Economic Restructuring – Page 3 – Virginia Main Street

“Booster Rockets” For Downtown Revitalization Momentum

March 30, 2017

After decades of market preference for suburban development, Main Street and downtowns are hot again! Back in the market, they are once again desirable targets for investment, business startups, expansion, the creative economy, housing, and tourism. So, how do we sustain that momentum, take advantage of the attention, and keep the revitalization progress moving forward? … More “Booster Rockets” For Downtown Revitalization Momentum

Virginia’s Award Winning Destination Tourism

March 28, 2017

Governor McAuliffe recently announced that the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) received a national tourism industry award for its work promoting the Virginia Oyster Trail, a new initiative connecting travelers with Virginia’s oyster farms, raw bars, wineries, restaurants, artisans, and downtowns like Urbanna, Cape Charles, and Chincoteague. VTC was recognized with the prestigious National Council of … More Virginia’s Award Winning Destination Tourism

Creating a Successful “Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”

February 14, 2017

In Main Street districts, one of the best ways to fill vacancies, and prevent new ones, is to foster a setting that is attractive to entrepreneurs and where small businesses can thrive. The buzz word nowadays for that setting is “entrepreneurial ecosystem,” which refers to the elements outside the individual that encourage entrepreneurship and increase the probability … More Creating a Successful “Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”

Main Street and Wine; a Great Pairing

February 7, 2017

Virginia’s thriving wine industry is boosting the state’s economy and local Main Street districts alike with a total impact of approximately $1.37 billion annually, according to a newly released economic impact study. This figure is an increase of 82 percent from the last study conducted in 2010. “…one of our top agriculture goals was to make Virginia … More Main Street and Wine; a Great Pairing

Local Incentives Drive Community Development

January 24, 2017

One of the most important ways that a municipality can support it’s small business community is through targeted financial incentives. A recent Potomac Local article touted the expansion of the city of Manassas’ business incentive programs, including Façade Improvement Grants and Landscape Improvement Grants. These incentives will assist with the exterior renovations and landscaping of existing … More Local Incentives Drive Community Development

Can “Open Late” increase “Shop Local?”

January 20, 2017

It’s an old problem and a pervasive one. In Main Street districts nationwide, small business owner’s are reluctant to be open late or on the weekends. As a consequence those who work 9-5 jobs outside of the district are unable to shop local. A recent Wyoming Business Report article takes a look at how Main … More Can “Open Late” increase “Shop Local?”

BrewDog, Gloucester Wants You!

December 16, 2016

Guest Blogger Jenny Crittenden, executive director of Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust, started with Main Street in 2006. Her leadership has inspired key partnerships and implementable growth strategies for Gloucester Village, including the creation of façade and interior improvement grant programs and an annual symphony concert that brings over 2,000 visitors to downtown. As we … More BrewDog, Gloucester Wants You!

Innovative Models for Main Street Businesses

December 9, 2016

In August of 2016 a local beauty boutique opened in Harrisonburg’s Main Street district in an unusual and fantastic location, a 1975 Airstream Land Yacht. Airstream Beauty Boutique owner Irina Dovganetskiy needed a small space that would allow her to test the market and grow her business – handmade beauty products using natural and toxic-free … More Innovative Models for Main Street Businesses

The Bright Buzz: Kindling entrepreneur-focused transformation in Winchester

November 28, 2016

Many communities have decided that supporting local entrepreneurs is key to a thriving Main Street and one Virginia initiative is receiving national attention! The National Main Street Center’s Main Street Story of the Week takes a look at how a local property owner created an innovative community space for entrepreneurs and entertainment to thrive. Jennifer Bell, … More The Bright Buzz: Kindling entrepreneur-focused transformation in Winchester

Pop-Up Altavista 2.0: Cultivating Local Entrepreneurs with an Educational Business Launch Competition

November 9, 2016

How can Main Street help entrepreneurs achieve a business expansion or start their own business? The National Main Street Center’s Main Street Story of the Week features Pop-Up Altavista 2.0, Altavista On Track’s (AOT) second business launch competition. Emelyn Gwynn, Main Street Coordinator for Altavista, highlights the program, which kicked off September, 2016. Building off … More Pop-Up Altavista 2.0: Cultivating Local Entrepreneurs with an Educational Business Launch Competition