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

Did you miss the latest episode of the Virginia DHCD Partners for Better Communities podcast? Don’t worry – it’s available now! In this special installment, Courtney Mailey and Rebecca Rowe dive into the impact and legacy of the Virginia Main Street program as it celebrates an impressive 40 years of revitalization, resilience, and community-driven success. … More A Look Into Virginia Main Street

Since 2019, minority-owned businesses in the City of Martinsville and Henry County have been working together to create opportunities for success and overcome systemic barriers. Through dedicated efforts, and perseverance throughout the COVID pandemic, this informal network has evolved into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Minority Business Consortium (MBC). Historically, minority business owners have … More Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses in Martinsville

During the month of March, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published eight blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Downtown Visitation Trends 2024 Reinvestment Statistics Main Street Tourism People and Places That Have Shaped Virginia Main Street Grant Highlights Measuring Impacts Demonstrating the Value of Main Street Stay tuned for … More In Case You Missed It: March 2025 Digest

Measuring the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of your Main Street program’s initiatives is a vital practice that provides valuable insights into the true reach and effectiveness of revitalization efforts. By quantifying these impacts, Main Street programs are equipped with data-driven evidence to communicate their value to key stakeholders. When done well, this practice not … More A Data-Driven Look at How the River District Association Drives Economic and Social Growth in Danville

Reaching a milestone like 40 years is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable impact and achievements of those who have helped shape the Virginia Main Street program. As we celebrate this legacy, we took a moment during February’s special anniversary event to recognize the contributions of key individuals—and even one special place—whose vision, dedication, … More 40 Years Strong: Recognizing the People and Places That Shaped Virginia Main Street

Made in Bristol (MIB) continues to strengthen Bristol’s small-scale production and manufacturing businesses through increased brand awareness, creative collateral, training, and mini grants. The Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol (BIB), and the City of Bristol leveraged a FY2022 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant (VBDRG) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development … More “Made in Bristol” Continues to Grow and Strengthen Bristol’s Economy