Creating Safer Streets with Demonstration Projects

June 19, 2018

How do pedestrians experience your Main Street? Main Street’s were made for walking, but some of our Virginia downtowns are still not pedestrian friendly.  The National Complete Streets Coalition’s mission to increase safe, comfortable and convenient access to community destinations and public places – whether walking, driving, bicycling or taking public transportation.  To test out creative approaches … More Creating Safer Streets with Demonstration Projects

Bricks & Clicks Make Businesses Stronger Destinations

June 4, 2018

On May 2, during National Small Business Week, the city of Harrisonburg  awarded $36,700 in grants to small businesses in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.  Grant awards range from $1,200 to $4,900 and are the final portion of a three-pronged small business assistance program called Bricks & Clicks, which was designed to help businesses become stronger … More Bricks & Clicks Make Businesses Stronger Destinations

Opportunity SWVA pilots Kiva loan strategy

May 29, 2018

Community development partners across Southwest Virginia are piloting the use of the Kiva crowdfunding loan platform to help small businesses expand and add jobs. Opportunity SWVA, the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem collaborative identified five businesses in need of small loans. Over the next two weeks, the businesses are working to raise a total of $43,000 in … More Opportunity SWVA pilots Kiva loan strategy

Webinar Series – Downtown Buildings: Tools for Revitalization

May 14, 2018

Virginia Main Street (VMS) is hosting a series of three webinars throughout June covering topics related to downtown buildings and tools for revitalization.  All webinars are FREE, however, registration for each one is required. Virginia Rehabilitation Code June 6, 2018, Noon-1 p.m. Speaker: Jeff Brown, MCP, Director of State Building Codes, DHCD The Rehabilitation Code … More Webinar Series – Downtown Buildings: Tools for Revitalization

Collaborate for Impact

May 11, 2018

If you want to grow your volunteer and donor pipeline, you must reach out to your locals and create an opportunity for input.  Listen and find out what they love about where they live.  If they see their ideas implemented, they are more likely to contribute their time and money, making Main Street’s mission much … More Collaborate for Impact

Downtown Intersections At-A-Glance Agenda

April 30, 2018

  Register now to attend Downtown Intersections, presented by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Virginia Main Street Program, in partnership with Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. This event promises a packed schedule full of sessions spanning topics geared toward organization and promotions, as well as a Main Street Essentials track. There will be real-life examples from communities … More Downtown Intersections At-A-Glance Agenda

Increase Your Small Business Success During National Small Business Week

April 24, 2018

Lexington is celebrating the start up of four new downtown businesses! On the evening of April 11, more than 100 fans witnessed a group of aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their best ideas for new downtown businesses in a one-night version of “Shark Tank,” with $60,000 in grants awarded.  Main Street Lexington hosted Launch Lex, which provided … More Increase Your Small Business Success During National Small Business Week

Virginia Main Street 2018 Merit Awards – Nominations are Open!

April 18, 2018

Downtown Intersections is just a few months away! Virginia Main Street staff have been working hard to craft an agenda, secure speakers, develop walking tours and create workshops that will educate, inspire and empower our communities. Now, we need your help to recognize achievement, innovation and success in our Main Street communities. Nominations are now … More Virginia Main Street 2018 Merit Awards – Nominations are Open!