Community Development – Virginia Main Street

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

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

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

Harrisonburg Downtown 2040: Engaging Master Planning through Community Input

March 31, 2021

Partnering together, the City of Harrisonburg and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) have launched Harrisonburg Downtown 2040, a community-driven plan for Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. Throughout 2021, the planning process will unfold, and it will be completed during the fall. As the project gains momentum, members of the community have been invited to envision the next 20 … More Harrisonburg Downtown 2040: Engaging Master Planning through Community Input

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

Danville’s River District Association Reflects on Dream Launch Success and Prepares for Another Impactful Year

March 24, 2021

With support from Virginia DHCD’s Community Business Launch (CBL) program, Danville’s River District Association (RDA) held its first Dream Launch Boot Camp and Pitch Competition during spring 2019! More than 75 individuals participated in some or all of the boot camp classes, and nine completed all the requirements to take part in the pitch competition. … More Danville’s River District Association Reflects on Dream Launch Success and Prepares for Another Impactful Year

New Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program (B-Cubed) Launches in Rockingham County

March 12, 2021

During the summer of 2020, nationwide events influenced many people to seek ways to support Black- and Brown-owned businesses in their communities. In response to that desire, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber’s Diversity Business Council, which includes Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), mapped out a strategy to grow Black- and Brown-owned businesses (B-Cubed) in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, … More New Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program (B-Cubed) Launches in Rockingham County

The Joy of Pla(y)ce

February 26, 2021

Why would we create places that promote play and engagement through urban design and development? Downtown amenities, such as multipurpose parks and recreational installations, create an engaging place that attracts people every day and most hours of the day. They are an opportunity to connect families, nurture child development, and – what municipalities like to … More The Joy of Pla(y)ce

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

CARES II: Program Fast Facts for Small Businesses

January 12, 2021

The pipelines for the second round of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding are opening now, and here are some quick facts to share with small businesses in your district: Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of forgivable loans opened on Monday, Jan. 11th, to first-time applicants. It will open … More CARES II: Program Fast Facts for Small Businesses