In Case You Missed It: April 2025 Digest

During the month of April, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published seven blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Blueprint Virginia 2035 Main Street Now 2025 | Conference Highlights Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses Unlocking Capital on Main Street A Look Into Virginia Main Street Stay tuned for lots … More In Case You Missed It: April 2025 Digest

Be Heard! Contribute to Blueprint Virginia 2035

What are your priorities for economic development in Virginia? A focus on housing and housing affordability? Maybe you’d like to see more investment in Downtown Development and Main Street, or perhaps a greater emphasis on credentials and apprenticeships to meet the demands of today’s economy. Now is the time for you to be heard by … More Be Heard! Contribute to Blueprint Virginia 2035

Main Street Now Session Spotlight: Artist-Led Activation in Rural Minnesota

At the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one session highlighted the transformative potential of artistic engagement and existing assets in rural and small-town revitalization, especially when driven by the people who know their communities best. At the heart of this movement is the Activate Rural Learning Lab (ARLL), an initiative of the … More Main Street Now Session Spotlight: Artist-Led Activation in Rural Minnesota

Virginia is for Main Street Lovers: Highlights from the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philly!

More than 35 Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities joined their fellow Main Streeters from across the nation in the birthplace of America for three full days of education sessions, workshops, and special events at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference. Community champions from across the country came together to exchange ideas and strengthen their ability … More Virginia is for Main Street Lovers: Highlights from the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philly!

Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

Bloom Market, Portsmouth’s nonprofit retail accelerator, recently celebrated its first anniversary with an outdoor vendor market that drew a vibrant crowd. The milestone event showcased the creativity and talent of local artisans, makers, and creatives who have benefited from the program’s support over the past year. Since its launch, Bloom Market has empowered emerging local … More Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

Virginia Main Street Selected for National “Unlocking Capital on Main Street” Initiative

Virginia Main Street (VMS) has been selected – as one of two coordinating programs out of 24 applicants – to participate in the Unlocking Capital on Main Street program, a new national initiative led by Main Street America and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). This prestigious opportunity empowers communities to build stronger, … More Virginia Main Street Selected for National “Unlocking Capital on Main Street” Initiative

Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses in Martinsville

Since 2019, minority-owned businesses in the City of Martinsville and Henry County have been working together to create opportunities for success and overcome systemic barriers. Through dedicated efforts, and perseverance throughout the COVID pandemic, this informal network has evolved into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Minority Business Consortium (MBC). Historically, minority business owners have … More Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses in Martinsville

In Case You Missed It: March 2025 Digest

During the month of March, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published eight blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Downtown Visitation Trends 2024 Reinvestment Statistics Main Street Tourism People and Places That Have Shaped Virginia Main Street Grant Highlights Measuring Impacts Demonstrating the Value of Main Street Stay tuned for … More In Case You Missed It: March 2025 Digest

Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Part 2

Strengthening Main Street’s Role – Funding, Partnerships, and Community Engagement How does a small town make the case for investing in Main Street? For Cape Charles, Virginia, the journey began with a simple but essential question: What value will this bring us? This second installment of a two-part series explores how Cape Charles Main Street’s … More Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Part 2