Department of Housing and Community Development

Now accepting nominations for the 2019 Virginia Main Street Merit Awards

March 13, 2019

NOW ACCEPTING AWARD NOMINATIONS 2019 Virginia Main Street Revitalization Merit Awards Virginia Main Street invites you to submit nominations for outstanding achievements in comprehensive downtown revitalization efforts, recognizing best downtown business promotion, outstanding fundraising effort, and best public improvement project, to name a few. Awards will be presented during a special celebration at the Virginia … More Now accepting nominations for the 2019 Virginia Main Street Merit Awards

Regional Rev Up: The Six Q’s of Marketing

March 11, 2019

How effective is your business or nonprofit at reaching and attracting a targeted customer base? Do you wish that your Main Street organization could skillfully build awareness among volunteers and potential donors to support the mission? On April 16, 18, and 23 in Hopewell, Wytheville, and Fredericksburg, the spring edition of the Regional Rev Up … More Regional Rev Up: The Six Q’s of Marketing

Community Business Launch – Jump Start Your Downtown!

February 28, 2019

Since 2015, 24 communities have participated in DHCD’s Community Business Launch (CBL) program and launched new or expanded businesses in a targeted district of their choice. A systems approach to asset-based, small-business economic development, the CBL program helps communities identify their unique assets and fill vacant storefronts with businesses that best attract and serve its … More Community Business Launch – Jump Start Your Downtown!

Pulaski Invites You to Revitalization Revival

February 26, 2019

The town of Pulaski is excited to partner with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to host Revitalization Revival: A Big Tent Approach to Preservation on May 1-2, 2019, in Historic Downtown Pulaski. Revitalization Revival will bring together local government leaders, community members, historic property owners and investors to share ideas and learn about the opportunities and … More Pulaski Invites You to Revitalization Revival

Small Real Estate Developer Training and Capacity Building Program

February 13, 2019

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has partnered with Incremental Development Alliance to provide the Small Real Estate Developer Training and Capacity Building Program, supported with funding from the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA). DHCD and VHDA want to cultivate new and grow the capacity of existing small-scale real estate developers throughout Virginia. … More Small Real Estate Developer Training and Capacity Building Program

What is a “brownfield?”

January 14, 2019

Often, we think of brownfields as large industrial properties with environmental contamination and hazardous materials. However, a broader definition includes real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. This means that the Virginia Brownfield Restoration and Economic Development Assistance … More What is a “brownfield?”

Update: VMS Idea Pitch! Winner – Blackstone

January 4, 2019

Guest blogger Zachary Whitlow, executive director of Downtown Blackstone Inc., provides an update on their Blackstone Town Square Revitalization Project that won the VMS Idea Pitch! Award at Downtown Intersections 2018. We were incredibly excited and grateful to have been chosen as the winner of the first annual Main Street Idea Pitch! competition. The presentation … More Update: VMS Idea Pitch! Winner – Blackstone

For the New Year, Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

January 2, 2019

Traditionally, when one year wraps up and a new one begins, we, as individuals, start thinking forward in resolutions. It’s no different for Main Street nonprofits, as a new work plan provides the blueprint for the change the board of directors envisions for the district. It is no doubt a great idea to start off … More For the New Year, Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

Small Business Resource Guide now available

December 11, 2018

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has developed a Small Business Resource Guide that provides information on many of the items that new or expanding small businesses and entrepreneurs need. This includes financing programs, grant programs, business development resources and training opportunities, as well as university entrepreneurship programs that are available to the … More Small Business Resource Guide now available

How To Apply Workshops coming in January!

December 4, 2018

The Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Community Development Division will be holding how-to-apply workshops across the commonwealth in January as several grant programs will open for application submissions on January 2, 2019. DHCD’s grant programs offer flexible resources that allows communities and local/regional organizations do more to create vibrant communities. The workshops will … More How To Apply Workshops coming in January!