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

A well-designed sign is more than just a marker—it’s a beacon that draws customers in, strengthens a business’s identity, and contributes to the overall vibrancy of a community’s downtown. With that in mind, the City of Norton launched its Signage Grant Program, funded by a Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant, to support local businesses … More Signs of Success: Norton Enhances Downtown Appeal

As we gear up for a vibrant spring and summer travel season, now is the time to ensure your downtown is ready to welcome visitors—and the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has funding opportunities and other resources to help. If your Main Street district is looking to attract out-of-state visitors and encourage longer stays, the VTC … More Boosting Your Main Street’s Tourism with VTC Grants

In partnership with Main Street America and Placer.ai, Virginia Main Street (VMS) commissioned a report about visitation trends for all 37 historic commercial districts designated at the highest tier, Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS), in 2024. Placer.ai uses location data from smartphones to track visits and visitors within the specified boundaries of each Main Street … More 2024 Downtown Visitation Trends Show Progress Toward Pandemic Recovery

Discover the Who / What / When / Where / Why of a Grant Opportunity! American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) – Community Challenge Grant Program The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. The … More AARP Community Challenge: Make Your Community a Great Place to Live for Residents of All Ages

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) celebrates the remarkable achievements of pandemic-era grant funding that has transformed the Charlottesville community! In 2022, the New Hill Development Corporation (NHDC) received a $150,000 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant (VBDRG) from the DHCD Virginia Main Street program and a $189,000 GO Virginia grant to support … More A Recipe for Success: Empowering Black Entrepreneurs in Charlottesville

February 2025 was a milestone month for the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program! It kicked off with the annual Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) Directors Retreat, held in Richmond and Ashland and co-hosted by the Downtown Ashland Association. This gathering brought together Main Street directors from across the state for three exciting days of learning … More Virginia Main Street Kicks Off 40th Anniversary Year with Annual Directors Retreat and Celebration!