The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced funding is available for the Building Collaborative Communities (BCC) and Community Business Launch (CBL) programs for fiscal year 2015-2016. DHCD grant programs offer flexible resources to do more across your community and region. Register below for one of the how-to-apply workshops to learn about … More Building Collaborative Communities and Community Business Launch How-to-Apply Workshops announced

  In recognition of Business Appreciation Month, DHCD continues to recognize amazing businesses across the commonwealth, and we hope you will continue to do the same in your communities! Here are few great snapshots of businesses in SWVA doing great things! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find out more about #VABiz!

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development announced today the Virginia Main Street Program Milestone Achievement Awards to designated Virginia Main Street communities. The awards were presented at a dinner in Richmond that also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Virginia program. “The Virginia Main Street program is a vital part of building a … More DHCD announces Virginia Main Street Milestone Award Winners

 Many downtowns have a community anchor, such as a cultural heritage museum, that helps bring a number of new visitors to town.  These visitors have the potential to not only create significant economic impact, but also help spread the word about your downtown. We asked our guest blogger, Rene Rodgers, associate curator at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum … More Walk the Line of Country Music History: Bristol and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum

The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV) and ‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network (RTM) are partnering with the support of the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) to celebrate American Craft Week on Oct. 3-12. During American Craft Week, arts-and-craft-related events from throughout the commonwealth will be promoted in a robust and coordinated fashion on http://www.virginia.org, www.americancraftweek.com, … More Celebrate American Craft Week in your community and promote your local economy

  Governor McAuliffe announced that June will be designated as Virginia’s Business Appreciation Month to ensure that the history and growth of Virginia businesses are recognized across the Commonwealth. There is a crucial correlation between strong business and strong communities. To view the governor’s proclamation, click here. More information will coming out in the next few … More June is Business Appreciation Month