Brad Belo – Virginia Main Street – Page 7

Attracting, Developing and Retaining Main Street Entrepreneurs

February 23, 2012

Entrepreneurs are generally pretty imaginative people, but some may need a creative venue and an audience to help them articulate their ideas. Staunton Creative Community Fund’s (SCCF) recent Ignite Staunton! campaign proved to be the creative outlet that entrepreneur Michael Reeps needed to make his unique business concept a reality. Last fall’s Ignite Staunton!, partly … More Attracting, Developing and Retaining Main Street Entrepreneurs

South Boston paints its empty store fronts

February 14, 2012

Empty store fronts are a drag on Main Street. They break up the flow of the Main Street commercial district, and studies show that they discourage shoppers from exploring downtown. But, what can be done? Well, how about turning empty store fronts into canvases for local artists? Check out this video to see the artistic … More South Boston paints its empty store fronts

Culpeper – 2012 Great American Main Street Awards Semi-Finalist

February 9, 2012

Congratulations to the Town of Culpeper, which was recently named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the top 10 semi-finalists for the 2012 Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA). The semi-finalists have demonstrated their ability to preserve their unique history while creating and maintaining vibrant, successful commercial districts that serve as the heart … More Culpeper – 2012 Great American Main Street Awards Semi-Finalist

Staunton in Preservation Magazine

February 7, 2012

The recent history of one of Virginia travelers’ favorite Main Street communities was recently showcased in Preservation – The Magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Secret of Staunton’s Success explains how the city used historic preservation as an economic engine to transform the downtown. Starting with the restoration of a handful of … More Staunton in Preservation Magazine

Radford – Past the Tipping Point

February 3, 2012

According to WDBJ7.com, Radford is past the “tipping point” and Main Street Radford’s vision to create “a destination district widely recognized as the best place in the New River Valley for an independent business to succeed and grow” is becoming a reality. Entrepreneurs are setting up shop in once empty storefronts, and visitors can add … More Radford – Past the Tipping Point

Helping Main Street Merchants Weather the Winter Doldrums

January 12, 2012

As you may have noticed while walking along Main Street, January is typically a slow season for many retailers as consumers try to pay off bills accumulated during the holidays. Hopefully, Main Street retailers have planned for and are prepared to weather this annual slow season. MyBusiness.com offers several tips to help retailers make the most … More Helping Main Street Merchants Weather the Winter Doldrums

From Farmers Market to European Bakery

January 12, 2012

24 of the 25 designated Virginia Main Street communities have active farmers markets. In addition to being great places to buy locally-grown produce, eggs and meat, farmers markets also serve as small business incubators. As pointed out in Ashley Fletcher Frampton’s article, Entrepreneurs Get Start at Area Farmers Markets, the low start-up costs and captive audiences at … More From Farmers Market to European Bakery

Tourism Marketing Grants Announced

January 12, 2012

Governor McDonnell recently announced that the Virginia Tourism Commission (VTC) will award $635,000 in matching grants to 35 local tourism initiatives. The grants, which require a 3-to-1 match, will help local and regional entities attract visitors by leveraging local tourism marketing dollars. Several designated Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities and their partners will receive grant funds. … More Tourism Marketing Grants Announced