Virginia is for Main Street Lovers: Highlights from the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philly!

More than 35 Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities joined their fellow Main Streeters from across the nation in the birthplace of America for three full days of education sessions, workshops, and special events at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference. Community champions from across the country came together to exchange ideas and strengthen their ability … More Virginia is for Main Street Lovers: Highlights from the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philly!

Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

Bloom Market, Portsmouth’s nonprofit retail accelerator, recently celebrated its first anniversary with an outdoor vendor market that drew a vibrant crowd. The milestone event showcased the creativity and talent of local artisans, makers, and creatives who have benefited from the program’s support over the past year. Since its launch, Bloom Market has empowered emerging local … More Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

Virginia Main Street Selected for National “Unlocking Capital on Main Street” Initiative

Virginia Main Street (VMS) has been selected – as one of two coordinating programs out of 24 applicants – to participate in the Unlocking Capital on Main Street program, a new national initiative led by Main Street America and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). This prestigious opportunity empowers communities to build stronger, … More Virginia Main Street Selected for National “Unlocking Capital on Main Street” Initiative

Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses in Martinsville

Since 2019, minority-owned businesses in the City of Martinsville and Henry County have been working together to create opportunities for success and overcome systemic barriers. Through dedicated efforts, and perseverance throughout the COVID pandemic, this informal network has evolved into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Minority Business Consortium (MBC). Historically, minority business owners have … More Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses in Martinsville

In Case You Missed It: March 2025 Digest

During the month of March, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published eight blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Downtown Visitation Trends 2024 Reinvestment Statistics Main Street Tourism People and Places That Have Shaped Virginia Main Street Grant Highlights Measuring Impacts Demonstrating the Value of Main Street Stay tuned for … More In Case You Missed It: March 2025 Digest

Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Part 2

Strengthening Main Street’s Role – Funding, Partnerships, and Community Engagement How does a small town make the case for investing in Main Street? For Cape Charles, Virginia, the journey began with a simple but essential question: What value will this bring us? This second installment of a two-part series explores how Cape Charles Main Street’s … More Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Part 2

A Data-Driven Look at How the River District Association Drives Economic and Social Growth in Danville

Measuring the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of your Main Street program’s initiatives is a vital practice that provides valuable insights into the true reach and effectiveness of revitalization efforts. By quantifying these impacts, Main Street programs are equipped with data-driven evidence to communicate their value to key stakeholders. When done well, this practice not … More A Data-Driven Look at How the River District Association Drives Economic and Social Growth in Danville

40 Years Strong: Recognizing the People and Places That Shaped Virginia Main Street

Reaching a milestone like 40 years is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable impact and achievements of those who have helped shape the Virginia Main Street program. As we celebrate this legacy, we took a moment during February’s special anniversary event to recognize the contributions of key individuals—and even one special place—whose vision, dedication, … More 40 Years Strong: Recognizing the People and Places That Shaped Virginia Main Street

The Numbers Are In: 2024 Main Street Impact Review

In 2024, Virginia Main Street (VMS) collaborated with Main Street communities across the Commonwealth to implement the Main Street Approach, driving positive and catalytic impacts. Through strategic initiatives and dedicated local leadership, these communities, with their emerging and established Main Street programs, have successfully attracted new businesses, fostered meaningful community engagement, and strengthened their local … More The Numbers Are In: 2024 Main Street Impact Review