Facing a delay in the rollout of its Community Business Launch (CBL) program due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Culpeper Tourism and Economic Development jump started Culpeper Competes in 2021 as a fully virtual program, making the program accessible online from the initial application to the seven weeks of business training classes! “We re-launched in … More Culpeper Competes – Virtually
The Virginia Community Development Corporation (VCDC) believes that vibrant communities drive change. If you’re a nonprofit organization that helps make communities a better place for all residents and that works in Virginia or surrounding regions, the Mission Elevation program is perfect for you! Mission Elevation offers customized solutions to nonprofit organizations based on their current … More Mission Elevation Class of 2022: Application Deadline Extended for Interested Nonprofits
Educational Webinar The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) kicked off the Creating Community Vitality (CCV) Series with a phenomenal webinar, featuring Monique Johnson (pictured left), Chief Operating Office for the Better Housing Coalition (BHC). Johnson helped participants examine how the inflection points of the past year have led to seismic shifts that … More CCV Series: January 2021 Recap and Additional Resources
Excitingly, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched Ascent, a free online learning platform that’s designed to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. The new program will advise on preparing and recovering from disasters, strategic marketing and business financial strategy development. It’s divided into major topics called Journeys, developed by experts in women’s entrepreneurship. … More Ascent: A Free Learning Platform for Women Entrepreneurs to Elevate Their Businesses
Main Street America (MSA) has begun accepting nominations for the Mary Means Leadership Award, recognizing and celebrating outstanding leaders across the MSA Network! Introduced in 2019, the award highlights the critical role that leadership plays in shaping the Main Street movement, and that’s never been more pertinent in light of today’s environment. Over the past … More Mary Means Leadership Award: Nominations Now Open
Main Street America (MSA) has partnered alongside Brother International, launching the “At Your Side” Small Business Grant Program to help brick-and-mortar businesses across the country as they work to adapt to COVID-19-related challenges and prepare for the next phases of reopening. Grant funds will not only support small businesses but also help to revitalize and … More The “At Your Side” Small Business Grant Program
In October 2020, Downtown Suffolk Business Launch winners and real estate brokers Domenick Epps and Danita Hayes launched Wall Street Café on Washington Street in downtown Suffolk. “Great food, great coffee, great conversation and [financial] education is what the atmosphere of Wall Street Café is all about!” – Danita Hayes Emphasizing the role of entrepreneurs … More Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk
Recently, Main Street America (MSA) and The Hartford announced the second-round recipients of the HartBeat on Main Street Grant Program. Across the country, 31 small businesses have received HartBeat awards to fund solutions that help merchants respond and better adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excitingly, one Virginia business, Curitiba Art Cafe (pictured left), will receive … More Main Street America Announces Second-Round Recipients of HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program
We don’t yet know what the new normal will be after the COVID-19 crisis winds down. But, we do know that keeping people engaged with places and people throughout the pandemic is a key to keeping them engaged in the future. One way to provide socially distant activities is through guided smartphone-based apptivities, such as … More Creating Interactive Apptivities for Downtowns
The pipelines for the second round of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding are opening now, and here are some quick facts to share with small businesses in your district: Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of forgivable loans opened on Monday, Jan. 11th, to first-time applicants. It will open … More CARES II: Program Fast Facts for Small Businesses
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