Virginia Main Street

Across the nation, more than 3,500 entities submitted applications through the AARP Community Challenge 2021, an annual challenge that funds projects that build momentum for local change and make communities livable for all ages. The selection process was highly competitive with only 244 projects selected, resulting in roughly $3.2 million distributed to communities, big and … More Downtown Lynchburg Association Named AARP Community Challenge 2021 Grantee for Art Alley Project

Our guest blogger, Kirsten Halverson Aherron, serves as the Communications and Events Manager for the River District Association (RDA) in Danville, Virginia, a welcoming and lively place for all. She’s incredibly passionate about helping people feel connected to and proud of where they live, especially when it comes to Danville’s River District where she enjoys … More Danville’s River District Association Offers Creative Boost to Existing Businesses through New Support Program

In 2019, native Buchanan resident, June Morris, took a giant leap of faith and signed up for the Town of Buchanan’s Community Business Launch (CBL) classes through the Advancement Foundation’s Gauntlet program. She hoped to learn good business practices and receive assistance attaining her dream of owning a business. Morris completed the training, pitched her … More Dreams Come True in Downtown Buchanan

Local farmers markets offer an opportunity for people to purchase locally grown food, meet those that grow and sell their products and support local businesses by keeping dollars in one’s own community and/or backyard. Recently, the Chesterfield County Farmers Market added some excitement to their typical event by allowing area youth to showcase their talents … More Chesterfield County Farmers Market Holds First-Ever Youth Vendor Day

Over the last century, the automobile has largely influenced how localities (big and small) have planned for the future and embraced new growth and development. But, to truly develop sustainable, prosperous and attractive communities, walkability must remain at the forefront of policy, strategy and design. Human-scale cities and towns hold significant social, economic, environmental and … More 10 Economic Advantages of Human-Scale Cities & Towns

Excitingly, three Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) communities were awarded Financial Feasibility Grants (FFG), totaling $75,000, to identify the highest and best use of targeted properties within the locality’s commercial district and formulate any plans or studies that will allow property owners to redevelop their property or allow the local Main Street organization to “shop” … More Three Advancing Virginia Main Street Communities Named FY2022 Financial Feasibility Grant Recipients

Mark your calendar! The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and others have partnered alongside the Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA) to organize an exciting agritourism conference focused on resilience, relevance and connectivity. Base Camp: Exploring the Trails, Agritourism, and Downtown Ecosystem will be held virtually on October 18-21, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. … More Registration Open for Base Camp: Exploring the Trails, Agritourism, and Downtown Ecosystem

Andrea Dono (pictured left), Executive Director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), an Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) program, was recently featured on Brand Story Podcast where she spoke about showing off your brand’s personality, staying true to your mission and how storytelling builds community, while also sharing insights learned from her time at the National … More Fostering Community Through Storytelling

Educational Webinar In August, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) welcomed Ilana Preuss (pictured left), founder of Recast City, to discuss how we can flip the model on economic development and build a strong and resilient economy that includes all types of talent. Preuss also addresses why (and how) to focus on … More CCV Series: August 2021 Recap & Additional Resources

Over past year and longer, Virginia’s historic commercial districts and downtowns worked tirelessly to build vibrancy and economic opportunity as they experienced unprecedented challenges, pivoting quickly at the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic to help small businesses and other key stakeholders secure the resources necessary to survive. Apart from their inspiring local efforts, the … More 2020 Small Business Support Relief & Recovery Initiative Final Report Demonstrates Impact of Grant Program