The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) represents the most extensive business development program in the commonwealth, providing professional business counseling, training and business resources to help grow and strengthen businesses across the state. Today, as small businesses consider reopening and/or planning to transition to the “new normal,” the Virginia SBDC strongly encourages business owners … More Virginia SBDC: Review, Reopen, Recover

Since 1982, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has administered the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, helping local governments address critical needs, such as housing, infrastructure and economic development. Today, amidst an unprecedented public health emergency, CDBG funds continue to serve as a valuable resource, assisting eligible localities in responding to … More Using CDBG Resources in Response to COVID-19

Revolving Loan Funds (RLF) serve as sources of critical financing when credit access remains limited, supporting the development and expansion of small businesses, property owners, micro-enterprises and other special initiatives. RLFs are self-replenishing pools of money that utilize interest and principal payments on past loans to issue new ones, providing access to flexible sources of … More Revolving Loan Funds: A Basic Overview

In 2019, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program worked with designated and commercial affiliate communities to employ the Main Street Approach™ to create qualitative and quantitative outcomes through targeted design, economic, organization and promotional strategies and activities. Through grant opportunities, trainings and technical assistance focused on the latest in economic development, entrepreneurism, place-making and fundraising, … More VMS 2019 Annual Report

Jasmine Beane is described by the staff at The Advancement Foundation (TAF) in Vinton as a cool, shy lady whose personality shines bright through her designs and clothing. Jasmine Beane LLC is an artsy, couture-inspired clothing brand emphasizing sexy, sophisticated one-of-a-kind designs that highlight the wearer’s playful and artistic side. In August 2019, Beane enrolled … More CDBG VIDA Grad- The Advancement Foundation

On April 24,  Governor Ralph Northam announced the formation of the Commonwealth’s new COVID-19 Business Task Force, comprised of representatives from varying Virginia industries, geographies and backgrounds. The group of diverse leaders was established to offer advice and guidance as the cabinet seeks to develop safe and responsible strategies for easing restrictions on businesses and … More COVID-19 Business Task Force: Main Street Represents!

Recently, Main Street America (MSA) released interactive maps that display the results from their sweeping online survey, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses.” The maps provide a state and local breakdown of the survey results from more than 5,850 small-business owners, helping us to better understand what is happening in Main Street programs across … More Main Street America: COVID-19 Data and Resources

National Volunteer Month shines a spotlight on the significant impact of volunteer service and its profound ability to build stronger communities. During National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), we recognize the importance of volunteering and the contributions that volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthwhile causes. Differing from previous years, organizations and … More National Volunteer Week

During these uncertain and stressful times, we all need something to look forward to as everyone awaits their return to normalcy! Localities are looking towards the future with confidence, and that positive outlook remains alive and well within two designated Main Street communities. Culpeper Renaissance Inc. (CRI) and the Gloucester Main Street Association (GMSA), have … More Trading Main Streets

  Today, nonprofits are forced to restrategize amid the unprecedented disruption caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The rapid escalation of government regulations, coupled with the proliferation of the virus, has restricted movement, forced event cancellations and severely impacted small businesses. As a result, nonprofits will need to adjust to a host of changes … More Sponsorship Dollars during Times of Crisis