"None of us have enough product to fill a whole retail space. But ‘collab-ing’ with these other girls ... we can slowly help build each other's businesses up." mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Our 2026 Director's Survey found that Main Street leaders are facing many new challenges. Leaders must find ways to address new priorities while continuing to support long-term goals. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Strong communities are built one connection at a time. This weekend, we encourage you to make new connections by browsing in a new shop, inviting a friend to try a different restaurant, or attending an interesting local event. See you downtown!

We want to see you in Tulsa! Register today and secure your spot for three days of Main Street connection, learning, and fun 💃 Savings and online registration perks for the Main Street movement's biggest gathering of the year expire on Monday, April 6. mainstreetnow.regfox.com/2026-main-st...

Growth and generational wealth go hand in hand across Miami’s small business communities. Through B3, entrepreneurs are accessing capital and support to build lasting opportunity. Watch the B3 initiative lead change: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

Miami’s corridors are powered by culture, resilience, and community-led solutions. This chapter of the B3 series recaps what collaboration looks like when it’s grounded in place, culture, and community voice. Watch the full docu-video: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw

CEO Julio Diaz opened The Sixth Borough Clothing with little more than an idea and built it through rising inventory costs and shifting fashion trends. B3 helped him access capital and plan for long-term growth. Watch now: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

In Allapattah of Miami, Santander Arguelles of the local CDC shares how B3 is helping owners stay rooted in the community. Watch: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

The legacy of Miami's Overtown neighborhood is powerful, and Exec. Director Metris Batts is helping ensure its small businesses remain part of its future. Through the B3 initiative, she’s strengthening partnerships that protect community culture and expand economic opportunity. youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

Small business owner Joshua Abril turned a hobby into Fookem’s Fabulous Key Lime Pie, then faced rising costs, permitting hurdles, and the challenge of building trust. Through the B3 initiative, he found support and community. Watch here: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

Eric Knowles, President of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce shares how the B3 initiative is helping Miami neighborhodds chart a pathway for small business owners that is grounded in collaboration and community voice. Watch here: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

In Overtown, Miami, Lil Greenhouse Grill has become a neighborhood staple and symbol of resilience. Managing Partner Nicole Gates shares how the B3 initiative is helping her strengthen a business rooted in culture and community. Watch the full video: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

Community Partnership Manager Twaquilla Eatman shares the realities Miami entrepreneurs face: limited capital, rising commercial costs, and historic disinvestment. Through B3, she’s helping expand access to resources and opportunity. Watch here: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

Watch our newest episode of the Breaking Barriers to Business (B3) initiative, where we explore how the neighborhoods throughout Miami are strengthening small business ecosystems through place-based investment: youtu.be/s331V6IQTw0

My Q&A with @mainstreetamerica.bsky.social on the economic realities of running a business on Main Street. In summary, property ownership used to be the stabilizing mechanism for small businesses, and it’s largely gone due to bank consolidation.

"Having our streets and storefronts chosen as the backdrop for Sinners was more than just exciting; it was a validation of the history and character we work so hard to preserve." We explore how storytelling on screen can enrich Main Streets well after the credits roll. Read here: bit.ly/3KEzIUc

Fall foliage tourism brings big opportunities for Main Streets. Is your town ready for leaf peepers? We dive into the economics and strategy of fall foliage tourism: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Grant programs are a great tool to deepen partnerships and support local projects, but launching one for the first time can be an intimidating and overwhelming process. Here are five tips to help you run a successful grant program. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

"Nearly every Main Street director I’ve spoken to has a project, a plan, or a dream that they’d love to accomplish if they had access to the resources to make it happen." Read here: bit.ly/3V95JFE

Meet Maxine Clark—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Delmar Main Street board member—and hear Erin's takeaways from their conversation about Maxine's background in advocacy and business, her passion for her neighborhood, and the importance of resiliency and leadership. mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

This week is National Farmers' Market Week! The Downtown Maryville Market supports local businesses and brings people of all ages to their Main Street district. Learn how they built the market for an idea to a success: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Main Streets are at their best when they bring people together. In Charles Town, West Virginia, the Main Street program has developed a unique event that invites people to get to know each other while walking and explore their community. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Main Streeters like to get things done. Amanda Lanata at Main Street Louisiana, explains how the tactical urbanism framework can help you secure quick wins and build momentum. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

"We need a broader range of [housing] products and price points for different demographics to tackle this issue." We need to build downtown housing and amenities that support a variety of different household types. Read here: bloom.bg/4ktAEGR

How can we better support local entrepreneurs? Joi Cuartero Austin shares some key takeaways from the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Main Street businesses are emerging as a new form of civic infrastructure. Chief Innovation Officer Matt Wagner, Ph.D., shares how small businesses can combine intentionality and micro-community to support deep, durable connections. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

This week, regions of the United States are under extreme heat warnings. Dangerous heat is an increasing problem for many communities, and Main Street design can play an active role in helping people stay cool, comfortable, and safe. Learn more: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Our final #CNU33 Main Stage session features Erin Barnes, President and CEO @mainstreetamerica.bsky.social + Mindy Fullilove, MD, author and social psychiatrist. They're sharing the transformative power of urban design to foster social connection and hopeful community resilience.

Small-scale manufacturing and local maker businesses offer many opportunities for Main Streets. Learn how the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, Illinois, worked with Recast City to grow their small-scale manufacturing ecosystem. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

June marks the beginning of hurricane season. In recent years, we have seen increasing intensity and far-reaching impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms. Here are six ways you can prepare your community and increase resiliency this storm season. Read here: bit.ly/3ZWKRUQ

If you'll be in Providence for CNU 33 next week, don't miss the Saturday morning Main Stage Conversation, "Frameworks for Building Community," that Anthony is moderating with speakers Mindy Fullilove and Erin Barnes (@mainstreetamerica.bsky.social)

Meet the Innovation Division! This new division will help us institutionalize processes, create feedback loops, and foster an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset across our network. Learn more: bit.ly/3HJ4klF

Summer is here! From ice cream shops and splash pads to farmers markets and concert series, Main Streets offer a wide variety of summer fun. What is your favorite summer spot, activity, or event in your downtown? ☀️🌻

Walkability is crucial for older communities. Research shows that a Complete Streets approach can improve safety for older adults, increasing their mobility and health. Learn more: bit.ly/3SD5JfZ

June is Pride Month! LGBTQ+ business owners, workers, and customers play a significant role in economic vitality. Learn more about the economic impact of the LGBTQ+ community and how you can foster a more welcoming downtown: bit.ly/43pDJmg

Does your Main Street have a park? How do you facilitate public gathering and community in your green spaces?

🎉 Celebrate #WorldBicycleDay by diving into our 'Safe Bicycle Lane Design Principles' guide and learn how 394 regions worldwide reallocated road space to cyclists. Let's make #cycling in cities safer and more efficient for all! 🔗 www.wri.org/research/saf...

"What is good for the visitor is great for the employee, resident, and for business attraction." With the rise of remote work, cities need to shift from attracting businesses to attracting workers. Read here: bloom.bg/4kKYs9M

Do you want to help advocate for Main Street? We are monitoring several federal policy issues that may impact Main Streets, including the proposed federal budget, HTC-Go, and funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. Learn more: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

22% of Main Street leaders reported that vacant spaces were a top challenge. Vacancy is a complex problem for many Main Streets, but understanding its causes and the tools available to address it can help reduce vacancy in your downtown area. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Street fairs and markets are facing increasing challenges, including tariffs, higher equipment costs, and reduced spending and sponsorships. Is your Main Street struggling to budget for your large events? What challenges are you experiencing? Learn more: sherwood.news/business/the...

Congratulations to the 1,171 programs that achieved designation as Main Street America programs this year! 2024 was an exciting and impactful year for the Main Street movement, and we look forward to seeing what 2025 holds. Learn more: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Downtown lighting is more than just a matter of aesthetics. Light pollution has a significant effect on both people and wildlife. Learn how Groveland, Florida, used lighting design to prevent light pollution. Read here: bit.ly/3Fbrkc7

Know a small-scale producer who deserves the spotlight? Nominate them to be featured on Main Street America's Made on Main series and help their story shine nationwide. We'd love to hear about the makers who inspire you! Submit a nomination: bit.ly/4dhnrzh

Learn how the City of Roses is supporting small businesses with their annual window decorating contest! This friendly competition in Thomasville, Georgia, enhances the downtown area, encourages people to discover small businesses, and showcases the city's unique identity. Read here: bit.ly/3RSwehd

Our Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey heard from 1,587 Main Street business owners in more than 500 cities and 47 states, plus DC. They expressed growing economic anxieties, decreased confidence in the future, and the increasing need for support. Read here: bit.ly/4iOXBnn

Want to bring free, live music to a public space near you? Join the @Levitt Foundation for a live webinar on Thursday, May 15 at 1 p.m. ET to learn how your community can apply for up to $120K for a free outdoor concert series. Register now here: bit.ly/4iLlex3

May is Preservation Month! Historic structures are powerful tools for economic vitality, environmental sustainability, storytelling and memory, and community pride. By preserving them, we maintain the unique design, culture, and history of our communities.

One year ago, we launched our property inventory tool: the Building Opportunities on Main Street (BOOMS) Tracker. Since then, we have learned a lot, made some much-needed updates, and started planning for the next phase of the platform. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...

Main Streets are at the heart of local economies across the country. We're working together to create vibrant places where businesses thrive and people connect. Ready to make a difference in your community? Find a Main Street near you: mainstreet.org/our-network/...