Department of Housing and Community Development

Tips for a Wonderful Experience at Downtown Intersections, Staunton, Virginia

July 6, 2016

Guest Blogger Julie Markowitz, director of Staunton Downtown Development Association, started with Main Street in 2006, armed with 10 years of experience in mall marketing and promotions. Staunton Downtown Development Association is delighted to host the first inaugural Virginia Main Street Downtown Intersections workshop in Staunton, Virginia on July 11-13, 2016. Welcome to Staunton, Main Street … More Tips for a Wonderful Experience at Downtown Intersections, Staunton, Virginia

Pulaski highlights “The Way We Worked” Smithsonian Exhibit

June 29, 2016

The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit Service program, Museums on Main Street, brings exhibits to small towns across America. The most recent exhibit, “The Way We Worked,” showcases various working environments of American citizens, within the United States. This exhibit highlights the journey, struggle and triumph of the American workforce. One of Virginia Main Street’s Commercial District Affiliate partners, … More Pulaski highlights “The Way We Worked” Smithsonian Exhibit

Leverage your marketing dollars!

June 20, 2016

One of Virginia Main Street’s strong partnerships is with the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). Through their grant offerings and programs, our local designated Main Street communities and commercial district affiliates can leverage local dollars into more for their project. The Marketing Leverage Program is designed to stimulate new tourism marketing programs through the creation of tourism … More Leverage your marketing dollars!

Crowdfunding for Main Street

June 16, 2016

Are you looking for new and exciting ways to raise funds for a civic project, your Main Street organization or entrepreneurs in your community? The Local Crowd is a new crowdfunding platform that has been developed to help communities raise support for local businesses and projects. The Local Crowd can help you do several things … More Crowdfunding for Main Street

Overnight Success, 20 Years In The Making

May 31, 2016

Guest Blogger Ken Heath, Director of Community and Economic Development, has been working for downtown revitalization since 1994 with the Town of Marion. Read his inspirational words and how it has taken over twenty years to get where the Town is today. Working hard at revitalization every day, and the job is never done. It’s … More Overnight Success, 20 Years In The Making

Small business training resource

May 17, 2016

Sometimes our downtown business owners are busy minding their shop and cannot attend in-person training. Sometimes they have just an hour during lunch break to take advantage of a short class. Knowing these challenges, the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator has teamed up with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) and Washington County Virginia Chamber … More Small business training resource

Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) grant deadline extended to end of May

May 13, 2016

The application deadline for the 2017 Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) grant program has been extended through May 31, 2016. BEE grants provide resources to small business development organizations, local governments, planning district commissions and other nonprofit organizations that deliver services to entrepreneurs in new and original ways. Organizations may apply for up to $15,000 for … More Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) grant deadline extended to end of May

Farmville Downtown Partnership Awards $5000 At SOUP Event

May 2, 2016

Often times, it doesn’t take a lot of funding to spark community energy. Read about Farmville Downtown Partnership‘s SOUP event and become inspired to host your own similar event. Guest blogger, John Burton, executive director for the Farmville Downtown Partnership, describes how this inaugural event was very successful for the small community. Good community, good music … More Farmville Downtown Partnership Awards $5000 At SOUP Event

Virginia Main Street Grant Opportunities

April 25, 2016

Virginia Main Street is currently accepting grant applications for FY 2017. Grants are available only to designated VMS communities and must be administered through the designated local VMS organization. Downtown Investment Grants (DIGs) allow Main Street organizations to take on unique, one-time projects that measurably, creatively and sustainably advance the organization’s goals and strategies. FY … More Virginia Main Street Grant Opportunities

Check out some great spring festivals in Virginia Main Streets

April 15, 2016

Spring has sprung! Are you ready to shake off the winter blues and enjoy downtown? Check out some of the exciting downtown festivals happening in a Main Street community near you: Winchester: Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival – April 22-May 1 Culpeper: Gnarly Hops and Barley Fest – April 30 Harrisonburg: Rocktown Beer and Music Festival – April 30 … More Check out some great spring festivals in Virginia Main Streets