This blog was reposted with permission from the Center for Nonprofit Excellence. A year into the pandemic and we are feeling restless, tired, and maybe a little ragged. BUT there is also a sense of growing hope. The vaccination rollout seems to be gaining momentum in the country and recently President Biden signed the American … More ARPA: What does it do for the nonprofit sector?

With generous support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Main Street America has launched an Entrepreneurial Ecosystems resource center that’s designed to help revitalization professionals lead and develop initiatives that support innovative entrepreneurship. The online center contains a variety of tools, resource examples, blogs and research from Main Street America and the vast Main Street … More Main Street America Launches New Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Resource Center

Recently, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched a new funding opportunity, the Program for Investment in Microenterprises (PRIME), and they will be seeking applications for no more than one of the following funding tracks: Track I (Technical Assistance): The SBA will seek applications for funding to provide training and technical assistance programs to disadvantaged … More SBA Launches Grant Opportunity for Microenterprises

In 2020, Virginia’s historic commercial districts and downtowns worked tirelessly to build vibrancy and economic opportunity as they experienced unprecedented challenges, pivoting quickly at the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic to help small businesses and other key stakeholders secure the resources necessary to survive. Apart from their inspiring local efforts, the Virginia Department of … More DHCD Releases 2020 Virginia Main Street Annual Report

Educational Webinar During the month of April, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) welcomed John Sarvay (pictured left), founder of Floricane, to discuss the difference between connectivity and being connected, as well as how to explore ways in which community organizations can best leverage relationships and technology to grow and strengthen community … More CCV Series: April 2021 Recap & Additional Resources

The Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA) program serves as a financial education and matched savings program to assist low-wage earners, helping participants save money, increase their financial knowledge and build their wealth with the purchase of an asset. Participants access the VIDA program services by working with intermediaries that function as “coaches,” helping them become … More DHCD Releases 2020 Virginia Individual Development Accounts Annual Report

In coordination with its 5G network rollout to millions of rural households across America, T-Mobile wants to give one lucky community a $3 million techover (tech makeover). If you love your hometown, the wireless network operator encourages you to submit an entry to transform your small town! Towns with populations of 50,000 people or less … More T-Mobile Hometown Techover Contest

The Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) assists localities in addressing blighted structures in their communities that have contributed to the disinvestment of the property and surrounding neighborhood. “Industrial” structures are considered any non-residential structure significant to the community, due to its size, location and/or economic importance. These remnants of past economic vibrancy and local economies in … More DHCD Releases 2020 Industrial Revitalization Fund Annual Report

During the 2021 Main Street Now Conference, Main Street America (MSA) presented six communities from across the nation with Main Street Forward Awards for having demonstrated exemplary recovery and resilience efforts amid the multiple crises and events of 2020. Excitingly, the Main Street Preservation Trust (MSPT) in Gloucester, Virginia was honored for the community’s innovative … More Gloucester Named Main Street Forward Award Recipient