The 2020 Downtown Intersections Virtual Conference will be an interactive, remote learning and asset-based economic development experience that will guide you towards a vibrant downtown and resilient Main Street program. The experience begins with a series of live and recorded webinars exploring connection, investment and recovery, including celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Virginia Main Street … More 2020 Downtown Intersections: Workbook

Last week, Main Street America (MSA) announced that 860 MSA programs across the nation have earned accredited status! Excitingly, 24 Main Street programs in Virginia earned MSA’s top tier of recognition. This exclusive designation signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive community revitalization and a proven track record of successfully applying the successful Main Street Approach. … More Main Street America Announces 2020 Accredited and Affiliate Communities

In 2019, Main Street America partnered alongside American Express to launch the Future of Shopping Small Grant Program to provide 10 small businesses with $10,000 each to help them innovate in the evolving retail landscape. The program seeks to support small businesses that have demonstrated new approaches to traditional business strategies and those businesses looking … More Jon Henry General Store in New Market, VA Named Future of Shopping Small Grant Recipient!

Main Street has a crucial role to play in supporting small businesses, maintaining and improving quality of life for all, and ultimately the vitality of downtown districts – the heart of our communities. Over the past 40 years, communities across the country have demonstrated the power to preserve through good and challenging times, and that … More Main Street America: 2019 State of Main

Whether it be free meals for children, health care workers or families, the restaurant industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has showcased the importance of helping one’s community during times of tremendous need. Amid a national crisis, many restaurants and food service businesses have taken it upon themselves to support such groups, and here are … More “Creative Fooding” Initiatives across Virginia

Many directors are looking for ways to provide a constructive, inclusive and safe space for protest. Charity Furness, the executive director of Experience Old Town Warrenton, received a call on Sunday, May 31, that a protest was planned for downtown later that day. She quickly sprang into action and was able to put structures in … More When Protest Comes to Main Street

Under Forward Virginia: Phase One, small businesses have begun to safely welcome back customers, and restaurants have been allowed to offer outdoor seating at 50% capacity. Given that some restaurants don’t have outdoor seating, communities have begun to close streets and alleyways, as well as offer other creative solutions to provide outdoor dining options to … More Outdoor Dining: A Creative New Look for Communities