Category: buy local

The Walker Program Releases Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide

May 10, 2021

In spring 2021, The Walker Program released its Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide, which provides a step-by-step framework to address racial inequity through the economic sector in the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista, Rockbridge County and similarly sized communities. Created by a Washington and Lee University student, Courtney Berry, in partnership … More The Walker Program Releases Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide

Culpeper Competes Announces Awards to Four Businesses for Startup and Expansion

May 7, 2021

Excitingly, the Town of Culpeper’s Tourism & Economic Development Department announced that four Culpeper Competes entrepreneur’s had been awarded $45,000 in grants and prizes! The nine-week entrepreneurship education competition program was designed for entrepreneurs planning to open a new brick and mortar business in downtown Culpeper, for existing downtown businesses that had innovative ideas on how to expand and grow … More Culpeper Competes Announces Awards to Four Businesses for Startup and Expansion

Food Retailer Assistance: The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Grant

March 29, 2021

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) inaugural grant application process is open! Managed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the VFAIF focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and … More Food Retailer Assistance: The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Grant

Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk

January 18, 2021

In October 2020, Downtown Suffolk Business Launch winners and real estate brokers Domenick Epps and Danita Hayes launched Wall Street Café on Washington Street in downtown Suffolk. “Great food, great coffee, great conversation and [financial] education is what the atmosphere of Wall Street Café is all about!” – Danita Hayes Emphasizing the role of entrepreneurs … More Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk

10 Steps To Take A Retail or Restaurant Business Online

July 24, 2020

During the rapid changes in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown, many retailers and restaurants set up online sales from scratch. Our guest blogger today is Kevin Clay, partner and communications director at Big Spoon Co., a Richmond-based PR and marketing firm. He helped numerous food-based businesses get online during COVID-19 lockdown and below … More 10 Steps To Take A Retail or Restaurant Business Online

Main Spotlight: What Does Supporting Local Really Look Like?

December 26, 2019

“Supporting local is more than just a hashtag, it is a lifestyle.” Featured recently in Main Street America’s Main Spotlight, Downtown Wytheville Inc. Executive Director Todd Wolford contributes a message that speaks from the heart to customers supporting local businesses. Local holiday spending is certainly a gift, but making that continuous effort year round is … More Main Spotlight: What Does Supporting Local Really Look Like?

Southern Virginia Food Hub

May 20, 2019

What started out as a conversation between a tomato producer and hog farmer has blossomed into a regional economic development driver that will having a lasting impact on southern Virginia. The idea of for the Southern Virginia Food Hub was started by Ann Taylor Wright to help local farmers and producers add value to their … More Southern Virginia Food Hub

Celebrate Small Business Week: May 5 – 11, 2019

May 7, 2019

National Small Business Week is a week-long spring celebration to honor the thousands of small and locally owned businesses that make up the country’s local economies (May 5 – 11, 2019). Celebrations span the local, state and federal levels, as consumers, elected officials, Main Street, and small businesses come together to recognize the important impact … More Celebrate Small Business Week: May 5 – 11, 2019

2019 Virginia Main Street Idea Pitch: Making Ideas Happen!

March 22, 2019

Main Street Idea Pitch! Wednesday, July 24, 2019 Do you have an idea for a new Main Street revitalization project idea you would like to start?  Are you positive it’s something that will be a slam-dunk success? Then you do not want to miss Virginia Main Street’s second annual Main Street Idea Pitch competition. Main Street … More 2019 Virginia Main Street Idea Pitch: Making Ideas Happen!