2020 marks the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday! A decade ago, American Express created the holiday in response to an economy struggling to rebound from a recession. Born out of a movement growing tired of big-name brands receiving more support than local mom-and-pop stores, consumers were encouraged to lift up the lifeblood of the … More Six Ways Business Owners Can Make the Most of Small Business Saturday during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Several months ago, the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) launched the Cardinal Comeback Series to spotlight businesses working incredibly hard to help Virginia’s economy “come back” from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stakeholders were asked to nominate businesses, and the responses have been overwhelming! In 1950, the Commonwealth of Virginia designated the northern … More VEDA: Cardinal Comeback Series

On Friday, November 20, 2020, Main Street America (MSA) will host a webinar focused on creating outdoor spaces in colder months. Undeniably, we’ve grown accustom to viewing our main streets and downtowns as commercial and social centers. But, the novel coronavirus pandemic has forced communities across the nation to move indoor activities outside, and that’s … More Webinar: Creating Outdoor Spaces in Colder Months

Recently, the National Main Street Center (NMSC) announced the 2020 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winners during the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s (NTHP) virtual PastForward Conference, recognizing three deserving Main Street communities across the nation. Congratulations to the following communities for receiving the nation’s top award that celebrates those that have excelled in … More Main Street America Announces 2020 GAMSA Winners!

Comcast has launched a new grant program designed to help small businesses that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) who have been impacted at a higher rate. Earlier this summer, Comcast announced a multiyear plan to fight injustice and inequality, pledging to … More Comcast Launches Grant Program to Help Businesses Owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)

Are you interested in learning more about grant programs offered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)? During the month of December, join us for a series of in-depth webinars where we will review the application process and more specific grant details pertaining to the following DHCD programs: Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) … More DHCD How-to-Apply Workshops: Register Now!

On Gloucester Main Street, a new mural has been completed, honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of one of Gloucester County’s most notable historical figures. Commissioned in 2019, the Cook Foundation honors the man widely known as Virginia’s “Black Governor,” Thomas Calhoun (T.C.) Walker. Born a slave before President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation … More Mural Honors Legacy of T.C. Walker in Gloucester, VA

It’s important to #ShopSmall all year! But the holiday season marks a special opportunity to rally your community and support the lifeblood of your local economy: small businesses. As a proud supporter of Small Business Saturday® and the Shop Small Movement, Main Street America (MSA) has partnered alongside American Express to encourage its members and … More Become an Amex #ShopSmall Neighborhood Champion!

Five finalists have been chosen to present their worthwhile project ideas at the Third Annual Main Street Idea Pitch! The event will be held virtually on November 17, 2020 from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The annual competition is geared toward inspiring the Virginia Main Street (VMS) network of community leaders to craft imaginative downtown project ideas … More Five Finalists Chosen to Present Their Project Ideas at the Third Annual Main Street Idea Pitch!