New approaches to business incubation

June 1, 2009

Business incubators can provide start-up enterprises with professional space for reasonable rents – but they can play a much larger role as well. They can connect new entrepreneurs to the technical assistance and training that will provide them with a running start.  In addition, business incubators can provide a network of entrepreneurially minded cohorts in close proximity to foster the type … More New approaches to business incubation

Recap: Virginia Main Street communities host informal (and informational) sessions

May 6, 2009

Two recent regional Virginia Main Street gatherings in the Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley offered an opportunity share resources and discuss current issues in an informal setting. In Marion, Main Street Manager Ken Heath hosted a group of nine at the Marion Town Hall for an update on the stimulus package and new efforts in the … More Recap: Virginia Main Street communities host informal (and informational) sessions

What’s new at your community’s farmers’ market?

May 5, 2009

It’s farmers’ market season, and judging from the reported crowds out at Virginia’s markets the first weekend in May, it’s been a long winter for many of us. We’re eager to get back out there, reusable grocery totes in hand. Thank you farmers’ market managers. Efforts to build and sustain a vibrant market can create … More What’s new at your community’s farmers’ market?

Financial Literacy Month

April 29, 2009

As we wind down the last few days of April, we want to be sure to recognize that April is Financial Literacy Month.  While learning about finance and how to take care of your money are important everyday, we Americans have a special relationship to our finances this time of year, since this is when … More Financial Literacy Month

Bedford Boys

April 24, 2009

All of our Virignia Main Street communities have unique histories and cultures that we like to highlight in the Virginia Main Street blog from time to time.  One of the most stiking stories is that of  Company A, 116th Infantry, 29th Division from Bedford, Virginia. Company A took part in the first wave of storming Nazi … More Bedford Boys

VMS Driving Tour brochures are here

April 24, 2009

Actually, they were here, but now they are there.  10,000 brochures have been distributed to the Virginia Visitor Information Centers and to the Virginia Designated Main Street communities. The brochure is designed to highlight the histoic, cultural, recreational and gastronomic opportunities available on Main Street.  You can print your own copy here.

Achieve your nonprofit mission

April 15, 2009

Strategic thinking, volunteer resource management and managing your financial picture are all challenges of running a successful nonprofit organization.  They’re also titles of courses offered through Virginia Commonwealth University’s Nonprofit Learning Point (NLP) educational program.  In 2009 the program celebrates 13 years of empowering organizations to become more effective and efficient in achieving their goals.    … More Achieve your nonprofit mission

Spring 2009 Virginia Main Street Monitor now available

April 10, 2009

The Spring 2009 Virginia Main Street Monitor is now available in its new form, an electronic technical brief.  The new edition offers best practices for structuring effective promotional campaigns, culled from our Virginia Main Street network.  The brief includes tips on partnering, constructing a press release, and debriefing the event. The Monitor‘s new electronic form reduces costs … More Spring 2009 Virginia Main Street Monitor now available