Video Highlights: Virginia Main Street Merit Awards

August 5, 2019

At the closing luncheon of Downtown Intersections—the gathering of Virginia’s Main Street and downtown revitalization network—eight awards marked the best of the year. Erik Johnston, director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development presented the awards, noting the power of collaborative effort toward in creating places that attract investment and people. Short videos—each … More Video Highlights: Virginia Main Street Merit Awards

How well is your loan fund rotating? Upcoming events feature resources, strategies and networks

July 26, 2019

Revolving loan funds are a key tool for business district revitalization. They can provide crucial gap financing, especially when the investment doesn’t meet the equity requirements of commercial financing or when a lower interest rate is needed to make the project work. Those conditions apply to a good percentage of start-up businesses and projects involving historic … More How well is your loan fund rotating? Upcoming events feature resources, strategies and networks

Watch, Learn, and Lead: A Virginia Main Street Primer

July 22, 2019

Let’s face it, creating a thriving downtown is no small task. To achieve this, you need a strategic, outcome-oriented revitalization approach – the Main Street Approach. Whether you’re a new Main Street program manager, returning volunteer, or experienced municipal leader that needs a refresher, a Main Street Approach basic training will ensure you have the … More Watch, Learn, and Lead: A Virginia Main Street Primer

Take Your Business to the Next Level with Lean Canvas

July 9, 2019

Are you an entrepreneur looking to take your business idea to the next level? Register now to attend one of six Lean Canvas workshops, presented by Dale Fickett of RVA Works, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Main Street program and hosting localities. This day-long session on the Lean Canvas method … More Take Your Business to the Next Level with Lean Canvas

Lynchburg Invites You to Explore!

July 3, 2019

Our guest blogger is Downtown Lynchburg Association Executive Director Ashley Kershner. Lynchburg is beyond excited to host the 2019 Virginia Main Street Downtown Intersections. Downtown Lynchburg is a vibrant, charming locale studded with unique and creative local businesses. We hope that while you’re here to visit, you’ll have the opportunity to experience all that downtown … More Lynchburg Invites You to Explore!

The Power of Business and Non-profit Partnerships

June 25, 2019

Guest Blogger Julie Markowitz, Director of Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA), started with Main Street in 2006 armed with ten years of experience in mall marketing and promotions. Our StauntoNites event grant program, which was designed to incentivize businesses to stay open until 8 PM Saturday nights and host an in-store event to stimulate a … More The Power of Business and Non-profit Partnerships

The Main Street Approach – A Catalyst for Community Revitalization

June 20, 2019

 “Our downtown has become the place where people want to visit, play, work, and live”.  This is a statement most anyone would want to make about their community, but all too often the task is overwhelming. Where to start when there is so much that could be done?  How do you put together the resources … More The Main Street Approach – A Catalyst for Community Revitalization

Place-making: Creating a Downtown Where People Want to Be

June 17, 2019

Our guest blogger is Hopewell Downtown Partnership Executive Director Evan Kaufman. Over the last 8 years, we have worked hard to facilitate the rehab of downtown properties, recruit new businesses, plan events and festivals, and develop strong partnerships. While we will continue these strategies, it’s time to start implementing some creative place-making strategies to get … More Place-making: Creating a Downtown Where People Want to Be

FLASH SALE: 24-Hour Registration Discount for Downtown Intersections!

June 10, 2019

For 24-hours only on June 11, use registration code VMSFLASH50 to save $50 off the normal rate! One day only, June 11, use our flash sale code to register for Downtown Intersections at the early bird rate of $125 – don’t miss this deal! Register now to attend Downtown Intersections, presented by the Virginia Department of … More FLASH SALE: 24-Hour Registration Discount for Downtown Intersections!