Virginia Main Street provides at no charge valuable assistance to train, prepare and support communities. Virginia Main Street does not offer funding, but is a self-help program. Virginia Main Street is a partner, but Main Street success is built squarely on local commitment, initiative and follow-through.
Options for General Assistance
For any individual or organization interested in revitalization, Virginia Main Street provides:
Access to Information
Virginia Main Street has an extensive lending library and resource files. Virginia Main Street staff can also research our statewide and national resource network for information, and the Main Street Monitor technical brief is published quarterly for communities with “how-to” articles from state and national experts.
Help Getting Focused
Virginia Main Street staff are trained facilitators, and can help get your revitalization organization or effort focused through strategic and work planning sessions.
Community Support Virginia Main Street offers local programs unlimited phone consultations to provide information, guidance and support.
Show a Virginia Main Street slide show...visit a designated Main Street community...host a visit by a local Main Street manager... take steps now to educate the community about the Main Street Approach™ and what you can do to get started building vitality in your downtown.
Options for General Assistance
When a community is willing to make an ongoing commitment to revitalization, Virginia Main Street is ready with more intensive assistance. Recognizing that Virginia communities interested in revitalization have a variety of situations and needs, Virginia Main Street offers two options for participation.
Designated Main Street Community
For communities with a population of 75,000 and under that meet eligibility criteria and wish to use the Main Street Approach™ in a traditional downtown setting. This is the focal point of the Virginia Main Street program and requires a high degree of commitment and readiness. Communities are competitively selected every three to four years.
DHCD Commercial District Affiliate Community
For communities that do not want full Main Street designation or wish to use the Main Street Approach™ in non-traditional commercial settings. Communities of any size may participate as an Affiliate and may join at anytime with completion of a brief application. Contact Virginia Main Street for an Affiliate application.
Training
From the basics of Main Street to advanced downtown development topics, regular training opportunities are provided to keep you up-to-date on the latest in the field.
On-site Technical Assistance
Virginia Main Street staff are available to help communities launch revitalization efforts as well as to help mature communities tackle more complicated issues.
Access to State and National Experts
Intensive on-site assistance by state and national experts is provided to help spur revitalization efforts as well as help mature communities tackle more complicated issues.
Customized Design Assistance
An architect with substantial experience with older and historic structures provides expertise, training and renderings.
Ongoing Public Relations and Marketing
Ongoing public relations are provided as well as use of the Virginia Main Street logo and name.
