Category: Uncategorized

Comparing Main Street Districts and Local Big Box Stores

April 15, 2014

Mapping the Commonwealth recently created a series of photos that overlay ten historic commercial districts (most of them Virginia Main Street districts) with the community’s local big box stores and parking lots. These photos are interesting for several reasons. They help illustrate why the local historic commercial district is so financially valuable to a community. … More Comparing Main Street Districts and Local Big Box Stores

Crowdfunding Main Street

April 9, 2014

In many communities, someone from out of town who is interested in starting a new business can turn to the local Main Street organization for help. The local Main Street organization can often provide square footage, rent and utility costs and introductions to owners of vacant and available storefronts. They can introduce the potential business owner to … More Crowdfunding Main Street

Marion Completes Fifth Round of “Pop Up” Marion Boot Camp

March 31, 2014

By now, you’ve probably heard of the success Marion Downtown! has had with its small business “Pop Up” Boot Camp entrepreneur program. If you have not, you are definitely missing out on all the excitement! “Pop Up Marion” offers up to $5,000 for aspiring downtown entrepreneurs, offsetting startup expenses like rent and utilities for the first … More Marion Completes Fifth Round of “Pop Up” Marion Boot Camp

2014 Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Awards Announced

March 21, 2014

More than 90 downtown revitalization volunteers and professionals attended the Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Awards Luncheon on March 19  at Richmond’s historic Hippodrome Theater. Main Street communities and organizations were recognized for achieving notable milestones in volunteer contribution, private investment and building rehabilitation. Destination Downtown South Boston received a Special Achievement Award and the Partnership … More 2014 Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Awards Announced

Harrisonburg is named 2014 Great American Main Street semifinalist

March 17, 2014

Congratulations to the city of Harrisonburg, which was recently named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the top 10 semifinalists for the 2014 Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA). The semifinalists have demonstrated their ability to preserve their unique history while creating and maintaining vibrant, successful commercial districts that serve as … More Harrisonburg is named 2014 Great American Main Street semifinalist

Mountains 2 Main Streets

December 10, 2013

** Guest blogger Katey Warren, Tourism PR specialist, Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services  The tourism offices and downtown Main Street partners of Harrisonburg, Luray and Waynesboro, along with Massanutten Resort and Shenandoah National Park, have banded together to create the Mountains 2 Main Streets Passport Program, a regional initiative that engages and rewards Shenandoah Valley visitors. The … More Mountains 2 Main Streets

Bringing New Businesses to Main Street

October 30, 2013

Retaining and growing existing businesses and encouraging the development of new businesses are primary goals of every Main Street organization. Here is how some of Virginia’s Main Street communities are working to strengthen and diversify their downtown business communities. Marion Downtown Revitalization Association (MDRA) is wrapping up the third round of its “Pop-Up Marion” Small Business … More Bringing New Businesses to Main Street

VMS now accepting applications for Financial Feasibility Grants

September 3, 2013

Applications due Monday, September 30, 2013 by 5:00 p.m. Financial Feasibility Grants of up to $25,000 per designated community are now available. Financial Feasibility Grants allow Main Street organizations to work with owners of significant “white elephant” buildings to identify the highest and best use of such properties and to develop sufficient information to allow … More VMS now accepting applications for Financial Feasibility Grants