Main Street Approach – Virginia Main Street

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

Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Bonus Track

May 21, 2025

Laying the Foundation in Cape Charles How does a small town make the case for investing in Main Street? For Cape Charles, Virginia, the journey began with a simple but essential question: What value will this bring us? This “bonus track” in the Value of Main Street series (Part 1 & Part 2) tells the … More Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Bonus Track

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

Activating Outdoor Spaces in Winter

December 4, 2020

While normally Virginians hunker down during the hottest and coldest months, sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic has invigorated within some people a desire to be outside when normally they would have stayed home. Our neighboring Main Street programs in the Northeast, Midwest and Mountain states can offer many ideas that celebrate winter in … More Activating Outdoor Spaces in Winter

We Need the Main Street Idea Pitch!

August 17, 2020

Now, more than ever, we need an inspired and goal driven project that will lift the spirits and vitality of our local economies! So, listen up! The 2020 Main Street Idea Pitch competition is going virtual November 17, 11 a.m., and the application is open now. It is a chance to flex your chops presenting … More We Need the Main Street Idea Pitch!

Registration Now Open for Downtown Intersections!

June 24, 2020

Join us for Virginia Main Street’s Downtown Intersections Virtual Conference, July 28-30, 2020, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. each day. Registration is now open for the interactive, remote learning and asset-based economic development experience that will guide you toward a vibrant, healthy downtown and resilient Main Street program. The experience begins with a series of live … More Registration Now Open for Downtown Intersections!

Webinar – Basic Principles of Sustainable Organization

May 20, 2020

Join us May 26 from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. for the preconference* webinar, Basic Principles of Sustainable Organization. Building a healthy organizational foundation is key to attracting engagement and investment for your commercial district revitalization efforts. Whether you are positioned in a long-standing program or starting anew, this webinar will give you tools in three key … More Webinar – Basic Principles of Sustainable Organization

Virginia Main Street 2020 Designations

October 3, 2019

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development will be accepting applications for new Designated Main Street Communities meeting the eligibility criteria in 2020. In addition to becoming part of the Main Street America national, grassroots-led network, a Designated Virginia Main Street community receives an array of intensive assistance designed to advance its local revitalization … More Virginia Main Street 2020 Designations

Watch, Learn, and Lead: A Virginia Main Street Primer

July 22, 2019

Let’s face it, creating a thriving downtown is no small task. To achieve this, you need a strategic, outcome-oriented revitalization approach – the Main Street Approach. Whether you’re a new Main Street program manager, returning volunteer, or experienced municipal leader that needs a refresher, a Main Street Approach basic training will ensure you have the … More Watch, Learn, and Lead: A Virginia Main Street Primer

Downtown Intersections: Early Bird Registration Now Open!

April 24, 2019

Register now to attend Downtown Intersections, presented by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development‘s Virginia Main Street Program, in partnership with the Downtown Lynchburg Association and the city of Lynchburg. This event promises a packed schedule full of sessions spanning topics geared toward economic vitality and design, as well as a practitioner’s studio … More Downtown Intersections: Early Bird Registration Now Open!