Once there were thousands and now there are only five. Alton, Illinois, the small but mighty Mississippi River town, has become a finalist for the Small Business Revolution – Main Street’s $500,000 downtown revitalization grant. Alton is the only town in Illinois to make it through the selection process. Now, a nationwide vote will determine the winner of the contest and Alton, the quintessential river town, needs you!
Updated 2/27/2018
Alton is the winner of a contest that will give $500,000 to help area businesses and its downtown while being featured on an eight-episode TV show that will stream on Hulu.
Camera crews on Tuesday wandered around the crowded Old Bakery Beer Company, where a watch party was held to view the Facebook post that announced Alton as the winner.
Six businesses will split the bulk of the prize money, with the city getting $75,000 for an improvement project.
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