Consider having a local starter business competition in your community, judged by various local leaders who can analyze the viability of the proposed business plan. While there are various ways to run this type of competition, the general gist is the entrepreneur submits a business plan which is reviewed by various judges and receives a score. In addition to the written proposal; the entrepreneur also provides a five minute "elevator pitch" which is also scored by the judges. The written and presentation scores are then combined to determine a winner (or multiple winners). The winners then receive a "prize" which will allow them to open a store in the downtown to test their business.
Work with local businesses, banks and downtown building owners to provide a modest cash prize as well as free storefront rent for a specific amount of time to give the business the opportunity to take root.
There are various governmental agencies that may be able to assist a smaller community in organizing and carrying out this type of event. Learn from communities that have already undertaken a similar program: (Monmouth, Illinois): http://shopsofmonmouth.com/index.php/retail-business-competition-main
Similar events have also occurred in Highland, Illinois and Dixon, Illinois. Growing your business base from the local community is the best bet for long term viability.
