On September 21, 2020, the Federal Reserve Board announced that it is seeking public input as it considers how to update the regulations that implement the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) by strengthening, clarifying, and tailoring them to reflect the current banking landscape and better meet the core purpose of the CRA. The Board is specifically … More Providing Input for CRA Updates
Excitingly, Main Street America (MSA) announced that a second round of the Hartbeat on Main Street Grant Program will open on Thursday, October 22, 2020. In partnership with The Hartford, the program will continue to fund solutions that help merchants respond and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as helping to revitalize and strengthen … More Hartbeat of Main Street Grant Program: Second Round
Recently, Main Street America (MSA) announced that the annual Main Street Now Conference will be held virtually! Recognizing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, MSA has prioritized the safety and well-being of the Main Street network, and they are strongly committed to delivering an online event that mirrors the high-energy of previous national, in-person … More 2021 Main Street Now Conference Goes Virtual!
Every month, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Community Revitalization Office (CRO) publishes an e-newsletter via Constant Contact that features the latest on community and economic development-related happenings in communities across Virginia, as well as event updates, training announcements, grant opportunities and more. The newsletter allows CRO to maintain direct communication with … More Community Revitalization Newsletter
While earthquakes and tornadoes are rare in most of the commonwealth, hurricane season is a regular fixture on our calendars in Virginia. The season typically runs from June to November with heightened activity August to October. This is the second of a blog series centered on Danville, Virginia’s experience recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018 … More Be Positive: Dealing Disaster Part 2 of 2
It goes without saying that it’s been an unprecedented year for all of us, but the adaptability, strength and resilience of our network here in Virginia never ceases to impress us. When everything changed, seemingly overnight, back in March our Main Street communities suddenly faced a long list of new challenges, and at the forefront … More 2020 Virginia Main Street Small Business Relief Grants Making an Impact Across the State
During the month of July, the Rebuild! VA grant program was created to assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the state who have faced unprecedented economic distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excitingly, the program has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses to apply and receive needed assistance! “Small businesses and … More Rebuild! VA Grant: Eligibility Criteria Expanded
Based in Harrisonburg, Lineage is an inspiring store focused on the beauty of handmade craft. Lineage was recognized this year as one of Virginia’s outstanding businesses during Virginia Main Street’s Downtown Intersection conference. Head there for owner Paul Hansbarger’s signature leather and waxed cotton canvas designs and marvel in the details of the totes, weekenders, … More 2020 Merit Awards: Outstanding Business – Lineage
September 30th marks the deadline for people to respond to the 2020 Census! Every 10 years, the federal government strives to count the entire population of the United States, and an accurate census count matters greatly to Main Street communities. By providing a snapshot of our nation – who we are, where we live and … More The 2020 Census Matters to Main Street!
In Downtown Lynchburg, there are dozens of nonprofit organizations that require support to successfully complete their mission-driven work. Although conventional fundraising efforts have been hampered by the novel coronavirus pandemic, the public’s generosity remains vital, and that is why a new program seeks to encourage people to spare some change for change! Lynchburg residents, Peggy … More Change for Change: Caring Meters in Lynchburg, VA
