Register Today: Small Biz Digital Trainers’ Boost Your Small Business Workshop Series
Led by our Small Biz Digital Trainers, participants will learn how to master their digital presence to grow their businesses and build community.
.png)
In January, Main Street America announced the launch of the Where It Starts: Breaking Barriers to Business project, a $6.3 million, multi-year program to strengthen small businesses and open career pathways for individuals in five cohort cities across the U.S. Funded by Truist Foundation and in partnership with Living Cities, the program will uplift entrepreneurs by providing them with tools and resources as well as collaboration opportunities with community leaders to break down barriers for local small business owners. The five cohort cities are Atlanta, Ga., Charlotte, N.C., Memphis, Tenn., Nashville, Tenn., and Miami, Fla. Within each city, Main Street America and Living Cities are partnering with select corridors to deepen their impact with local support.
One of the corridors is West Boulevard in Charlotte, N.C. The area has long been a home to many African American residents and has experienced years of underinvestment. One of the organizations working to bolster community and economic development in the corridor is the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition. The coalition runs a wide range of initiatives, including financial empowerment workshops, youth entrepreneurial programs, and the West Boulevard Merchants’ Association.
“We use community-driven strategies to promote economic growth for the viability and sustainability of 19 neighborhoods,” said West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition Executive Director Sharika Comfort.
Uplifting Merchants
“There are an estimated 100 businesses along the West Boulevard corridor, and we've been working with the businesses in partnership with Do Greater Charlotte to also provide workforce development, job training, resources, and even labor and resource support to the businesses along the corridor through our merchants’ association,” said Comfort.
The association was originally piloted in 2022, and the launch included 13 businesses. They expanded the boundaries to include the airport and hope to continue reaching new businesses owners. To support the merchants, West Boulevard has provided educational opportunities, grant opportunities, and networking opportunities.
“The goal of the merchants’ association and the businesses is to make the area around the airport and that West Boulevard corridor community and the businesses as much of a tourist destination as uptown Charlotte or south end Charlotte,” said Comfort.
Dealing with Displacement
Charlotte is a rapidly growing city, and the effects of that investment have an uneven impact in the neighborhoods around West Boulevard.
“Gentrification is pricing out a lot of our residents in terms of cost of living," said Comfort. "As property development happens and property taxes rise, it becomes less affordable."
To help keep residents in the community, West Boulevard works with developers to implement community benefits agreements ensuring a certain percentage of affordable apartments in new developments. They are also working on improving the economic landscape in the community to give residents the financial tools to stay. Through the merchants’ association, they are working on creating an economic hub to support existing businesses and new entrepreneurs.
“Roughly 72 percent of the residents self-identified as Black African American and roughly 11 percent identified Hispanic or Latinx,” said Comfort, and preserving this cultural diversity is an important goal of their anti-displacement work.
Breaking Barriers to Business
West Boulevard’s work with the merchants’ association and the business hub are both supported through the Where It Starts: Breaking Barriers to Business initiative, in partnership with the Truist Foundation and Main Street America.
“Initially, when they gave us the business audit assessment tool, we sat down with our businesses at one of our merchants’ association meetings,” said Comfort. “We had about 20 businesses and really were able to assess the state of business opportunity along the corridor. Instantly, we were able to see the value add of being a part of the Breaking Barriers to Business cohort.”
Comfort also recently underwent an anti-racism workshop through the Breaking Barriers to Business program.
“Historically, there have been so many groups and individuals that come into communities of color and extract time, resources, labor,” said Comfort. “We can't go into communities and start prescribing what we think they need. We have to approach business communities with a listening ear, asking questions so that we can get an understanding of their needs and then work with them to co-create solutions.”
Learn more about the amazing work of the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition >
Learn more about Where It Starts: Breaking Barriers to Business >
Related News
Main Street Business Insights: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
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.
Main Spotlight: How Fredericksburg Main Street Uses Shop Crawls to Boost Downtown Businesses
Shop crawls are a great way to introduce people to your small businesses. Fredericksburg Main Street loves to host shop crawls, and this spring, they tried a new model: the flower crawl.
New Special Course: Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street
If the economic vitality of your downtown is on your mind, Main Street America Institute’s Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street course for you! This specialized learning experience, sponsored by U.S. Bank, will give you new insights, tools, and strategies to foster entrepreneurship, support small business owners, and retain local businesses. Registration closes on Friday, August 30.
Crema Brew Coffee is a locally-owned coffee shop in New Bern, North Carolina. © Swiss Bear
Main Street Business Insights: Preserving Culture through Community Leadership
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt talks with Mileyka Burgos-Flores, CEO of the Allapattah Collaborative CDC in Miami, Florida.
Main Street Business Insights: Crowdfunding for Small Business Success
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.
Main Street Business Insights: Uniting Design and 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.
500 Small Business Owners Receive $10,000 through Backing Small Businesses Grant Program
American Express and Main Street America announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program.
Main Street Business Insights: Crafting Community: The Elements of Success
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.
Take the Spring 2024 Small Business Survey
We are asking small business owners across the country to share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges they're facing as summer approaches.
New Morning storefront in Biddeford, Maine © Heart of Biddeford
Main Spotlight: The Art of Market Analysis (Part One)
Matt Wagner, Ph.D., breaks down how context and outreach can help you build a stronger market analysis.
Main Street Business Insights: The Power of Investing in Community (And Yourself)
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.
Main Spotlight: Restoration and Resurgence in the Historic 4th Avenue Black Business District
Urban Impact Inc., harnesses strategic investments and collaborative efforts to foster a vibrant and sustainable future, from visionary adaptive reuse ventures to transformative development grants for small businesses and property owners in Birmingham, Alabama's historic 4th Avenue Black Business District.
Main Street Business Insights: 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.
Main Spotlight: Lessons Learned from a Retail Incubator
Sterling Main Street launched a brick and mortar retail incubator spaces. Executive Director Janna Groharing shares lessons they learned about organization, fundraising, and outreach.
Main Street Business Insights: Creating Strong Start-up Communities with Glen Ellis, Sycamore Education and Milady Coffeehouse
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Glen Ellis, owner of Sycamore Education, Dominion Catalyst Services, and Milady Coffeehouse in Fremont, Nebraska.
Main Street Business Insights: Forming Meaningful Partnerships with Shoalwater Seafood and Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Jaime Courtney, President of Shoalwater Seafood, Derek King, Oyster Farm Director of Shoalwater Seafood, and Shane Thomas, Tribal Council Vice Chair of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe.
Backing Small Businesses Grantee Q&A: Sarah Cole, Abadir’s
Sarah Cole, owner of Abadir’s in Greensboro, Ala., was a 2023 Backing Small Businesses grantee. Abadir’s is a pop-up eatery specializing in seasonal and wholesome baked goods influenced by Egyptian traditions and flavors combined with inspiration from true Southern cuisine.
Main Street Business Insights: How Main Street Leaders Can Drive Economic Development with Casey Woods, Emporia Main Street
In this episode of the Main Street Business Insights podcast, Matt sits down with Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street in Emporia, Kansas.
Main Street Business Insights: Continuously Improving and Adapting to Change, Nicole Fleetwood and McKinzie Hodges
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Nicole Fleetwood and McKinzie Hodges, co-owners of Scratch Made Bakery in Amarillo, Texas.
Backing Small Businesses Grantee Q&A: Barbie Behavior Boutique
Tylisya Gober, owner of Barbie Behavior Boutique in Oak Park, Mich., was a 2023 Backing Small Businesses grantee. Barbie Behavior is a women’s clothing boutique specializing in celebrity-inspired attire.
Backing Small Businesses Grantee Q&A: Tiffany Fixter, Brewability
Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability in Englewood, Colorado, was a 2023 Backing Small Businesses grantee. Brewability is an inclusive brewery and pizzeria that employs adults with disabilities to brew craft beer.
Main Spotlight: Main Street America Program Provides Training to Over 100,000 Small Businesses, Expanding Efforts in 2024
We’re excited to announce that Main Street America will continue to offer virtual and on-demand small business training in 2024 through an evolved program, the Small Biz Digital Trainers program.
Main Street Business Insights: Creating Accessible and Welcoming Spaces with Tiffany Fixter, Brewability
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability, an inclusive craft brewery and pizzeria that employs adults with disabilities based in Englewood,
Main Street Business Insights: Breaking into a New Community with Jennifer Jones, Good Times Coal Fired Pizza & Pub
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Jennifer Jones, co-owner of Good Times Coal Fired Pizza and Pub in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
Main Street Business Insights: Why Retail Real Estate Matters with Bobby Boone, &Access
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Bobby Boone, founder and Chief Strategist of &Access. Based in New Orleans, La., &Access creates data-driven and design-centric retail real estate solutions for historically excluded entrepreneurs and under-invested neighborhoods.
New Orleans, Louisiana © Bobby Boone
Program Spotlight: Building a Community Support Network for Rural Entrepreneurs
Tasha Sams, Manager of Education Programs, shares highlights of phase one of the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (E3) in Rural Main Streets Program and the biggest takeaways from the workshop experiences.
Watch: How Delta Dirt Distillery is Adding Spirit to Main Street Helena, Arkansas
In this video, learn more about the Williams’ family story, how the business is helping to revive downtown Helena, and the impact they’re having on a national level.
Main Street Business Insights: Embracing Digital and Demystifying AI with Janet Hurn, Future Ready Consulting
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Janet Hurn, co-founder of Future Ready Consulting in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cincinnati, Ohio © Janet Hurn
Main Street Business Insights Podcast: Derrick Braziel Talks Isolation, Community-Building
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Derrick Braziel, owner of Pata Roja Taqueria and co-founder of MORTAR, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Listen to the First Episode of Main Street Business Insights Season 2
Matt Wagner, Ph.D., shares his predictions for the trends impacting small businesses in 2024.
Main Spotlight: What Can Small Business Owners Expect in 2024?
Chief Program Officer Matt Wagner, Ph.D., shares his predictions for the trends impacting small businesses in 2024.
Main Street Business Insights Bonus Episode: Advice for Other Business Owners
A podcast featuring some of the best advice we heard from entrepreneurs and community leaders across the country.
Main Spotlight: Main Street Businesses Show Deep Local Roots and Continued Confidence in the Fall 2023 Small Business Survey
Our research team shares the results of the Fall 2023 Small Business Survey.
Main Street Business Insights Bonus Episode: Working with Your Main Street
Learn how local entrepreneurs have leveraged the power of a Main Street community to establish, maintain, and grow their ventures.
Exploring the Meaning and Impact of Small Business Saturday Across the Main Street Network
Small Business Saturday is an important opportunity to show your support for local businesses. We asked business owners across the network what your support means to them.
Laramie, WY © Laramie Main Street Alliance
25 Small Business Owners Receive $25,000 Grants through Backing Small Businesses Program
Meet the latest recipients of the Backing Small Businesses Program from American Express!
New on Main Street Business Insights: Trendy Teachers
Matt sits down with Jamie and Jerry Baker, co-owners and founders of Trendy Teachers, a teaching boutique and educational toy store located in downtown Rome, Georgia.
Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion Application Now Open
This holiday season, rally your communities around the small businesses that help make your downtown thrive.
5 Ways to Make This Your Best Small Business Saturday Yet
Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25! Check out these five strategies to celebrate shopping small.
3 Main Street Communities Receive $100,000 Small Business Accelerator Grants from The Hartford
Middlesboro Main Street in Middlesboro, Ky., Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Chicago, Ill., and Sugar Creek Business Association in Charlotte, N.C., have each been awarded $100,000 through The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program in partnership with Main Street America.
New on Main Street Business Insights: Casa Azul Coffee
Matt sat down with Anette Soto Landeros, co-owner of Casa Azul Coffee and President and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Fort Worth, Texas.
New on Main Street Business Insights: Stephenson’s of Elkhart
Matt Wagner sat down with Danny Reynolds, president and owner of Stephenson's, an independently owned high-end fashion retailer in downtown Elkhart, Indiana.
New on Main Street Business Insights: Delta Dirt Distillery
Matt Wagner sat down with Harvey Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Delta Dirt Distillery in Helena, Arkansas.
Community Spotlight: Allapattah Collaborative CDC
Learn how the Little Santo Domingo neighborhood of Miami is working with the Truist Foundation to strengthen pathways to small business ownership.
© Allapattah CDC
Save the Date: Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champions Program Opening Soon
Get ready to support your small business owners and encourage people to shop small this November!
New on Main Street Business Insights: Keith McDonald Plumbing
Matt Wagner sat down with the CEO of Keith McDonald Plumbing in Milledgeville, Ga., Lindsay Goodson McDonald.
Program Spotlight: WeShopSC is Open for (Small) Business
Learn how the South Carolina Coordinator Program is uplifting small businesses across the state with their dedicated e-commerce platform.
© Main Street South Carolina
New on Main Street Business Insights: The Barbershop Conversation
Matt Wagner sat down with The Barbershop Conversation podcast team, co-hosts Kenneth Bentley and Davion Hampton along with executive producer Emory Green Jr., in Goldsboro, Florida.
Main Spotlight: 7 Unique Main Street Business Concepts
From a cat cafe to a computer repair shop and museum, check out these innovative small businesses from across the Main Street network.
© Historic Valley Junction
Registration Now Open: Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street Online Course
This three-week live, online course will prepare local leaders to more effectively work with small business owners in their districts and create an environment that is supportive of entrepreneurship.
© Notice Pictures
Main Spotlight: Introducing the Main Street Business Insights Podcast
Main Street America has a podcast! Tune into Main Street Business Insights to hear from small business leaders across the country.
Announcing the 2023 Backing Small Businesses Grant Recipients
Meet the 2023 recipients for the Backing Small Businesses grant program, presented by American Express, to provide financial support to small business owners to address critical needs and make a positive impact in their local communities.
Announcing the Grow with Google Digital Coaches Program to Support Small Businesses in Rural Main Streets
In partnership with Grow with Google, our digital coaches will work with businesses in their home states, with a focus on those that operate in small towns and rural communities.
Meet the 2022 Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest Winners
Congratulations to these innovative Shop Small events from across the Main Street network.
Stockbridge, GA © Stockbridge Main Street
Community Spotlight: Main Street Micro Grants in Spencer, Iowa
Spencer Main Street's Main Street Micro Grants is injecting key funding into their small business ecosystem.
Spencer, IA © Spencer Main Street
Main Spotlight: Survey Says — Main Street Businesses Confidence is Growing and Other Findings from Our Spring 2023 Small Business Survey
Check out a deep dive into the results of our Spring 2023 Small Business Survey, plus insights to help inform the work of local leaders supporting entrepreneurs on Main Street.
Announcing the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for Rural Main Streets Program Grantees
Meet the communities who have been chosen to receive entrepreneurial support from Main Street America and the Kauffman Foundation.
Community Spotlight: The Women of Chinatown
We spoke to Debbie Ho, Executive Director at Chinatown Main Street, to learn about the history of women in Boston Chinatown.
Boston, MA © Kyle Klein
Main Spotlight: Insights from the 2023 Trends Survey
From program budgets to big achievements, here's the latest data on the Main Street Movement in 2023.
Franklin, TN © Brandon Jean
Community Spotlight: BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
Learn how Downtown Inc and York County Economic Alliance are supporting marginalized small business owners in their community
York, PA © Sully Pinos
Backing Small Business Grantee Stories: Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics
Meet Backing Small Businesses grantees Kim and Chris Casteel of Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics based in Detroit, Michigan.
Community Spotlight: Stories from Evart Main Street
Short stories about small business owners from Evart, Michigan.
Evart, MI © Storyville
Main Spotlight: 5 Predictions for 2023
Matt Wagner looks back at his small business predictions for 2022 and shares predictions for 2023.
Main Spotlight: Closing the Wealth Gap in Boston — A Playbook for Investing in Economic Equity
Learn about the City of Boston’s efforts to invest in economic equity.
Main Spotlight: Reviving Commercial Kitchens in Charles Town
Learn how this West Virginia community redirected façade improvement funds to revive local commercial kitchens.
Digital Commerce is Changing Main Streets… Could It Be For The Better?
Matt Wagner wrote an article for the OECD blog on how can small business owners can combine digital tools with the power of place to find sustainable success.
Community Spotlight: A New Program for New Businesses
Inspired by a session at the 2022 Main Street Now Conference, Main Street Ottumwa has launched the Business Builder Academy, an entrepreneurship course to help aspiring business owners start their ventures.
Ottumwa, IA © Main Street Ottumwa
Shop Local Made Easy: A Resource Roundup for Main Street Leaders & Small Business Owners
Whether you are a seasoned American Express Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion or an entrepreneur joining this national movement for the first time, we’ve gathered a roundup of resources to support your “shop local” marketing efforts.
Community Spotlight: Backing Women Business Owners on Main Streets
We spoke to three women who were awarded Inclusive Backing grants to learn more about their passions, their businesses, and their advice for other women.
Wixom, MI © Carissa Serylo
5 Tips to Make Your Small Business Saturday a Success in 2022
From social media scavenger hunts to downtown passports, the Main Street network has used countless innovative ways to encourage their communities to Shop Small®—and had plenty of fun doing it.
Oceanside, CA © Road West Photography
Main Spotlight: Women Leading Change on Main Street in Franklin, Michigan
Main Street Franklin is leading the way in showing how women business owners can be a powerful force for change in their communities.
Community Spotlight: Old Algiers Main Street Pilots Workforce Training Project
#EquityRising, Old Algiers Main Street Corporation's new job training program, seeks to combat rising cost of living by helping residents train for careers that will allow them to stay in their neighborhood.
Main Spotlight: Results from the Small Business Census Pilot
Learn how the Small Business Census pilot project explored the demographics of the small businesses that call Main Street districts home.
Colville, WA © Colville Together
Main Spotlight: Backing Black Businesses on Main Streets
We spoke to three Black business owners who were awarded Backing Small Businesses grants from Main Street America and American Express to better understand their challenges, successes, and the kinds of support that have helped them the most.
Camden, AR © Kimberly Moore Davis
Main Spotlight: Local Development and the Future of Retail with the OECD
Main Street leaders and local development practitioners from around the world participated in this exciting webinar hosted by the OECD.
Community Spotlight: Entrepreneur Story Time with Silver City MainStreet
Learn how Silver City MainStreet is using Story Hours to connect local business owners with the community.
Silver City, NM © Silver City MainStreet
Community Spotlight: Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship
Main Street Skowhegan opened their new Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship, a downtown space for co-working, meeting, entrepreneurial support, trainings, and education.
Skowhegan, ME © Kristina Cannon
Main Spotlight: The Revitalizing Small and Local Businesses Act
Main Street America is proud to support the Revitalizing Small and Local Businesses Act
Main Spotlight: Findings from the Winter 2022 Small Business Survey
Main Street America's research team shares the results of the 2022 Small Business Survey.
© JENNIFER E. WOLF
Community Spotlight: Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Wheeling, West Virginia, and Emporia, Kansas
Learn about Show of Hands, an entrepreneurial program in multiple Main Street communities.
Wheeling, WV © Wheeling Heritage
Main Spotlight: 10 Predictions for 2022
Chief Program Officer Matt Wagner, Ph.D., shares his predictions for the trends affecting small businesses in 2022.
Tips and Tricks to Help Make Your Small Business Saturday a Success in 2021
Is your Main Street ready for the biggest small business shopping day of the year?
Community Spotlight: ‘WonderFall’ Business Decorating Contest Shines Autumnal Spotlight on Local Businesses
Main Street Charles City organizes their annual 'WonderFall' event, a business decorating contest designed to have some fun with the autumnal season as well as provide a reminder of the importance of curb appeal in attracting the public’s attention.
Charles City, IA © Mark Wicks
Main Spotlight: Better Community Planning & Economic Development Series with Ed McMahon
Leverage NC, a partnership between North Carolina Main Street and the North Carolina League of Municipalities, hosted a four-part webinar series titled Better Community Planning & Economic Development led by Ed McMahon, Chair Emeritus of Main Street America and a leading national authority on land use policy and economic development.
Community Spotlight: Main Street Arkansas Coffee Trail Celebrates the Importance of Coffee Shops Downtown
Main Street Arkansas has brewed a new engaging way for tourists and residents alike to explore local Arkansas commercial districts: the Main Street Arkansas Coffee Trail.
Little Rock, AR © Main Street Arkansas
Main Spotlight: Beyond COVID — Workforce as the Next Big Challenge for Main Streets
Matt Wagner explores how Main Streets can navigate workforce concerns in the post-pandemic economy.
National Black Business Month Spotlight: The Four Way and L. May Creations
We spoke with two Black entrepreneurs in UrbanMain commercial districts: L. May Creations in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago and The Four Way in south Memphis, Tennessee.
Memphis, TN © Four Way
Main Spotlight: Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in Biddeford, Maine
Heart of Biddeford shares the strategies they developed to support Black-owned businesses in their community.
Biddeford, ME © Heart of Biddeford
Community Spotlight: Main Streets Love Farmers Markets
We heard from organizations across the nation about the incredible impact their markets have had on community engagement, entrepreneur and small business support, and keeping their district vibrant.
Main Street: A Place for a More Connected Economy in a World of Dispersion
The global pandemic gave us all a glimpse of a further dispersed future – a time when you don’t sit in a classroom at school, watch movies in a theater, or even go to the grocery store. Where do Main Streets fit in that model?
Main Spotlight: Get Used to It — The Pivot Is Not Going Away
The COVID-19 pandemic has long-lasting effects on the economy. Here are 11 changes that small business owners should continue to remain competitive.
Reflecting on the History, Legacy, and Future of Black Wall Street in Tulsa
This May marked the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre in the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma. We explored the impact and legacy of this tragic event.
Tulsa, OK © Dr. Tiffany Crutcher
Main Spotlight: Creating a Community for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Fremont, CA
Learn about the various programs and initiatives that Fremont is using to promote inclusive economic development.
Fremont, CA © Fremont Economic Development
For an Inclusive Recovery, We Need Support for Small Business and the Groups that Help Them
BDOs are place-based organizations that help small businesses and entrepreneurs to flourish. They have been on the frontline of support for the country’s hardest-hit entrepreneurs throughout the pandemic and have been working to enable thriving commercial corridors throughout the crisis.
Main Spotlight: Five Takeaways on Supporting Entrepreneurship from Matthew Wagner, Ph.D.
Matthew Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer at Main Street America, was featured on Breaking Down Barriers: a podcast from Startup Space highlighting stories of community leaders who break down barriers to entry for underserved and unrepresented entrepreneurs.
Main Spotlight: Windows of Opportunity — The Transformation of Empty Storefronts on Main Street
A vacant storefront is the perfect stage to creatively promote the available space or to showcase other businesses and events in the area.
Ripon, WI © RetailWorks, Inc
Small Businesses E‑Commerce Usage Continues to Increase as Holiday Revenues Were Mixed: Results from Our January 2021 Survey of Small Business Owners
We heard from 289 business owners in 35 states plus the District of Columbia in our new text message-based survey of small business owners across the network.
Community Spotlight: Paving the Path from Pop-up to Permanent at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops
The Batavia Boardwalk Shops are freestanding, purpose-built structures acting as seasonal pop-up locations for entrepreneurs, offered in tandem with a business incubator program.
Batavia, IL © April Duda Photography
Business Spotlight: Black Entrepreneurs Leading By Example in Chicago
For Black History Month, we want to recognize and celebrate the Black business owners and entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges and obstacles in launching and running their own businesses, thanks to resilience, creativity, and hard work.
Main Spotlight: Pop-Up Retail: Not Just For Start-Ups, And Other Learnings From Its Evolution
As a vital place factor within an entrepreneurship ecosystem, pop-up programs allow for emerging businesses to test their product, gain consumer feedback, and promote their brand at an extremely low cost. In essence, allowing for a ‘fail-fast’ product development cycle.
Asheville, NC © Ablohkin
Coping with the COVID Crisis in the Midst of the Holiday Rush: Nine Takeaways from Our December Surveys of Small Business Owners and Main Street Programs
In early December, as the COVID-19 crisis intersected with a peak moment in the holiday shopping season, we surveyed small business owners and Main Street programs to learn more about how they were managing.
© Cindy Shebley
Jump off the Business Recruitment Train: The Real Returns are in Cultivating Local Entrepreneurship
New research by Main Street America suggests greater returns on our missions and resources can be had by transitioning to more deliberate economic vitality work centered on cultivating new business development from within our own communities and neighborhoods.
Community Spotlight: Storefront Activation Through Storytelling in Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street (FVMS) is taking storefront activation to a new level with their new initiative, the Scan & Love Project, which tells the stories of business owners through personal and engaging videos.
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Spotlighting Tina’s Timeless Threads
Meet a recipient of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Center of the Yarniverse
Meet a recipient of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Spotlighting The Bankery
Meet a recipient of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Spotlighting BuzzBomb Brewing
Meet a recipient of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Spotlighting The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods
Meet a recipient of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Spotlighting Griff Goods
Meet a recipient of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: Spotlighting Mockingbird Bar and Tacos
Meet a recipient of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program
Economic Gardening Takes Root: Redesigning the Bricks & Clicks Business Retention Program During the Pandemic
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance explores how they redesigned their Bricks & Clicks Business Retention Program during the pandemic.
Business Spotlight: Women-Owned Businesses on Main Street (Part 3)
Meet some amazing women business owners!
Local Impact: Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday® is more than a day to shop. It’s a nationwide movement that shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting small businesses in communities across America.
Community Spotlight: Benson, North Carolina
The Town of Benson started a special project to highlight their downtown businesses.
Community Spotlight: Berkley, Michigan
The Berkley Downtown Development Authority (DDA) proudly debuted its Downtown Berkley Shopping Bag for a Cause through a partnership between Better Life Bags.
Main Spotlight: Learnings from the ESHIP Summit
Supporting new and existing small businesses, and the entrepreneurs who run them, represents a vital aspect of the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood business districts.
Creating Equitable, Inclusive and Transparent Cities: A Year in Review
The Equitable Economic Development Fellowship is a two-year, one million-dollar effort funded by the Surdna Foundation and the Open Society Foundations to help equity, transparency, sustainability and community engagement become driving forces in local economic development efforts.
Community Spotlight: Mini-Grants Offered to Small Businesses in Jefferson, Iowa
The Jefferson Rotary Club partnered with Jefferson Matters: Main Street to offer mini-grants for building facades and storefront signage to two dozen businesses for up to $500 each.
A Memorable Makeover on Main Street
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) partnered with Retailworks, Inc., a commercial interior design, display and branding firm headquartered in Milwaukee, to launch Wisconsin’s Main Street Makeover Contest.
Creative Discovery on the Maker Trail in Enid, Oklahoma
Kelly Tompkins of Main Street Enid shares more about the Maker Trail project and how it inspired creativity and helped people discover downtown.
City Sidewalks, Dressed in Holiday Style
Too often, as we’re strolling our favorite Main Street, we pass empty or dark shop windows that make us want to hurry home a little bit faster. Imagine instead, a charming streetscape adorned with vibrant, lively window displays, showcasing retailers’ favorite products and seasonal gift ideas.
Community Spotlight: #ShopSmall in Goldsboro, North Carolina
Small Business Saturday promo pic from Downtown Goldsboro, North Carolina, showing all the folks who took the pledge support a small business in their community.
Using Local Search Trends to Attract More Customers to Your Main Street
We’ve put together a practical list of some of the things that local store owners can do right now to help them capitalize on this increasing trend in local searches.
Network Spotlight: Main Street Iowa Restaurant Week
From authentic comfort food to farm-to-fork fresh and everything in between, these restaurants, bars, and cafes are key to the thriving social, business, and residential life in the historic commercial districts in Main Street Iowa communities.
Fab Lab Sparks Rural Opportunities
Located in southeast Kansas, Independence (pop.8,799) is home to Fab Lab ICC, which is on track to be the world’s leading innovator in combining entrepreneurial mindset education with a fab lab maker space.
Community Spotlight: Morganton, North Carolina
The craft beer industry is playing a key role in the rebirth of Main Streets and neighborhood commercial districts across the county.
Rethink Storefront Accessibility to Rethink Community Viability
Appealing to mobility-challenged shoppers yields benefits beyond the store.
Sparking a Movement in Small Business and Small Towns
Being the only person in the know can be fun, exhilarating even. Except when you are the one person out of 600+ in a room and you know bad news is coming.
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.
Pop-Up Altavista 2.0
Altavista On Track, the local Main Street organization, is working to cultivate and sustain local entrepreneurs with an educational business launch competition, Pop-Up Altavista 2.0.
The Bright Center: A Space for Winchester’s Bright Minds to Create, Innovate and Thrive
In Winchester, Virginia, one woman’s vision and commitment to downtown’s revitalization created an innovative community space for the Creative Class.
Why Business Retention and Expansion Plans are Important for Downtowns
A business retention and expansion plan, properly implemented, not only helps keep businesses open but possibly even helps them expand.
Business Investment Guides: “Think B.I.G.”
The first rule of conducting business is “make it simple.” The easier it is to pay for merchandise, get entertainment or obtain a service, the more likely it is that people will take advantage of those options.
Small Box – A Creative Retail Project
Main Street communities across the country are no stranger to seeking creative strategies to solve their most nagging issues – vacant buildings, marketing downtown, bolstering retail to name a few.
Supporting Immigrant Entrepreneurs in the Heart of Boston’s Main Streets
To understand the role that immigrant business owners play in Boston’s small business ecosystem, you need only to walk through any Boston Main Streets district.
Measuring the Economic Impact of Storefront Improvements
Façade appearance is a critical aspect of the overall aesthetic appeal and unique character of downtown.
Sign Design Guidelines
A lot of signs are necessary to make a downtown work well, but not every community knows what a good sign system looks like, or how instrumental it can be to the creation of a successful downtown.
Improving Performance in Main Street Iowa Communities
Main Street Iowa, a program of the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center, created a one-of-a-kind three-year program to provide help for performance venues located in Main Street districts.
