For Immediate Release – September 18, 2025

(Hartford, CT) – Connecticut Main Street Center was pleased to present the Town of Bethel Economic Development Commission with a $5,000 CT Main Street Accelerator grant, which will be used to strengthen the downtown by connecting visitors with merchants, landmarks, events and activities via a new online hub.

Bethel was one of four teams chosen for CMSC’s 2025 Main Street Accelerator Cohort, including Bridgeport, East Hartford, and Enfield. As part of their coursework, the teams identified a local challenge and collaborated on effective solutions using the nationally proven Four Point Approach to Main Street Management. Teams that successfully completed the downtown leadership program are eligible to receive a $5,000 grant towards implementing their project. The 2025 Accelerator program and grants are supported by Webster Bank.

During the six-month Main Street Accelerator program, Bethel team members including the town’s Director of Economic Development and local business owners collaborated to develop “Experience Downtown Bethel”, an online hub that will boost tourism, increase foot traffic, and enhance local commerce while strengthening the downtown’s brand and business ecosystem. The team created an action plan, one-page flyer marketing the initiative, and a project budget.

“The Main Street Accelerator program provides fertile ground for collaborations to grow ideas and relationships,” said Michelle McCabe, CMSC’s Executive Director. “We commend the Bethel team for creating an initiative that will benefit multiple stakeholders, from visitors to local businesses to the town.”

“The Bethel team was really thoughtful about creating an initiative that will strengthen the downtown business ecosystem,” said Kristen Lopez, CMSC Senior Director of Programs.  “They made sure to address how this initiative can endure long-term, which is a key focus of the Accelerator program and a vital element in successful downtown management.”

Bethel Director of Economic Development Janice Chrzescijanek said, “We’re thrilled to receive a Main Street Accelerator grant from Connecticut Main Street Center. These funds will help us create a centralized platform for residents, businesses and visitors to stay informed and engaged, while building a welcoming, vibrant brand for the downtown. We’re looking forward to seeing continued growth and collaboration among the business merchants as we roll out the new Experience Downtown Bethel website.”

Launched in 2024, the Main Street Accelerator program has trained ten local teams from nine towns and cities across Connecticut to implement small-scale projects that make incremental positive change in their downtowns. To date, CMSC and funding partners Webster Bank, Chelsea Groton Foundation and Thomaston Savings Bank have awarded $25,000 in grant funds to teams from Bethel, Bridgeport, Georgetown, Norwich, and Thomaston.

You can find more information about CMSC and the Main Street Accelerator program on CMSC’s website.

About the Photo: Municipal officials and Bethel Main Street Accelerator participants are joined by CT Main Street Center leadership for the project grant award presentation. Photo taken by Christine Schilke for CMSC.

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Media Contact
Christine Schilke
Senior Director, Communications & Marketing
860-280.2356
christine@ctmainstreet.org