What is a “brownfield?”

Often, we think of brownfields as large industrial properties with environmental contamination and hazardous materials. However, a broader definition includes real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. This means that the Virginia Brownfield Restoration and Economic Development Assistance … More What is a “brownfield?”

For the New Year, Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

Traditionally, when one year wraps up and a new one begins, we, as individuals, start thinking forward in resolutions.  It’s no different for Main Street nonprofits, as a new work plan provides the blueprint for the change the board of directors envisions for the district.  It is no doubt a great idea to start off … More For the New Year, Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

Small Business Resource Guide now available

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has developed a Small Business Resource Guide that provides information on many of the items that new or expanding small businesses and entrepreneurs need. This includes financing programs, grant programs, business development resources and training opportunities, as well as university entrepreneurship programs that are available to the … More Small Business Resource Guide now available

How To Apply Workshops coming in January!

The Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Community Development Division will be holding how-to-apply workshops across the commonwealth in January as several grant programs will open for application submissions on January 2, 2019. DHCD’s grant programs offer flexible resources that allows communities and local/regional organizations do more to create vibrant communities. The workshops will … More How To Apply Workshops coming in January!

Coworking Spaces: The new office space for the future of work

There has been a meteoric growth in the number of coworking spaces in the United States, from an estimated 14 in 2007 to more than 11,000 in 2017. The number is expected to balloon to over 26,000 by 2020! This growth has mirrored the growth of workers working in the “gig” economy, with an estimated … More Coworking Spaces: The new office space for the future of work

Vote Your Main Street!

Danville’s Main Street program – the River District Association – is a FINALIST for the 2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Street campaign! You are invited to #VoteYourMainStreet from NOW until Oct. 26 to decide which historic sites along 20 of America’s favorite Main Streets should receive $2 million in preservation funding from American Express. Partners in … More Vote Your Main Street!

Accelerators: Taking Businesses to the Next Level

There is much confusion about the difference between incubators and accelerators, as the prevalence of both types of spaces has dramatically increased over the past 10 years. While both may provide entrepreneurs with similar services such as office space, capital, mentorship and other resources, there are several differences between the two. Incubators generally do not … More Accelerators: Taking Businesses to the Next Level

Host a Finding Main Street book club

Singer-songwriter Dar Williams launched Virginia Main Street’s Finding Main Street book club at the 2018 Downtown Intersections with a performance and talk on “Thinking in Bridges.” “We think we have so much divisiveness,” she said. “But the opposite of divisiveness is not unity. It is collaboration.” Williams found plenty of collaboration in the successful communities profiled … More Host a Finding Main Street book club

What’s in a Name? The Different Types of Shared Work Spaces

We’ve all heard buzzwords such as incubators, co-working spaces and maker spaces. As the number of people working in the “gig” economy continues to grow, so will the places that support that industry. But what’s the difference in these spaces, and what do they provide not only to the entrepreneurs that use them, but the … More What’s in a Name? The Different Types of Shared Work Spaces

Bricks & Clicks Make Businesses Stronger Destinations

On May 2, during National Small Business Week, the city of Harrisonburg  awarded $36,700 in grants to small businesses in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.  Grant awards range from $1,200 to $4,900 and are the final portion of a three-pronged small business assistance program called Bricks & Clicks, which was designed to help businesses become stronger … More Bricks & Clicks Make Businesses Stronger Destinations