May is Preservation Month! Led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Month celebrates the cultural and built heritage of communities across the country. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the places, stories, and individuals that have shaped the character of Virginia’s historic downtowns. Main Street programs across the Commonwealth continue to champion … More Make It Last: Celebrate Preservation Month in May

Data is the foundation upon which Main Street organizations can build powerful narratives of revitalization, economic growth, and community impact. Without it, successes can be overlooked, and opportunities for future support may be missed. Recently, through a session offered at the Main Street Now Conference, attendees had the opportunity to dive deeper into the importance … More Good Data Habits for Main Street Success

In today’s digital landscape, a blog can be one of the most powerful tools Main Street organizations have to share their stories, celebrate successes, and deepen engagement with their communities. A well-maintained blog not only highlights revitalization efforts, new businesses, and upcoming events—it strengthens your brand, builds trust with stakeholders, and can even support fundraising … More Every Main Street Organization Should Invest in a Strong Blog

In partnership with the City of Petersburg, the Metropolitan Business League (MBL) hosted a celebratory “Success Walk” last month, embarking on a short guided tour of businesses that opened or expanded in Historic Old Towne Petersburg as part of MBL’s Petersburg Small Business Launch Program, which received a $100,000 Community Business Launch (CBL) grant in … More Celebrating Entrepreneurship: Petersburg Success Walk Showcases Small Business Growth in Old Towne

During the month of April, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published seven blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Blueprint Virginia 2035 Main Street Now 2025 | Conference Highlights Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses Unlocking Capital on Main Street A Look Into Virginia Main Street Stay tuned for lots … More In Case You Missed It: April 2025 Digest

What are your priorities for economic development in Virginia? A focus on housing and housing affordability? Maybe you’d like to see more investment in Downtown Development and Main Street, or perhaps a greater emphasis on credentials and apprenticeships to meet the demands of today’s economy. Now is the time for you to be heard by … More Be Heard! Contribute to Blueprint Virginia 2035

At the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one session highlighted the transformative potential of artistic engagement and existing assets in rural and small-town revitalization, especially when driven by the people who know their communities best. At the heart of this movement is the Activate Rural Learning Lab (ARLL), an initiative of the … More Main Street Now Session Spotlight: Artist-Led Activation in Rural Minnesota

More than 35 Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities joined their fellow Main Streeters from across the nation in the birthplace of America for three full days of education sessions, workshops, and special events at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference. Community champions from across the country came together to exchange ideas and strengthen their ability … More Virginia is for Main Street Lovers: Highlights from the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philly!

Virginia Main Street (VMS) has been selected – as one of two coordinating programs out of 24 applicants – to participate in the Unlocking Capital on Main Street program, a new national initiative led by Main Street America and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). This prestigious opportunity empowers communities to build stronger, … More Virginia Main Street Selected for National “Unlocking Capital on Main Street” Initiative