Main Street – Virginia Main Street

Building Momentum in Ashland’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

November 5, 2025

When it comes to sparking innovation and supporting small businesses, the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) has shown what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and passion. Through the FY24 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant—administered by DHCD’s Virginia Main Street program—DAA set out to strengthen Ashland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and open doors for small businesses … More Building Momentum in Ashland’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Bonus Track

May 21, 2025

Laying the Foundation in Cape Charles 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 “bonus track” in the Value of Main Street series (Part 1 & Part 2) tells the … More Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Bonus Track

Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Path to Strategic Planning for Main Street Organizations

October 24, 2024

As a Virginia Main Street (VMS) program administrator, I’ve had the privilege of learning and implementing the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process within the communities I serve. This approach not only celebrates successes but also inspires collaborative visioning for the future—an ideal strategy and very good match for Main Street nonprofit organizations looking to enhance impact. … More Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Path to Strategic Planning for Main Street Organizations

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits: Registration Open for Upcoming Workshop Series

August 8, 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape across various sectors, including the nonprofit world. As your local Main Street program strives to do more with limited resources, AI offers solutions that can help streamline operations, enhance communication, and improve overall efficiency so there is more room to focus on real community impact. Artificial Intelligence … More Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits: Registration Open for Upcoming Workshop Series

Fostering Growth: Appreciative Inquiry in Urbanna’s Main Street Startup

July 22, 2024

If you go looking for problems, that’s what you’re going to see. But, what if you had tools to help you amplify what is going right in your organization, at any stage of development? I (Kyle Meyer) have the pleasure of working with the Town of Urbanna, which is currently a Virginia Main Street (VMS) … More Fostering Growth: Appreciative Inquiry in Urbanna’s Main Street Startup

2024 Main Street Champion Merit Award Winner – Danville Regional Foundation!

July 5, 2024

The Virginia Main Street (VMS) program’s Main Street Champion merit award highlights an entity whose generous support and partnership has furthered a Main Street organization’s work. The 2024 award went to the Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) in Danville, Virginia. In 2010, DRF sponsored a “See the Possible” trip to Greenville, South Carolina, enabling local leaders … More 2024 Main Street Champion Merit Award Winner – Danville Regional Foundation!

Build a Better Building Inventory

June 13, 2024

How many vacant spaces are in your Main Street district? Where is there room to add more housing, businesses, and gathering spaces? Answering these questions is key to unlocking the potential of your built environment. A building inventory is essential for a thorough understanding of the physical and economic makeup of your commercial district. Creating … More Build a Better Building Inventory

In Case You Missed It: May 2024 Digest

May 30, 2024

During the month of May, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published eight blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Preservation Month Business Appreciation Month Entrepreneur Support / Recruitment Main Street America Designation VMS Community News Training / Education Stay tuned for lots more great content in June!

2020 Merit Awards: Best Business Promotion – Manassas

August 28, 2020

Historic Manassas, Inc. is proof that where there’s a will there’s a way, and they were recognized during our 2020 Merit Awards for the successful implementation and promotion of Sip & Shop, a recurring event that allows attendees to bring their favorite adult beverage along to wander and explore the streets downtown. While the benefits … More 2020 Merit Awards: Best Business Promotion – Manassas

Register Now – Promoting Main Street (webinar)!

June 2, 2020

Join us June 9 from 11 a.m.-noon for the preconference* webinar, Basic Principles of Main Street Promotion. Travis Brown, director of business development for Rokusek and Maestro Community Manager, will dive into dynamic and effective promotion – not just great events, but effective marketing and communication to keep your organization and downtown at the forefront … More Register Now – Promoting Main Street (webinar)!