Main Street – Page 6 – Virginia Main Street

Local Incentives Drive Community Development

January 24, 2017

One of the most important ways that a municipality can support it’s small business community is through targeted financial incentives. A recent Potomac Local article touted the expansion of the city of Manassas’ business incentive programs, including Façade Improvement Grants and Landscape Improvement Grants. These incentives will assist with the exterior renovations and landscaping of existing … More Local Incentives Drive Community Development

Can “Open Late” increase “Shop Local?”

January 20, 2017

It’s an old problem and a pervasive one. In Main Street districts nationwide, small business owner’s are reluctant to be open late or on the weekends. As a consequence those who work 9-5 jobs outside of the district are unable to shop local. A recent Wyoming Business Report article takes a look at how Main … More Can “Open Late” increase “Shop Local?”

Congratulations to Virginia’s 2016 National Main Street Accredited Communities

December 20, 2016

Each year, the National Main Street Center and its coordinating program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach®. This year twenty-one Virginia Main Street Communities met the rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street … More Congratulations to Virginia’s 2016 National Main Street Accredited Communities

Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) Grants Awarded

December 14, 2016

Governor McAuliffe recently announced over $200,000 in Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) grant awards for eight projects in the Commonwealth. The BEE grant program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations for entrepreneurship programs aligned with local and regional economic development strategies, primarily in distressed communities and populations. “Small business development is a vital component … More Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) Grants Awarded

Innovative Models for Main Street Businesses

December 9, 2016

In August of 2016 a local beauty boutique opened in Harrisonburg’s Main Street district in an unusual and fantastic location, a 1975 Airstream Land Yacht. Airstream Beauty Boutique owner Irina Dovganetskiy needed a small space that would allow her to test the market and grow her business – handmade beauty products using natural and toxic-free … More Innovative Models for Main Street Businesses

The Bright Buzz: Kindling entrepreneur-focused transformation in Winchester

November 28, 2016

Many communities have decided that supporting local entrepreneurs is key to a thriving Main Street and one Virginia initiative is receiving national attention! The National Main Street Center’s Main Street Story of the Week takes a look at how a local property owner created an innovative community space for entrepreneurs and entertainment to thrive. Jennifer Bell, … More The Bright Buzz: Kindling entrepreneur-focused transformation in Winchester

Pop-Up Altavista 2.0: Cultivating Local Entrepreneurs with an Educational Business Launch Competition

November 9, 2016

How can Main Street help entrepreneurs achieve a business expansion or start their own business? The National Main Street Center’s Main Street Story of the Week features Pop-Up Altavista 2.0, Altavista On Track’s (AOT) second business launch competition. Emelyn Gwynn, Main Street Coordinator for Altavista, highlights the program, which kicked off September, 2016. Building off … More Pop-Up Altavista 2.0: Cultivating Local Entrepreneurs with an Educational Business Launch Competition

Shop Local, Support Local with HuTerra and Virginia Main Street

October 31, 2016

There’s no better time to visit Main Street then the holidays. Winter celebrations bring revelers together to enjoy light shows, caroling and special shopping experiences with local merchants. There is a magic to shopping on Main Street that simply doesn’t exist at the mall. We can feel good about our shopping because keeping the cash register … More Shop Local, Support Local with HuTerra and Virginia Main Street

Discover What’s “Wythein:” Downtown Wytheville’s Vibrant New Website

October 26, 2016

Main Street program websites come in many shapes and sizes. The challenge is to create a simple and fresh website that promotes the Main Street organization and local brand while showcasing the unique charm of downtown and all it has to offer. Downtown Wytheville Inc. recently updated their online presence with a website refresh that provides an … More Discover What’s “Wythein:” Downtown Wytheville’s Vibrant New Website

The CRO Roadshow is coming to a location near you!

October 24, 2016

This fall, the DHCD Community Revitalization Office is traveling throughout the state to highlight community development and capacity building programs and grants. Whether you are looking to revitalize a derelict and blighted building in your community or are interested in using the Main Street approach to community revitalization, we will introduce you to our services and programs … More The CRO Roadshow is coming to a location near you!