and Bar
🎤 D’z Lounge
🎶 The Spot (a brand-new karaoke bar!)
🍽 Bella’s
🍪 Frost & Flour (a cookie & ice cream bar!)
How It Works:
🔎 Bar hop between the participating locations and find each hidden four-leaf clover.
🔤 Each clover contains a letter—collect all six, unscramble the word, and turn in your completed card at Highwind Brewing by 9 PM to be entered to win cash prizes!
This is an event you won’t want to miss! Grab your friends, wear your best St. Patty’s Day attire, and let’s celebrate downtown JC in true Irish fashion! 🍀
🎤 Kauffman Grant Community Forum: Pink Goldfish – March 31st
Our third and final Kauffman Grant-funded community forum is happening on March 31st, featuring David Rendall, author of Pink Goldfish.
David’s presentation will challenge you to embrace your unique qualities and use them as strengths—a perfect message for business owners, students, and anyone looking to stand out in their industry. Whether you’re growing a business, launching a new idea, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this is a session that will leave you inspired!
🌎 Cups of Culture & International Food Tour – Coming in May!
Looking ahead, May brings a world of flavor with Cups of Culture and the International Food Tour! Tickets are now available, so grab yours today and get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey right here in downtown JC.
🌟 2025 Innovation Expo – Apply Now! 🌟
Are you a pre-existing business with an LLC and EIN looking to expand? Junction City Main Street is excited to announce the 2025 Innovation Expo, offering up to $19,000 in microgrants to help local businesses grow and thrive! This is a fantastic opportunity to secure funding and showcase your vision for the future of your business. 🚀💡
🔹 Key Dates to Remember:
- 📢 February 24: Announcement Video Launch
- 📅 March 28 (Noon): Video Submission Deadline
- 📊 March 29 – April 17: Subcommittee Review & Public Engagement
- 🏆 April 18: Winners Announced via Facebook Live
🔹 How to Participate:
- Record a 5–7-minute video outlining your business expansion plan.
- Post it in the Innovation Expo event page (discussion tab) on Facebook.
- Tag Junction City Main Street and use the designated hashtag.
- Email your video to director@junctioncitymainstreet.org.
- Submit by March 28 at noon to be considered!
This is YOUR chance to take your business to the next level! Whether you’re looking to expand your space, add new products, or grow your team, the 2025 Innovation Expo is here to support your dreams. 🌟 Let’s build a stronger community together—apply now! 🚀
Join Us & Keep the Momentum Going!
With so many exciting events, initiatives, and business opportunities on the horizon, there has never been a better time to be a part of downtown JC’s growth. Whether you’re a business owner, community member, or future entrepreneur, we invite you to stay engaged, get involved, and dream big—because downtown Junction City is only just getting started!
See you at the next event, and as always, thank you for supporting our downtown! 🚀✨
