Hartbeat of Main Street Grant Program: Second Round

Excitingly, Main Street America (MSA) announced that a second round of the Hartbeat on Main Street Grant Program will open on Thursday, October 22, 2020. In partnership with The Hartford, the program will continue to fund solutions that help merchants respond and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as helping to revitalize and strengthen … More Hartbeat of Main Street Grant Program: Second Round

2021 Main Street Now Conference Goes Virtual!

Recently, Main Street America (MSA) announced that the annual Main Street Now Conference will be held virtually! Recognizing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, MSA has prioritized the safety and well-being of the Main Street network, and they are strongly committed to delivering an online event that mirrors the high-energy of previous national, in-person … More 2021 Main Street Now Conference Goes Virtual!

Community Revitalization Newsletter

Every month, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Community Revitalization Office (CRO) publishes an e-newsletter via Constant Contact that features the latest on community and economic development-related happenings in communities across Virginia, as well as event updates, training announcements, grant opportunities and more. The newsletter allows CRO to maintain direct communication with … More Community Revitalization Newsletter

Be Positive: Dealing Disaster Part 2 of 2

While earthquakes and tornadoes are rare in most of the commonwealth, hurricane season is a regular fixture on our calendars in Virginia. The season typically runs from June to November with heightened activity August to October. This is the second of a blog series centered on Danville, Virginia’s experience recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018 … More Be Positive: Dealing Disaster Part 2 of 2

2020 Virginia Main Street Small Business Relief Grants Making an Impact Across the State

It goes without saying that it’s been an unprecedented year for all of us, but the adaptability, strength and resilience of our network here in Virginia never ceases to impress us. When everything changed, seemingly overnight, back in March our Main Street communities suddenly faced a long list of new challenges, and at the forefront … More 2020 Virginia Main Street Small Business Relief Grants Making an Impact Across the State

2020 Best Public Improvement Project: St. Paul

Spanning seven years and seven blocks, St. Paul finally completed its comprehensive downtown infrastructure project in 2019. Lead by the town, with input from St. Paul Tomorrow’s Design Committee in the early stages, this $16 million project reconstructed the stormwater system, sidewalks, curbing, roadways, crosswalks, water lines and sanitary sewer lines. The need for upgrading … More 2020 Best Public Improvement Project: St. Paul

Be Prepared: Dealing with Disaster Part 1 of 2

While earthquakes and tornadoes are rare in most of the commonwealth, hurricane season is a regular fixture on our calendars in Virginia. The season typically runs from June to November with heightened activity August to October. In October 2018, Hurricane Michael raised to the Dan River to flood stage, causing damaged roads and buildings, and even … More Be Prepared: Dealing with Disaster Part 1 of 2

Workshop Series: Getting Started with Community Heart and Soul

Learn how to get started with Community Heart & Soul, a powerful way to strengthen community. Created by the Orton Family Foundation, Community Heart & Soul is a unique community development model that brings people together to build stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns based on what matters most to everyone. … More Workshop Series: Getting Started with Community Heart and Soul

Rebuild! VA Grant: Eligibility Criteria Expanded

During the month of July, the Rebuild! VA grant program was created to assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the state who have faced unprecedented economic distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excitingly, the program has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses to apply and receive needed assistance! “Small businesses and … More Rebuild! VA Grant: Eligibility Criteria Expanded

2020 Merit Awards: Outstanding Business – Lineage

Based in Harrisonburg, Lineage is an inspiring store focused on the beauty of handmade craft. Lineage was recognized this year as one of Virginia’s outstanding businesses during Virginia Main Street’s Downtown Intersection conference. Head there for owner Paul Hansbarger’s signature leather and waxed cotton canvas designs and marvel in the details of the totes, weekenders, … More 2020 Merit Awards: Outstanding Business – Lineage