Micro-loans a resource for downtown entrepreneurs

August 2, 2010

A recent New York Times article, “With Credit Tight Microlending Blossoms,” highlights the nation’s growing micro-enterprise resources. Long popular as an anti-poverty strategy in developing countries and gaining a foothold here over the past two decades, micro-loans are providing more access to entrepreneurs now squeezed out of traditional credit markets. Kiva, an international micro-lender founded … More Micro-loans a resource for downtown entrepreneurs

In season: Virginia’s farmers’ markets

July 27, 2010

Governor Bob McDonnell has proclaimed August 1 – 7 as Virginia Farmers’ Market Week, and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. Across the country, farmers’ markets are rising in popularity and number. Between 2008 and 2009, their number increased 13 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And in Virginia, you expect to find them … More In season: Virginia’s farmers’ markets

Vote for the top 25 Virginia Main Street “Downtown Dining Destinations”

July 20, 2010

The Virginia Main Street staff does a lot of travelling each year and that travel can be hard on the stomach.  Luckily, we know that when we arrive, the local hospitality of our destination Main Street communities will be evident, and the top rate dining choices will be numerous. While having an office day, we … More Vote for the top 25 Virginia Main Street “Downtown Dining Destinations”

Guest blogger “Downtown Dan” Howe: Franklin awaits

July 16, 2010

There’s still time to register for the Virginia Main Street Summer Toolkit (until Monday), and the board and staff of Downtown Franklin, Inc. are eager to welcome you to our district. We’re going to spend a day and a half (July 22 and 23) focused on “Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Downtown.”   The speakers are top-notch, and this is a vital … More Guest blogger “Downtown Dan” Howe: Franklin awaits

Gate City downtown historic district gets Virginia listing

July 15, 2010

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has listed the downtown historic district in Gate City, VA on the Virginia Landmarks Register.    According to the official announcement: The Gate City Historic District, in Scott County, is a five-block district that emerged as a vital commercial hub for the surrounding countryside beginning in the 19th century. While settlement in the … More Gate City downtown historic district gets Virginia listing

Main Street organizations and nonprofit status

July 6, 2010

For fund development efforts, Main Street organizations have no better tool than the Internal Revenue Service’s designation as a 501 (c) 3 organization.  Lately some communities have struggled for it, trying hard to clarify the nuances of how Main Street groups pursue their goals so that they are not designated as economic development or membership organizations.  … More Main Street organizations and nonprofit status

Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants awarded

June 29, 2010

Seven designated Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities have been awarded VMS Downtown Improvement Grants in a special initiative marking the program’s 25th anniversary. Successful proposals in the competitive process demonstrated:  Measurable impacts or deliverables; Committee or volunteer project leadership/involvement; Partnerships and resource leveraging; Local government involvement or support; Up-to-date program reporting; and The ability to complete the … More Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants awarded