VMS Community News:

• The Town of Crewe has become an Exploring Main Street (EMS) community and formally joined the powerful, grassroots VMS network. Click here to learn more!

• On March 27, 2023, Main Street America (MSA) announced that the River District Association (RDA) in Danville, Virginia has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Click here to learn more!

Grant Announcements:

• As part of a recently announced U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Thriving Communities grant project, Main Street America (MSA) will assist Henry County and the City of Roanoke by providing two years of no-cost intensive technical assistance to help identify, develop, and deliver transportation projects that strengthen each of their communities. Click here to learn more!

• Each year, the VMS program offers a number of grant opportunities to help further the revitalization and preservation of historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the state, with a goal of creating vibrant and thriving local economies. Grant applications are due Friday, 04/28 at 11:59 PM. Click here to learn more!
• Community Business Launch (CBL) grants are open and the maximum award is increased to $100,000! Get our application in by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 5th!

Grant Highlights:

• On April 13, 2023, a ribbon cutting for the Clifton Forge LOVE sculpture was held on the grounds of the town’s Masonic Amphitheater with a great show of support from the community! Utilizing a VMS Community Vitality Grant, the LOVEworks Sculpture Committee began making plans for this sculpture in 2021 and worked alongside many partners to make it happen. Click here to learn more!

Business & Building Inventories:

• Business and building inventories are a valuable resource for a Main Street organization. Not only do they provide a comprehensive list of downtown stakeholders, they can be used to conduct a market assessment, track investments, fill vacancies, and promote real estate opportunities – just to name a few. Click here to learn more!

Training:

• During the month of May, join the VMS team for an immersive half-day workshop focused on Diverse Funding and Sustainable Program Operations. Led by self-described spreadsheet nerd Jennifer Goldman, the workshop – Money Matters – will dive into funding best practices, diverse funding streams and work plan-aligned budgeting. Click here to learn more!