In early 2020, a group of volunteers and area bankers formed a team in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19. That group of volunteers is now known as Bridging Virginia (BVA), a non-profit community loan fund, which envisions communities where everyone can freely and easily access capital, build wealth, and grow their economic opportunities. … More Bridging Virginia: Microfinancing with Major Impact

Five small, local businesses in Phoebus’ neighborhood commercial district will receive tailored technical assistance and micro grants through Retail Alliance’s Retail Technical Assistance Downtown Phoebus project. Retail Alliance has been providing education, advocacy, and connections to retailers throughout the Hampton Roads region for over 100 years. This year, they are hosting three in-person, educational workshops … More Small Businesses Win Big in Phoebus

Through Virginia Main Street’s (VMS) Firm Principles, Flexible Paths series, the Center of Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is diving into their 7 Actionable Principles (7APs) to strengthen nonprofits and their relationships with funders. The 7APs offer a common language around key and proven practices, infused with values of equity and growth. The seventh and final principle … More Firm Principles, Flexible Paths: Evaluate Impact

During the month of March, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published seven blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: VMS Community News Cultivating Internship Opportunities Main Street Impact Review Pedestrian Safety Grant Writing 101 7 Actionable Principles Stay tuned for lots more great content in April!

Applications for Virginia Main Street (VMS) FY2025 grants are due Friday, April 5, and the VMS team is excited to see thoughtful, well-developed projects come to life through submitted proposals. Articulating the vision for your project is not always easy so here are a few best practices to grant writing to help you get your … More Virginia Main Street Grant Writing 101

Harrisonburg, St. Paul, and Waynesboro took home 2024 Community Economic Development Awards (CEDA) for outstanding projects that transformed their communities! The Virginia Economic Development Association (VEDA) selects CEDA winners from nominated communities across five population categories that address business attraction, business retention / expansion, community development, and/or community involvement. Harrisonburg received an award for it’s … More Harrisonburg, St. Paul and Waynesboro Win VEDA 2024 Community Economic Development Awards

A walkable community isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time in your downtown! By fostering walkability in your Main Street district, you can help boost the local economy and cultivate a strong sense of place. You just experience a place differently when you walk around it … More Resources for Enhancing Pedestrian Safety

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) was established with the aim of revitalizing the downtown historic district into the economic and social heart of the city. Led by the board of directors and Executive Director, Andrea Dono, the nonprofit organization plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetics, functionality, and atmosphere of downtown public spaces while also … More Bridging the Gap: Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s Success Story With V-TOP

In 2023, Virginia Main Street (VMS) staff worked with Main Street communities across the state to employ the Main Street Approach to create positive and catalytic impacts. These communities have achieved notable success in revitalizing and preserving their historic downtown / neighborhood commercial districts. From attracting new businesses to fostering community engagement, the unwavering dedication … More The Numbers Are In: 2023 Main Street Impact Review

Old Town Winchester, one of Virginia’s oldest Main Street programs, was designated in 1985. Historically, the program has been administered by the municipality—first by the City of Winchester and more recently by the Economic Development Authority (EDA). In fall of 2022, Winchester received a visit from Main Street America (MSA) as part of a Transformation … More Welcome to Winchester Main Street