This post is mostly applicable to Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) communities, but knowledge of these new Main Street America Accreditation Standards is relevant to any community thinking about their revitalization journey and participation within the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program. The new Main Street America Evaluation Framework, developed by Main Street America (MSA) in … More Main Street America Accreditation Standards: Empowering A New Model for Revitalization

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) Planning Grant. The IRF program encourages economic development and investment through the renovation of vacant and derelict structures in Virginia. Each year, the program awards funding to localities throughout the state to … More FY2023 Industrial Revitalization Fund Planning Grant Application Now Open

Excitingly, Virginia Main Street (VMS) will host an Exploring Main Street (EMS) Community Interchange on September 22, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This virtual gathering will focus on strengthening the program’s network of community leaders and boosting Main Street efficacy in EMS communities! If you’re an active EMS community, join us for September’s … More Register Now for September 2022 Exploring Main Street Community Interchange

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Virginia Main Street (VMS) program will hold a Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) Tier Program “How-To-Apply” Webinar next month on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. till 12:15 p.m. Through grassroots leadership and a commitment to holistic preservation-based economic development, you and your downtown champions can … More Registration Now Open for Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) Program Tier “How-to-Apply” Webinar

In 2021, Love Orange Virginia (LOVe) was awarded a $25,000 Financial Feasibility Grant (FFG) to help identify the highest and best adaptive use of the former Earl’s Glass Shop building in downtown Orange and formulate any plans or studies that would help the property owner to redevelop the property or allow the local Main Street … More Reimaging Earl’s Glass: Feasibility Study Identifies Potential New Use for Historic Property in Orange, VA

A new event in Downtown Blackstone, VA has helped to transform the historic business district into a walkable art gallery, allowing residents and visitors alike to peruse the wares of traditional and contemporary artists and take in the charm of this small town as they visit local shops and restaurants. Organized by In Town Art, … More Blackstone Art Walk Encourages Community to Support Local Businesses and Creatives

The Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF), based in Staunton, Virginia, is on a mission to expand access to entrepreneurial support and training for under-represented communities throughout the Shenandoah Valley. We firmly believe in a Shenandoah Valley in which each person has access to the resources, knowledge and support needed to start, grow and sustain a … More A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: An Ecosystem Approach to Supporting Black Businesses in the Shenandoah Valley

Happy Wednesday, Main Street friends! The Community Vitality Office (CVO) team posted fourteen (14) post this month. Did you miss any of them? If so, don’t worry we’ve got you covered ! Catch up here with this month’s edition of “In Case You Missed It!” NEWS The Friday Blog Series – Celebrating National Black Business … More In Case You Missed It: August 2022 Digest

Excitingly, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) network is growing – welcome to Nancy Alexander (Farmville) and David Green (Altavista)! Over the past several months, Farmville Downtown Partnership (FDP), an Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) organization, has been searching for a dynamic and highly motivated individual to serve as the new executive director for the local … More Altavista and Farmville Welcome New Executive Directors!

We are delighted to celebrate National Black Business Month by highlighting Black entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth. Today we are telling the story of Books and Crannies in Martinsville. Meet DeShanta Hairston, the owner of Books and Crannies, a Black-woman owned independent bookstore, located in Martinsville, Virginia. With the closing of all major book retailers in … More Highlighting CBL Winner – Books and Crannies!