Tag: Small Business

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

Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

April 14, 2025

Bloom Market, Portsmouth’s nonprofit retail accelerator, recently celebrated its first anniversary with an outdoor vendor market that drew a vibrant crowd. The milestone event showcased the creativity and talent of local artisans, makers, and creatives who have benefited from the program’s support over the past year. Since its launch, Bloom Market has empowered emerging local … More Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

Enterprise Development Group: Helping Refugees Forge Their American Dreams

June 17, 2024

Founded in 1983, the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) was developed as a non-profit, community-based organization to address the gaps in resources to refugees and asylum-seekers from Ethiopia. By 1991, ECDC became the first ethnic community-based organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State to resettle refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Over the … More Enterprise Development Group: Helping Refugees Forge Their American Dreams

Food Retailer Assistance: The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Grant

March 29, 2021

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) inaugural grant application process is open! Managed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the VFAIF focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and … More Food Retailer Assistance: The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Grant

2020 Virginia Main Street Small Business Relief Grants Making an Impact Across the State

October 5, 2020

It goes without saying that it’s been an unprecedented year for all of us, but the adaptability, strength and resilience of our network here in Virginia never ceases to impress us. When everything changed, seemingly overnight, back in March our Main Street communities suddenly faced a long list of new challenges, and at the forefront … More 2020 Virginia Main Street Small Business Relief Grants Making an Impact Across the State

A Jewel Worth Saving: Re-imagining Danville’s North Union Street

February 22, 2019

Guest Blogger Diana Schwartz, executive director of Danville’s River District Association, is a native of Dickenson County, Virginia, and was previously director of business retention for the Ocala/Marion Chamber and Economic Partnership in Florida, as well as director of the Ocala Main Street Program. Danville, Virginia may be best known for the railroad system, including … More A Jewel Worth Saving: Re-imagining Danville’s North Union Street

Makerspaces: Coworking spaces with Cool Stuff

November 1, 2018

Makerspaces, much like coworking spaces, are on the rise in the United States. There are now over 500 such spaces across the country, and that number is expected to continue to grow. They can be located in schools, libraries, community centers or as their own for-profit or nonprofit organizations. Makerspaces are basically shared working spaces … More Makerspaces: Coworking spaces with Cool Stuff

Recognizing the Hard Work on Main Street: Sandwich Sampler Competition

October 9, 2018

At the recent 2018 Downtown Intersections in Harrisonburg, we continued the tradition of acknowledging outstanding achievements in comprehensive downtown revitalization efforts through Merit Awards.  They recognize the hard work, dedication and success of Virginia’s Main Street communities and their achievements across the four point of the Main Street Approach®.  This is the third in a … More Recognizing the Hard Work on Main Street: Sandwich Sampler Competition

The District Digest Vol. 4 – Downtown Ideas to Put to Work

October 3, 2018

While you were busy making a difference in your hometown, you might have missed these thought-provoking reads.  Attraction, expansion and retention of businesses for your Main Street district is vital. It is also one of the most difficult things for a community to successfully accomplish. It takes hard work, planning and follow-through. Here is a … More The District Digest Vol. 4 – Downtown Ideas to Put to Work

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