What is a “brownfield?”

January 14, 2019

Often, we think of brownfields as large industrial properties with environmental contamination and hazardous materials. However, a broader definition includes real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. This means that the Virginia Brownfield Restoration and Economic Development Assistance … More What is a “brownfield?”

Transform Ordinary Downtowns into Successful Destinations

January 10, 2019

How do you feel about free assistance to generate new ideas for attracting visitors to downtown? How about an added layer of resources to complement your Main Street America membership services and make it just that much easier to improve downtown? For 30 years, veteran Main Street partner Roger Brooks has helped thousands of people … More Transform Ordinary Downtowns into Successful Destinations

Update: VMS Idea Pitch! Winner – Blackstone

January 4, 2019

Guest blogger Zachary Whitlow, executive director of Downtown Blackstone Inc., provides an update on their Blackstone Town Square Revitalization Project that won the VMS Idea Pitch! Award at Downtown Intersections 2018. We were incredibly excited and grateful to have been chosen as the winner of the first annual Main Street Idea Pitch! competition. The presentation … More Update: VMS Idea Pitch! Winner – Blackstone

For the New Year, Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

January 2, 2019

Traditionally, when one year wraps up and a new one begins, we, as individuals, start thinking forward in resolutions.  It’s no different for Main Street nonprofits, as a new work plan provides the blueprint for the change the board of directors envisions for the district.  It is no doubt a great idea to start off … More For the New Year, Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

Recognizing the Hard Work on Main Street: Gloucester’s Village Corridor Enhancement Project

December 18, 2018

Virginia Main Street Merit Awards recognize the hard work, dedication and success of Virginia’s Main Street communities and their achievements across the four points of the Main Street Approach®.  This is the fifth in a blog series to highlight each of the seven 2018 awards. Heads up, the 2019 Merit Awards nominations will be open early … More Recognizing the Hard Work on Main Street: Gloucester’s Village Corridor Enhancement Project

Walking in a Main Street Wonderland: Celebrating the Holidays in Virginia

December 14, 2018

If you are looking for the holiday spirit, look no further than Virginia’s Main Streets.  Whether a holiday shopping promotion, a tree lighting, or a downtown evening carriage ride, there is a special experience just for you and your family.  Our partners at #VirginiaTourism make sure you can plan this season’s special moments with the … More Walking in a Main Street Wonderland: Celebrating the Holidays in Virginia

Small Business Resource Guide now available

December 11, 2018

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has developed a Small Business Resource Guide that provides information on many of the items that new or expanding small businesses and entrepreneurs need. This includes financing programs, grant programs, business development resources and training opportunities, as well as university entrepreneurship programs that are available to the … More Small Business Resource Guide now available

Fostering Successful Businesses in Your Community

December 6, 2018

How can Main Street organizations create a supportive, business-friendly community?  What are the elements of a community that make it viable to attract business and expansion for the existing ones?  And what are the trends that best produce the desired entrepreneurial advancement?  These are some of the questions driving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Appalachia, a recently published … More Fostering Successful Businesses in Your Community

How To Apply Workshops coming in January!

December 4, 2018

The Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Community Development Division will be holding how-to-apply workshops across the commonwealth in January as several grant programs will open for application submissions on January 2, 2019. DHCD’s grant programs offer flexible resources that allows communities and local/regional organizations do more to create vibrant communities. The workshops will … More How To Apply Workshops coming in January!

Autonomous Transit Shuttle Service to Launch in Crozet

November 27, 2018

The Downtown Crozet Initiative, a DHCD Commercial District Affiliate community organization, is embracing cutting-edge technology to help make visiting downtown a convenient, zero-emission experience, shuttling customers from a parking area into the commercial core.  While it may sound more Jetsons than Main Street, this is the real deal. Crozet’s Perrone Robotics, Inc., JAUNT, Inc. and … More Autonomous Transit Shuttle Service to Launch in Crozet