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
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

Dear Main Street America Network,

Last night both houses of Congress passed the Coronavirus Response And Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, ending a months-long stalemate in Congressional response to the pandemic. While provisions of the legislation will offer short-term relief to both businesses and Main Street programs, our specific $100M proposal to support Main Streets through a competitive grant program was not included. We will continue the fight for federal funding for Main Street programs in 2021.

Immediate relief for small businesses is essential. Our most recent small business surveys indicated that the vast majority (88%) of small businesses are at risk of closure, with 29% anticipating closing their doors within three months without additional Congressional support. The package passed yesterday will offer a lifeline to businesses through the winter. Specific highlights of importance to Main Street programs and small businesses include:

  • The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, which includes $285 billion to extend the Paycheck Protection Program and offer additional targeted relief to certain businesses, including:
    • Eligibility for PPP loans for 501(c)6 organizations and Destination Marketing Organizations.
    • Second draws of PPP loans for small businesses and non-profits demonstrating a 25% reduction in revenue to a comparable quarter in 2019.
    • Streamlined forgiveness for loans under $150,000.
    • Expanded eligibility of COVID-19-specific expenses for forgiveness, including outdoor seating, drive-thru windows, and PPE.
    • Dedicated $15 billion for grants to live music and entertainment venues.
  • The establishment of the Emergency Capital Investment Fund, which provides $12 billion to Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) to provide investments in low to moderate income and minority communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

The full package may have many other provisions relevant to you, your families, and your communities, including direct payments to Americans and the continuation of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

While are pleased to see the passage of yesterday's relief package, we know that this targeted response is only one step in meeting the needs of our businesses and communities. This bill did not include key provisions for COVID recovery, including funding for state and local needs, funding for the Economic Development Administration, and our request for $100M specifically to support our Main Street programs.

Over the past nine months, we have worked hard to elevate the needs of both small businesses and Main Street programs through research and advocacy. In 2021, a new Congress and Administration are almost certain to turn their attention to long-term relief and recovery. We will continue to voice Main Street concerns to Congress and push for much needed federal support for Main Street programs.

I want to thank everyone across the network for your outreach in support of our advocacy efforts, as well as your support of your small businesses and communities at large. We will continue the fight for Main Street in the New Year!