Virginia Main Street

Sometimes, Main Street organizations are associated only with events or seen as the “party planners.” Although that’s definitely not all we do, it is a part of what we do; it’s always front and center in the heart of the community. Let’s be honest, events can drag staff and volunteers down, especially if they are … More Building Better Downtown Events Through Collaboration

Economic Vitality is one of the four pillars of Main Street work, and this spring, Main Street leaders and community partners from across Virginia gathered for the Virginia Main Street Spring Rev Up: Retail and Small Business support to learn new strategies for strengthening their downtown districts. Presented by the Retail Alliance, this year’s Spring … More Supporting Business on Main: A 2026 Spring Rev-Up Recap

Drawing from 10 years’ worth of experience, Andrea Dono, Executive Director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, passes on lessons learned on key administrative, financial, and governance practices that nonprofits should regularly review or implement. When I became the executive director at Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), it took several years for me to recognize that we were … More A Checklist for Creating Sustainable Organizations

There’s something powerful that happens when a community pauses to imagine its future—and then decides to take the first step toward it. In early January, Courtland community leaders came together to do just that. They described a downtown that, at its very best, is lively, safe, and welcoming—a place where people gather, linger, and feel … More Welcome Courtland to Exploring Main Street

More than 50 members of the Virginia Main Street network including staff, elected officials, and volunteers gathered in Tulsa, Oklahoma for the annual Main Street NOW conference. Held in a different city each year, the annual Main Street NOW conference is an excellent opportunity for Main Street organizations across the state to connect, share ideas, … More Virginia Takes the Stage at Main Street NOW 2026

Downtown Wytheville, Inc. (DTW) is one of only three communities in the country to receive the prestigious 2026 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), Main Street America announced during the annual Main Street NOW conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. GAMSA is one of the highest honors in downtown revitalization and preservation-based economic development. This award celebrates … More Wytheville Earns 2026 Great American Main Street Award

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