New Disaster Recovery Portal Empowers Southwest Virginia Small Businesses to Rebuild

Small businesses in Southwest Virginia now have access to a vital new resource to help recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The Virginia Small Business Disaster Response Portal, funded by a grant through GO Virginia, is designed to streamline recovery efforts by connecting businesses with essential services, funding opportunities, and technical support. This innovative … More New Disaster Recovery Portal Empowers Southwest Virginia Small Businesses to Rebuild

Advocacy Made Simple: How to Effectively Communicate With Legislators

Kate Pickett Irving serves as Enterprise Zone Program Administrator for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). In this position, she runs the statewide program that provides Real Property Investment and Job Creation grants for eligible businesses in the 45 designated enterprise zones. Before working at DHCD, Kate served as Director of Economic … More Advocacy Made Simple: How to Effectively Communicate With Legislators

There’s No Place Like Main Street: Celebrating 40 Years of Main Street in Virginia!

In 2025, Virginia Main Street (VMS) will celebrate its 40th anniversary of revitalizing the built and business environments of historic commercial districts across the Commonwealth. From 1985 to 2023, VMS communities created more than 8,200 businesses; 27,000 jobs; and generated more than $2.6 billion in public and private investment. Join the Virginia Department of Housing … More There’s No Place Like Main Street: Celebrating 40 Years of Main Street in Virginia!

Wytheville Named 2025 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalist!

Every year, Main Street America selects three communities to receive the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). The GAMSA is given to communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based revitalization efforts in the downtown. This year, Wytheville, Virginia has earned the well-deserved distinction of being named one of just eight communities … More Wytheville Named 2025 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalist!

From Ideas to Impact: Blackstone’s Growversity Program Bolsters Local Business Growth

In late 2023, the Town of Blackstone was awarded a $50,000 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant (VBDRG) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This funding enabled the Town to collaborate with Downtown Blackstone, Inc. (DBI) – the local Main Street organization – to develop and implement a comprehensive small business support … More From Ideas to Impact: Blackstone’s Growversity Program Bolsters Local Business Growth

Virginia Rural Leadership Institute Brings Cohort Members to the Shenandoah Valley

As a participant in the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute’s (VRLI) 2024 Cohort, Zachary Whitlow, Community Vitality Program Administrator for the Department of Housing and Community Development, (DHCD) provides an overview of the fourth and final VRLI session of the year, which was held in the Staunton, Virginia on November 14-16, 2024. The Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) … More Virginia Rural Leadership Institute Brings Cohort Members to the Shenandoah Valley

Celebrating Success Matters: The Role of Annual Reports in Main Street Revitalization

As the year comes to a close, it’s an ideal time for local Main Street programs to reflect on and celebrate their accomplishments. This reflection shouldn’t remain internal—sharing successes with the public and key stakeholders is vital. Highlighting the organization’s achievements and its impact on enhancing downtown vitality reinforces its mission, builds community pride, and … More Celebrating Success Matters: The Role of Annual Reports in Main Street Revitalization

In Case You Missed It: November 2024 Digest

During the month of November, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published eight blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Helene Recovery Resources Small Business Saturday Supporting Entrepreneurs Federal and State Collaboration Elevating Your Organization Grant Opportunity Stay tuned for lots more great content in December!

Supporting Local Is More Than Just a Hashtag

Guest Blogger: Todd Wolford, Executive Director of Downtown Wytheville, Inc. Todd has served as the Executive Director of Downtown Wytheville, Inc. for eight years and has learned more in those years than any other time in his career about people, personalities, and politics. In 2022, he was selected as recipient of Main Street America‘s (MSA) … More Supporting Local Is More Than Just a Hashtag