kylemeyervms

Building Momentum in Ashland’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

November 5, 2025

When it comes to sparking innovation and supporting small businesses, the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) has shown what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and passion. Through the FY24 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant—administered by DHCD’s Virginia Main Street program—DAA set out to strengthen Ashland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and open doors for small businesses … More Building Momentum in Ashland’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Onancock “Feels the Vibe” with Downtown Investment Success

August 27, 2025

Downtown Onancock is buzzing with fresh energy, and it’s no accident. The Feel the Vibe project, partially funded by a $45,000 Virginia Main Street (VMS) Downtown Investment Grant, brought together a creative mix of initiatives to attract more people downtown, support entrepreneurs, and enhance the district’s visual appeal. Onancock Main Street (OMS) led the effort, … More Onancock “Feels the Vibe” with Downtown Investment Success

Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Path to Strategic Planning for Main Street Organizations

October 24, 2024

As a Virginia Main Street (VMS) program administrator, I’ve had the privilege of learning and implementing the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process within the communities I serve. This approach not only celebrates successes but also inspires collaborative visioning for the future—an ideal strategy and very good match for Main Street nonprofit organizations looking to enhance impact. … More Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Path to Strategic Planning for Main Street Organizations

Building Capacity: How Toano Historical Society is Revitalizing Through Human Capital Development

September 23, 2024

In the heart of the unincorporated town of Toano, on the western edge of James City County, lies a small nonprofit with a big vision: the Toano Historical Society (THS). Founded in 2018, THS seeks to inspire community spirit, promote local history, and preserve the small-town character of the Toano Commercial Historic District—a collection of … More Building Capacity: How Toano Historical Society is Revitalizing Through Human Capital Development

DAW Theatre: Breathing New Life Into a Historic Gem

August 22, 2024

Located in the heart of Tappahannock’s historic district, the DAW Theatre has a rich history dating back to its grand opening in February 1939. Named after its original owners—E.M. Doar, H.S. Atkinson, and R.B. Wallace—the theater was once a cultural hub, drawing crowds from across Tidewater with its 500-seat Art Deco style and hosting everything … More DAW Theatre: Breathing New Life Into a Historic Gem

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits: Registration Open for Upcoming Workshop Series

August 8, 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape across various sectors, including the nonprofit world. As your local Main Street program strives to do more with limited resources, AI offers solutions that can help streamline operations, enhance communication, and improve overall efficiency so there is more room to focus on real community impact. Artificial Intelligence … More Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits: Registration Open for Upcoming Workshop Series

Fostering Growth: Appreciative Inquiry in Urbanna’s Main Street Startup

July 22, 2024

If you go looking for problems, that’s what you’re going to see. But, what if you had tools to help you amplify what is going right in your organization, at any stage of development? I (Kyle Meyer) have the pleasure of working with the Town of Urbanna, which is currently a Virginia Main Street (VMS) … More Fostering Growth: Appreciative Inquiry in Urbanna’s Main Street Startup

Build a Better Building Inventory

June 13, 2024

How many vacant spaces are in your Main Street district? Where is there room to add more housing, businesses, and gathering spaces? Answering these questions is key to unlocking the potential of your built environment. A building inventory is essential for a thorough understanding of the physical and economic makeup of your commercial district. Creating … More Build a Better Building Inventory

Made in Hopewell: Small-Batch Entrepreneur Recruitment

May 6, 2024

Hopewell Downtown Partnership (HDP), along with their City of Hopewell partners, recognizes an emerging opportunity to leverage the city’s industrial prowess in innovative and beneficial ways for downtown and the community. By delving into Hopewell’s history as an industrial boomtown and embracing its current assets as a manufacturing epicenter, HDP embarked on a project aimed … More Made in Hopewell: Small-Batch Entrepreneur Recruitment

Bridging the Gap: Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s Success Story With V-TOP

March 14, 2024

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) was established with the aim of revitalizing the downtown historic district into the economic and social heart of the city. Led by the board of directors and Executive Director, Andrea Dono, the nonprofit organization plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetics, functionality, and atmosphere of downtown public spaces while also … More Bridging the Gap: Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s Success Story With V-TOP