Business owners from around the state are coming to Staunton this week to see what they call a downtown success story.

The economy has been tough on many small businesses, but in Staunton some local shops have found their niche and are thriving. According Meghan Williamson of the Staunton Creative Community Fund, the Staunton's model is one other cities can learn from.

"This is Staunton showing how to do it right, and we're really excited to have an opportunity to show what interactive and community based revitalization can really look like," Williamson says.

Williamson says Staunton's success has a lot to do with the way the city seeks out tax credits.

"Staunton has really pushed the envelope in terms of combining the use of historic tax credits with Main Street," Williamson says.

Caroline Sheridan, owner of Sunspots Studios, says it was tax incentives that helped her get a prime location.

"Being able to renovate this building, that was in a large part because of the enterprise zone tax advantages and the historic zone tax advantages that we were able to use," Sheridan says.

Sheridan says though tax credits helped her open, it was finding her niche in the community that's helping her thrive.

"Just being who we are sort of has helped us that we are kind of a unique place," Sheridan says.

Sheridan's opinion is shared by Brian Wiedemann, owner of George Bowers Grocery.

"It's absolutely unique. That's how you distinguish yourself between all the big box football size supermarkets," Wiedemann says.

Wiedemann's store specializes in beer and local food. He says the local business model is something other cities are also craving.

"What's happening here is definitely applicable to every state in the Union could adopt what we're doing here, and many of them are." Wiedemann says.

The business conference starts Thursday and will feature national speakers and Staunton business owners.