Virginia Main Street (VMS) is excited to offer the regional Rev Up training on Retail and Small Business Support, a dynamic, half-day training designed to help communities take their downtown efforts to the next level. Led by the experts at Retail Alliance, this workshop is designed for Main Street managers, small business owners, and community … More Register Now: 2026 Spring Regional Rev Up Workshops
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s (HDR) Bricks & Clicks program helps downtown entrepreneurs turn ideas into action. Designed as a business retention and growth initiative, Bricks & Clicks provides customized, one-on-one technical assistance paired with grants for new and existing businesses in downtown Harrisonburg. Since 2017, HDR has supported downtown businesses with “the bricks” (including new signage, … More ‘Bricks & Clicks’ Helps Harrisonburg Small Businesses Thrive
Along the banks of scenic Peak Creek in the Town of Pulaski, DHCD representatives and community leaders welcomed a new place for locals and visitors alike to socialize and experience downtown on Friday, Feb. 27. That evening, Great Wilderness Brewing Company opened its doors to the community with a ribbon-cutting and words of appreciation from … More Industrial Revitalization Brewery Project Opens in Downtown Pulaski
The Town of Clarksville has turned the page on a new chapter, debuting a picture book highlighting their historic Main Street. “Clarksville on the Lake: A Story from A to Z” was a Clarksville labor of love, authored by the town’s former Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator, Tara Tuck, and illustrated by local artist Andrea … More Clarksville on the Lake: A Story from A to Z
The iron is hot in Clifton Forge, as projects spark creativity, local advocates hammer out details, and a community tempers legacy with innovation while quenching a thirst for growth. The Town of Clifton Forge, in partnership with Clifton Forge Main Street, unveiled its new branding to a crowd of eager residents at the Historic Masonic … More ‘Spark something new!’ Clifton Forge unveils branding for Main Street district
Main Street directors often operate between three worlds. Investors want predictability and mitigation of risks. Local governments want growth, tax revenue, and long-term stability. Boards want to protect identity while supporting momentum. As the local Main Street authority, directors often walk a fine line as liaisons between the private and public sectors. Each sector may … More How Community Design Tools Can Incentivize Downtown Growth
At the 2026 Virginia Advancing Main Street Director Retreat in Luray, 32 local program executive directors gathered for a session titled Appreciative Inquiry: Leading with Strengths, Purpose, and Possibility. These directors lead local nonprofit Main Street organizations—each a 501(c)(3) that partners closely with its municipality to strengthen downtown districts and advance community vitality. Appreciative Inquiry … More Leading Where it Matters Most
Communities across the nation are invited to apply for 2026 AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Community Challenge grants, an exciting funding opportunity that helps local organizations turn great “ideas “quick action” projects into tangible improvements that make downtowns and Main Streets more livable for people of all ages. The AARP Livable Communities initiative supports … More Grant Opportunity: AARP Community Challenge
More than 30 Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered in Luray last week for the annual AVMS Directors’ Retreat, spending three days immersed in workshops, learning, and networking opportunities. Thanks to a winter storm that swept Virginia just a week prior, which iced over many of the streets of Luray … More Positive Thinking, Leveraging Assets, and Fund Development: A Recap of the 2026 AVMS Directors’ Retreat
Fredericksburg Main Street (FMS) launched its first-ever commemorative ornament this past holiday season, creating a new fundraising tool and strengthening community connection to the historic downtown district. The 2025 ornament featured Goolrick’s Pharmacy, a long-standing downtown business and local landmark that has served the community since 1897. The highly recognizable and meaningful site resulted in an … More A Season for Giving and Gaining: Collectable Ornaments Strengthen Fredericksburg’s Downtown
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