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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
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Headshot of smiling woman wearing white sweater and blue shirt.

© Sarah Harris Photography

Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes Kaycee McCoy, co-owner and creative lead at Pawsnickety Pets in Norfolks, Virginia. Kaycee and her best friend, Shizuka Benton, launched the all-natural and organic pet supply business in Norfolk at the start of the pandemic, but have used their combined talents – Kaycee’s passion for all-things marketing and Shizuka’s penchant for operations and management – to keep the business growing and thriving over the last four years. 

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

- Introduction to Kaycee McCoy: Learn about Kaycee’s journey to entrepreneurship and what brought her to owning her own pet supply business – without any experience in the pet industry or retail! 

- Success Stories and Challenges: Hear about obstacles Kaycee and her team have overcome over the years, as well as the wins they’ve had along the way. 

- Marketing & Using New Tools: Kaycee is a whiz at all-things marketing – and a self-proclaimed ​“marketing alchemist”! Learn about the tools, resources, and strategies she implements with her team to keep their business growing year over year. 

- Owning a Business with a Friend: Kaycee and Shuzuka have been friends over 12 years – and they’re often asked how they can stay friends while also managing a business together. Learn about the ways the friends cultivate a thriving business while keeping their BFF-hood strong. 

- Advice for Other Entrepreneurs: Kaycee shares her advice and insights for other entrepreneurs that own Main Street businesses. Tune in to hear her wisdom! 

Further Reading:

Connect:

Episode Links:

- Watch video interview

- Listen on Apple Podcasts

- Listen on Spotify

- Subscribe for updates

Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Related News and Stories

Last Chance: Secure Your Spot at the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

Due to unprecedented demand, we've added an additional 5 spots and a waitlist for our Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa. Register today to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your ability to develop solutions for your downtown and create transformation strategies that work.

September 23, 2024
Three people working together to install a planter and fence, while in the background another person carries a square planter and main street lined with historic buildings are visible.

Volunteers help make streetscape improvements in Nevada, Iowa. © Main Street Nevada

 Events and Opportunities

Almost Sold Out: 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

There are only a few spaces still available for this intensive high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals. Register today and join us in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, from October 15-16, to gain tools to develop real world solutions for your downtown district. Registration closes September 27, or once capacity is reached.

August 20, 2024
A small group of people walk down a sidewalk; one person smiles and waves while others engage in conversation.

District walks and conversations with community members are key to successful transformation strategies. © Main Street Nevada

 Events and Opportunities

Just Opened: 2025 Main Street Now Conference Call for Proposals

Main Street America and Pennsylvania Downtown Center invite local leaders and industry experts to submit session proposals for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference. Answer our call for engaging and practical sessions that speak to a broad variety of subjects, community demographics, and expertise levels, guided by the Main Street Approach today!

July 17, 2024
Ben Franklin bridge with Philadelphia skyline in the background; with the Main Street Now 2025 logo in the center.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © Ultima-Gaina/iStock

 Events and Opportunities

Registration Open: Boost Your Ability to Lead Catalytic Projects at our 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

Join us in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, from October 15-16, for this intensive high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals and boost your ability to lead catalytic projects in your community. Space is limited! Registration closes September 27, or once capacity is reached.

July 15, 2024
People sit at tables set-up on a street and chat while listening to a band performing on a stage.

Events create opportunities for the community to gather in downtown Nevada, Iowa. © Linda Wendt

 Events and Opportunities

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Apply for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award

With just two weeks until applications are due, now is the time to gather images, edit responses, and rewatch the informational webinar. Seize this moment to apply for the Main Street Movement’s greatest honor! The application portal is open through Friday, July 26.

July 10, 2024
A group of people pose in front of a downtown restaurant holding the GAMSA plaque

The Madison Main Street team poses in front of a local business with their GAMSA plaque. © Madison Main Street

 Events and Opportunities

Save the Date: 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa

Registration for this high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals interested in gaining tools, skills, and techniques necessary to address complex revitalization initiatives will open in July. Read to learn more and add the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, to your calendar.

June 17, 2024
A group of people strike poses while standing atop a historic theater marquee.

Main Street Nevada is excited to welcome 2024 Community Transformation Workshop participants in October. © Main Street Nevada

 Events and Opportunities

Now Accepting Applications: 2025 Great American Main Street Award

Has your Main Street program made significant strides in realizing your community’s vision for its downtown? Do your projects and programs serve as models for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization? If this sounds like you, then you could be a candidate for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award! The application portal is open through Friday, July 26.

June 12, 2024
A saxophonist, drummer, and vocalist set-up on a wide sidewalk perform for pedestrians.

Macon, Georgia © Mike Young Photography

 Events and Opportunities

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2024 Great American Main Street Award Winners

Main Street America is proud to recognize NewTown Macon, Madison Main Street Program, and Monroeville Main Street as 2024 Great American Main Street Award winners. All three organizations serve as exemplary models for reenergizing downtown districts through collective action that fosters vibrant downtowns through grassroots economic development, preservation with a purpose, and creative problem solving

May 6, 2024
A large group of people clap and wave from stage.

Madison Main Street Program accepts their 2024 Great American Main Street Award. © Alicia Gallo

 Announcement

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2024 Main Street America Designated Communities and Collective Impact of Local Programs in 2023

We are proud to announce that 1,188 programs have achieved designations as Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™, and that local programs generated $5.68 billion in local reinvestment in 2023.

April 24, 2024
On a sunny day, diners enjoy outdoor sidewalk seating under the shade of trees and meals from a café located in a historic brick building.

Sidewalk dining in downtown Camas, Washington © Downtown Camas Association

 Announcement

Closing Friday: Pre-Registration for Main Street Now 2024

In just two weeks local leaders will convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6-8. Online registration at the regular rate ends on Friday, April 26. Act now to secure your spot and keep reading to get the latest recommendations for an unforgettable experience.

April 22, 2024
Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
Events and Opportunities

Two Weeks Left to Register for Main Street Now 2024

Online registration and the regular rate are available through Friday, April 26. Download the conference mobile app, sign-up for the attendee webinar, grab some Shop Main Street merch, get recommendations, and more!

April 12, 2024
Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
Events and Opportunities

One Month Away: Main Street Now 2024!

With just a little over a month to go until we convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6-8, we are excited to announce that the full schedule is available online and the mobile app is ready for download.

April 4, 2024
Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
Events and Opportunities

Congratulations to the 2023 MSARP Recipients!

The MSARP credential is the highest level of achievement offered through the Main Street America Institute, requiring dedication to completing a rigorous curriculum of online courses, readings, assignments, workshops, and a challenging final exam.

April 20, 2023
Headshots of each of the MSARP recipients with the MSARP logo
Announcement

Main Spotlight: Introducing the Main Street Foundations Series

We’re excited to announce a new suite of resources designed for Main Street! The Main Street Foundations Series provides an overview of each Point through four comprehensive introductory videos, one-page guides, materials from our resource center, and more.

January 31, 2023
Main Street Foundations Series logo
Announcement

Main Spotlight: Top 7 Blog Posts of 2022

From the ongoing pivots needed to meet changing community needs to the timeless power of place, these are the most popular blog posts we published this year.

December 20, 2022
Photo collage with overlaid text reading "most popular blogs of 2022"
Insights

What Mary Means to Me

Todd Wolford, executive director of Downtown Wytheville Inc and recipient of the 2022 Mary Means Leadership Award, reflects on his Main Street career.

December 8, 2022
2023 Mary Means Leadership Award logo
Insights

HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: First Round Recipient Spotlights

These 67 recipients from across the country ranged from bakeries and boutiques to salons and museums, but they all shared a commitment to the program's goals of responding and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic downtown commercial districts.

December 22, 2020
Announcement

District Spotlight: Pontiac, Michigan

In response, UrbanMain and Main Street Oakland County joined forces in March 2018 to assist Pontiac stakeholders in putting their downtown organization back on a positive track, making Pontiac the first community in Michigan to participate in the UrbanMain initiative.

November 6, 2018
A woman wearing a helmet sits in a wooden derby car, a man behind her gets ready to push the car.
Storytelling

2018 Community Transformation Workshop Recap

An essential component of the Main Street America Institute, the three-day in-person workshop gives participants hands-on tools to enact revitalization projects in their communities.

October 25, 2018
Group of people gather in small business.
Announcement

Community Spotlight: Partners in Preservation 2018

From community gathering spaces to retail incubators, from small towns to big cities – this year’s projects and communities are a testament to the diversity of Main Streets across the country.

September 27, 2018
Designed image reading, "Vote Your Main Street 2018"
Storytelling

Community Spotlight: Ames, Iowa

Downtown Ames hosted a festival for the 46th annual RAGBRAI race (The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).

August 29, 2018
Large crowd gathers outside downtown scene at night
Storytelling

Comcast Newsmakers: Revitalizing Downtown

Matt Wagner, National Main Street Center's Vice President of Revitalization Programs, discusses competitive advantages, incrementalism and the power of the Main Street America network

July 23, 2018
Man and woman have discussion on news show.
Announcement

Community Spotlight: Main Street Homer, Louisiana

Main Street Homer (Homer, Louisiana) was awarded a $25,000 A Community Thrives social impact grant from Gannett/USA Today Network to create an arts center with affordable artist studios and classroom/event space.

July 19, 2018
White stately building with columns and tower at the center of a town square.
Storytelling

Announcing the 2018 Great American Main Street Award Winners

The National Main Street Center, Inc., announced Downtown Oregon City, Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency, and Howell Main Street as the 2018 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winners during its annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

March 26, 2018
Graphic with Great America Main Street Award 2018 logo, Main Street America logo, USBank logo, and text reading, "Downtown Oregon City, Oregon, Rock Springs Main Street, Wyoming, Howell Main Street, Michigan," with photos representing each community.
Announcement

Main Streets in Action

We rolled out four new Main Street America videos highlighting the power of the Main Street movement, Main Street Approach, economic impact of Main Street, and the incredible volunteers that make Main Street's grassroots network so effective.

October 31, 2017
Aerial shot of historic downtown scene on rainy day.
Insights

Want to do something big? Start small.

A series of small, incremental improvements, when taken together, provide momentum for long-term economic transformation and improved quality of life in a community.

July 10, 2017
A small group of people talk on a downtown street. Patrice tours Downtown Howell, Michigan, with Howell Main Street Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly, staff, and Howell Mayor Proctor.
Announcement

The Reality of Main Street

There is another way for smaller communities to compete in today’s economy and we believe a strong main street strategy is at the heart of it.

June 22, 2017
Large group of people at outdoor festival
Insights

The Lowdown in Downtown LaBelle

Fritz the dog has made his way into the hearts of the residents of LaBelle, Florida, and helped our Main Street Community find a way to make what we do more noticeable.

June 13, 2017
Two photos of a small dog
Storytelling

Revitalization and Main Street Transformation

For a lucky few downtowns, greatness may happen effortlessly with a strong sense of place that seems to develop organically and simply sustain itself. For most places, success doesn’t happen by chance.

May 25, 2017
Large crowd of people walk through commercial district
Insights

Main Street Nation Radio

The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.

May 24, 2017
Group of four people sitting in podcast recording booth
Storytelling

Pop-Up Art Tour

Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.

May 24, 2017
Photo collage of people looking at local art.
Storytelling

A Walk Through Rehoboth Beach Main Street

Although a “beach town,” Rehoboth Beach is open 365 days a year, and with that has the unique challenge of catering to both year-round residents and tourists within a wide range of ages, interests and economic levels

May 24, 2017
People walking along narrow sidewalk with small businesses along each side.
Storytelling

Independent We Stand Makes Main Streets a Priority

In communities across the country, hardworking business owners and buy local advocates come together to foster an organized effort to reinvent and revitalize Main Streets and downtown districts.

May 11, 2017
Two women, Renee Changnon, Assistant Editor Hardware Retailing Magazine, and Tara Mazzarella of Independent We Stand, stand in front of blue van.
Storytelling