January 26th, 2026
town + co-op partnership
Who We Are
We’re a collective of over 30 local business owners and additional community members working together to make Downtown Fort Mill a thriving destination to live, work, shop, and play.
Through collaborative events, shared resources, and a unified voice, we aim to keep our Main Street buzzing — not just for visitors, but for the neighbors who call it home.
Embracing growth; preserving small-town charm.
The mission of the Downtown Co-Op is to enhance the relationship between small business owners in the Historic Downtown Neighborhood and the Town of Fort Mill government while representing the strength of our community to the entire CLT Metropolitan area.
Increasing communication between small business owners and the Town of Fort Mill will fortify a unification with the same goal: for Fort Mill to continue to grow economically and culturally.
Host
From Main Street Jams to seasonal celebrations like Miracle on Main Street and An Evening at Our Community Table.
Support
Helping local businesses share their events, specials, and milestones through our website, social media, and collaborative marketing efforts.
Advocate
Serving as a collective voice with town officials and other organizations to ensure the needs of our businesses and community are heard.
Connect
Bringing together business owners, residents, and visitors to keep downtown a place where everyone feels welcome.
Credibility & Momentum
What’s Already in Motion at the Co-Op
Applied for 501(c)(6) status to formalize structure and long-term sustainability
Active partnership with the SC Arts Commission toward Cultural District designation
Official member of Main Street America
Growing network of engaged downtown businesses and volunteers (30+ businesses)
Strong collaboration with Fort Mill Economic Partners
Ongoing partnership with Visit York County
Strong partnership with the Olde English District Tourism Commission to expand our tourism reach
Strong partnership with the Arts Council Of York County
Impact On Downtown and Small Businesses
why it matters
A vibrant Downtown drives foot traffic, strengthens small businesses, and helps position Fort Mill as a place people choose to visit, stay, and support.
✔️ Increased foot traffic
✔️ Businesses collaborating instead of competing
✔️ Downtown becoming a destination, not just a pass-through
✔️ Community pride and engagement
Collaborating & Supporting Each Other
opportunities
These are areas where closer collaboration between the Town and the Downtown Co-Op can help support small businesses, streamline communication, and expand what’s possible for Downtown.
✔️ Communication and coordination
✔️ Supporting initiatives that the Town may not have staff capacity to manage alone
✔️ Event planning and execution
✔️ Downtown promotion and storytelling
✔️ Acting as a liaison between businesses and the Town
How We Can
Work Better Together
One primary Town liaison for Downtown Co-Op communication
1
Creates a clear, consistent point of contact to streamline coordination and reduce confusion for all parties.
Regular, efficient check-ins to align on downtown initiatives, timelines, and upcoming plans.
Consistent, light-touch check-ins
2
3
EARLY COLLABORATION ON DOWNTOWN INITIATIVES
Engaging early when planning events, activations, or improvements to ensure alignment and shared success.
MUTUAL VISIBILITY AND SUPPORT
4
Coordinated promotion and shared messaging that supports Downtown, local businesses, and Town-led initiatives.
Our goal today is simple: to share what’s already working, outline where collaboration can make an impact, and open the door to working more closely together. We’re invested in Downtown, and we’re excited about what’s possible when we partner intentionally.
