Virginia Main Street

In 2021, Altavista On Track (AOT) was awarded a Virginia Main Street Downtown Investment Grant, totaling $20,000, to strengthen its Downtown Business Investment Grant (DBIG) Program. Since that time, with an additional $30,000 in supplemental funding, the organization has worked diligently to provide support to both new and existing downtown businesses.

For new businesses, the program covered essential start-up costs such as three months of rent and utility payments, permit reimbursements, and targeted marketing assistance—helping to reduce barriers to entry and create a stronger foundation for success. Existing businesses also benefited from the program, receiving reimbursement for expenses tied to storefront activation, local marketing campaigns, and the development of e-commerce platforms to expand their customer reach.

Altogether, AOT has invested $60,000 directly into 18 downtown businesses, leveraging $50,000 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, alongside a $10,000 match from the Town of Altavista. These combined efforts not only provided tangible financial assistance but also contributed to strengthening the vitality and long-term sustainability of Altavista’s downtown economy.

Notably, the original contract had allocated $10,000 for the procurement of a consultant to complete a comprehensive market analysis. However, this service was generously provided by Main Street America at no cost, allowing those funds to be redirected to directly support local businesses. This unanticipated outcome proved especially valuable to both AOT and the business community. Its insights were particularly instrumental in the successful FY2026 Community Business Launch (CBL) application submitted by AOT, which resulted in a $50,000 award. This funding will help launch Fire Up Altavista, an initiative designed to train entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners in business planning practices while strategically filling vacant storefronts with new start-ups and business expansions.

“The impact of the DBIG extends beyond numbers,” said David Green, Executive Director of Altavista On Track. “By assisting 18 businesses in a community the size of Altavista, the program has helped fill vacant storefronts, diversify the downtown business mix, and generate goodwill among business and property owners. These investments have not only fostered tangible economic growth but also strengthened community pride and renewed vibrancy in downtown Altavista.”