Bill Ryan
University of Wisconsin—Extension
Center for Community Economic Development
610 Langdon St.,
Lowell Hall, Rm. 329
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 263-4994, (608) 263-4999 fax

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Matt Kures
University of Wisconsin—Extension
Center for Community Economic Development
610 Langdon St., Lowell Hall #335
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 263-8258, (608) 263-4999 fax

While many downtowns are no longer the economic hub of their communities, they do offer revitalization opportunities as a result of their central place and character. A key element in downtown economic revitalization is market analysis. Market analysis helps business and community leaders explore realistic economic opportunities for their downtown. While large retail and development companies have long had access to sophisticated market analysis techniques, tools, and data sources, the availability of these same resources to small businesses has been limited. The availability of Web-based data, the advent of desktop geographic information systems (GIS), and the collection of tried and true market analysis tools, is now “leveling the playing field” for many downtowns and their small businesses.

The University of Wisconsin—Extension’s downtown/business district market analysis services help communities take advantage of these powerful market analysis techniques. This program helps community leaders explore local economic conditions, downtown space utilization, trade area size, customer characteristics, local attitudes, customer perceptions, and supply/demand by business or real estate category. The results are market-driven strategies for downtown economic revitalization.

This workshop will review the updated, web-based market analysis toolbox, developed by the University of Wisconsin—Extension in cooperation with the Wisconsin Main Street Program. The toolbox includes instruction and downloadable files (such as survey instruments) to help complete a market analysis. The approach looks at retail as well as service business, restaurant, theater, residential, office and lodging opportunities. The workshop will provide participants with guidance in using the toolbox and practice in using its content so that the techniques can be transferable to their communities.

To view toolbox, visit http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/dma/index.html.

Map of 2005 NACDEP Participants (jpg file, 825 kb)