Monticello Bootcamp
Monticello Bootcamp is an aggressive, 5-week program designed to inspire, educate and enhance the opportunities for past, current and upcoming entrepreneurs. Those interested and eligible are invited to participate in a business plan competition for a $5,000 grant (pending funding) towards opening their own business or purchasing an existing business in downtown Monticello. For existing business owners, we have a $2000 marketing grant that may be awarded each year.
Who can attend?
The program is open to the public, regardless of residency or plans to open a business. Participation is free.
When are classes held?
Classes are held on Tuesdays from 6-9 pm at the Livingston Center, Monticello. Classes include time to work on business plans and to receive assistance from speakers as needed. Those interested and eligible will present their business plans to a panel of judges on May 18th for the grant opportunity.
How to register?
Individuals can register online at monticellobootcamp.com or by contacting Callie McFarland, City of Monticello, at 217-762-2583, or Shelly Crawford-Stock, Monticello Main Street, at 217-762-9318. There is no fee to participate.
Classes begin Tuesday, September 1, and run through October 6th. Space is limited, so register today!
To find out more about Monticello Bootcamp, visit Click Here!
🍦 It's National Ice Cream Day... and we have an important question...
How do you ice cream? 🤔
🍨 Team gelato from The Main Scoop Ice Cream ?
🎂 Team ice cream cake from Dairy Queen ?
🍦 Team classic soft serve cone from McDonald's ?
No wrong answers...unless you say you don't like ice cream. (We're pretty sure that's illegal on National Ice Cream Day. 😉)
The best part? Downtown Monticello has options to satisfy every sweet tooth.
If you've spent any time downtown, you've probably crossed paths with Shelly Crawford-Stock...or she's crossed something off her to-do list while you weren't looking.
Meet the Executive Director of Monticello Main Street!
Shelly is a proud Monticello native who knows downtown from just about every angle. She grew up here, owned a downtown business for many years, and now spends her days helping our downtown district thrive.
Since stepping into the Executive Director role in 2020, she's been the person behind countless events, projects, meetings, grant applications, community partnerships, and probably a few last-minute miracles involving solving power supply issues for musicians.
Fun fact: Shelly is the 8th Executive Director in Monticello Main Street's 30-year history. That's a lot of big shoes to fill—but thankfully, she's got comfortable ones.
It started because Monticello wanted downtown to thrive...
30 years later, we think we're doing a pretty good job... 😉