Over the past year, Main Street programs across the nation have encountered unprecedented challenges, ranging from the novel coronavirus pandemic to cascading climate crises. Truthfully, we can never foresee what the future holds, but we’ve come to learn how Main Street programs withstand such events and pressures, demonstrating inspiring tenacity and creativity throughout all they’ve faced. And that’s precisely why Main Street America (MSA) seeks to celebrate these efforts through the new and exciting Main Street Forward Awards, highlighting how programs have stepped up to rebuild more sustainable, resilient and equitable communities.

The Main Street Forward Awards will showcase forward-thinking Main Street recovery and resilience efforts during the events of the past year. The goal of MSA remains to collect a series of award winners that can serve as examples for the broader network, shining a light on the power and perseverance of Main Street.

Award winners will receive a $1,000 prize to support their program, and they’ll be featured in a dedicated awards plenary at the Main Street Now virtual conference during the month of April! Award winners will also be asked to submit a short video to be presented during the plenary at the 2021 Main Street Now Conference.

Click here to learn more about the application process and eligibility!