During the 2024 Virginia Main Street (VMS) Director’s Retreat, Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) programs were recognized for their outstanding achievements in revitalization efforts. Over the years, these vibrant communities have not only witnessed significant building improvements but have also seen a surge in volunteer hours and private investment, contributing to their overall growth and … More Virginia Main Street Communities Receive Milestone Achievement Awards

Recently, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team received an Innovation Award from the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) in recognition and appreciation of their outstanding service and contribution to the agency, specifically the game-changing new Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) program. The program provides capacity building services to prepare participating communities for the responsibilities of Advancing Virginia … More Virginia Main Street Team Receives Innovation Award

Over the years, small commercial corridor businesses and entrepreneurs have been able to sustain and scale up operations with the assistance of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are lenders with a mission to provide equitable, responsible financing to communities that aren’t typically reached by mainstream finance. They can be banks, credit unions or loan … More What Is a CDFI and How Can Your Community Benefit?

Main Street is Economic Development, and local Main Street organizations have a role to play in creating economic growth. One way that they do this is by creating a healthy ecosystem for entrepreneurs and providing services that support the creation and expansion of locally-owned businesses. Many communities accomplish this through grant and training programs like … More Business Recruitment for Main Streets

A design committee is an important part of any of Main Street organization! It plays a key role in molding the aesthetics and environment of your downtown and helps preserve your community’s unique character, while planning ahead for how to incorporate and guide future changes. Here are a few ways to get your design committee … More Engaging Your Design Committee

Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) was awarded a prestigious Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for the Hill City Eats cookbook by the International Downtown Association (IDA). As defined by the IDA, this award recognizes an “excellent response to an urban place management challenge, demonstrating the application of industry knowledge and exceeding the jury criteria.” The Hill … More Lynchburg Wins International Downtown Association Award for Hill City Eats Cookbook

Experience Old Town Warrenton’s (EOTW) “You Are Home” mural is almost complete! The new mural, which showcases the Blue Ridge mountains in a bold and bright style, sits at the corner of Main and Culpeper Streets—a prominent intersection and entryway into downtown. It took EOTW a while to find a suitable location for the welcome … More Warrenton Brightens Up Downtown With New Mural

Through Virginia Main Street’s (VMS) Firm Principles, Flexible Paths series, the Center of Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is diving into their 7 Actionable Principles (7APs) to strengthen nonprofits and their relationships with funders. The 7APs offer a common language around key and proven practices, infused with values of equity and growth. The fourth principle relates to … More Firm Principles, Flexible Paths: Prioritize Equity

During the month of December, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published seven blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Training / Education Mobilizing Main Street Alleyway Activation Effective Partnerships 7 Actionable Principles Community Business Launch (CBL) Spotlight A Year in Review Stay tuned for lots more great content in January!

This season often prompts reflection as the days wind down and offers the opportunity to review the year’s challenges and achievements. Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities, as well as the Coordinating Program itself, have had a very eventful 2023.  In January, Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) executive directors gathered in Wytheville for the annual VMS … More Virginia Main Street: A Year in Review