Small Biz Digital Trainers
Main Street America offers virtual and on-demand small business training through the Small Biz Digital Trainers program.
Quincy, Illinois © The District Quincy
Building Stronger Local Economies
At Main Street America, we believe that supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and small-scale development builds community wealth and creates meaningful investment in communities.
Through our Small Business Support work, Main Street America is equipping both small business owners and economic development leaders with tools, resources, and opportunities to build stronger and more resilient local economies.
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Tools & Education
Main Street America is committed to providing tools, resources, and education for enhancing economic vitality and fostering entrepreneurship in historic neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Main Street Business Insights Podcast
Learn about the innovative ways that Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track.
Main Street Online Tool
To use this tool, simply answer a series of questions. Based on your answers, you will receive a customized list of tools and resources on everything from POS systems, website platforms, and content creation software to help your business succeed.
Main Street America Institute
MSAI is the preeminent provider of professional development and network-building opportunities for downtown and commercial district leaders.
American Express® Neighborhood Champions
With American Express, we invite organizations to bring small businesses and shoppers together on Small Business Saturday® and all year long.
Small Business Grants & Funding
We are committed to providing grant and funding opportunities to support Main Street business owners and economic development leaders.
American Express® Backing Small Businesses
The Backing Small Businesses grant program, presented by American Express, offers funding to small business owners.
Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
We are committed to helping revitalization professionals lead and develop initiatives that support innovative entrepreneurship.
Building a Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Use this self-guided training to understand how to build a robust environment to support small business creation and sustainability.
The Importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems
An article from State of Main exploring the impact of entrepreneurship and examining ways to create inclusion in the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems. Published in State of Main.
Metuchen, NJ © Isaac Kremer
Advancing Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Watch this webinar to learn techniques and strategies to support minority entrepreneurs and create a diverse small business ecosystem.
Supporting the Creation & Growth of Businesses in Our Communities
Learn how to connect entrepreneurs of color with resources, grants, and loans to support sustainable economic growth.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Role of Commercial Districts
A comprehensive guide to local small business support to encourage entrepreneurs and create a vibrant downtown commercial district.
Stories & Insights
Learn from small business owners and entrepreneurs who are thriving on Main Street.
Kristin Smith, The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sat down with Kristin Smith, owner and founder of The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery in Corbin, Kentucky.
Joshua and Jared Ravenscraft, New Frontier
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt talks with Joshua and Jared Ravenscraft, co-founders of New Frontier, a sustainable apparel brand in Morehead, Kentucky.
Mileyka Burgos-Flores, Allapattah Collaborative CDC
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt talks with Mileyka Burgos-Flores, executive director of the Allapattah Collaborative CDC in Miami, Florida, the only designated Main Street community in Miami. Mileyka is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award.
Alycia Levels-Moore, ASL Creative & POLARIS
In this special episode of Main Street Business Insights, recorded in front of a live audience during the Main Street Now Conference, Matt sat down with Alycia Levels-Moore, owner and founder of ASL Creative Firm and POLARIS, an event and co-working hub, based in Birmingham, Alabama.
Ross Chanowski, NuMarket
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt chats with Ross Chanowski, owner and founder of NuMarket. NuMarket is a leader in crowdfunding solutions for small businesses with a focus on food services.
Ebenezer Akakpo, Akakpo Design Group & Maine Culture
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt talks with Ebenezer Akakpo, a designer and jeweler who owns Akakpo Design Group and Maine Culture in Westbrook, Maine.
Katie Pinard and Michael Macomber, Elements: Coffee Books Beer
In this conversation, Matt explores the story of Elements: Books Coffee Beer, nestled in the heart of Biddeford, Maine, with co-owners Katie Pinard and Michael Macomber.
Harvey Williams, Delta Dirt Distillery
In this episode, Matt sits down with Harvey Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Delta Dirt Distillery in Helena, Arkansas. Delta Dirt Distillery is the only Black-owned farm-to-bottled distillery in the United States.
Derrick Braziel, Owner of Pata Roja Taqueria and MORTAR
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Derrick Braziel, owner of Pata Rojas Taqueria and co-founder of MORTAR, in Cincinatti, Ohio.
2024 Predictions for Main Street Businesses
In our first episode of the season, you’ll hear from host Matt Wagner about his predictions for the small business landscape in 2024.
The Art of Understanding Local Markets
In the last episode of season two of Main Street Business Insights, tune in as host Matt Wagner breaks down how to understand and synthesize local market data.
Tiffany Fixter, Owner of Brewability
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability in Englewood, Colorado.
© Pexels / Rachel Claire
Small Business Knowledge Hub
Find tools and resources here to help you ensure your small business support strategies leverage the distinct sense of place that makes your commercial district unique.
Dive into the Knowledge Hub