Main Street America

What do Main Street leaders need to succeed in their roles? That was the question that Main Street America's summer research interns, Amy Gonzalez and Josephine Patch, sought to answer. They spent time with Main Street leaders in Boston and North Carolina to understand the unique challenges of their roles and learn how we can provide the support they need to serve their communities effectively. They discovered the demanding nature of Main Street work, the financial challenges leaders face, and the value of collaboration and community. Dive into their research and recommendations: https://bit.ly/3JdCgby

"It is becoming more clear that civic infrastructure is not just a 'nice to have amenity' — it’s a proven driver of solutions to the local issues that matter most to communities." Learn how the Percent for Place Coalition is advocating for changes that will improve access to civic infrastructure. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eSwmu_dj

"Housing is by far one of the most important issues facing every mayor in America." Cities of all sizes are feeling the effects of the housing crisis. There is an urgent need to create affordable housing, and our research shows that vacant properties on Main Streets can help ease that burden. Are you working on adding housing to your downtown? What impacts have you seen? What challenges are slowing you down? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eNk_x3eA

Civic infrastructure is the backbone of vibrant, healthy, and inclusive communities. Research shows that it fuels economic mobility, builds social trust, and improves public health and safety, but it accounts for less than 0.4% of federal discretionary spending. Learn how the Percent for Place Coalition is advocating for changes that will improve access to civic infrastructure. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eSwmu_dj

Main Street America is proud to announce the seven communities selected to receive Implementation Grants through the Science Discovery on Main Street initiative! As previous recipients of Discovery Grants to explore, identify, and plan activities around their local science assets, these communities will each receive additional Implementation Grants to bring their ideas to life through new partnerships and public programming. Meet the grantees: https://lnkd.in/eJsUtQeV

Don’t miss your chance to be a Small Business Saturday® Neighborhood Champion this year! Sign up to receive complimentary kits from American Express to help you rally your community around small businesses this holiday season. This holiday season, rally your communities around the small businesses that help make your downtown thrive. Encourage your community to Shop Small® on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season by applying to be a Neighborhood Champion today! All Main Street America members have been pre-qualified to serve as Neighborhood Champions on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited so claim your spot before applications close. All you need to do is fill out a brief Neighborhood Champion application and indicate you were referred by the National Main Street Center (NMSC). Applications will remain open through mid-November or until spots are filled, so be sure to apply soon! Kits are shipping now, so sign up ASAP to get your kit with plenty of time to prepare before the big day. Apply here: https://bit.ly/3S15KLp Looking for Small Business Saturday ideas and inspiration? Here are 5 innovative ways to make this your best Small Business Saturday yet. Read the blog >> https://lnkd.in/eJzGaufk

October is Women's Small Business Month! Our research shows that more than half of the small businesses in Main Street America's network are owned by women. From boutique owners and small-scale manufacturers to creative service providers and innovative start-ups, women-owned small businesses bring vibrancy, resilience, and community to our commercial districts. Reminder: our Fall 2025 Small Business Survey is open now! Your feedback helps us develop resources and advocate for the needs of small businesses. Take the survey: https://bit.ly/3WywK64

Today’s small business owners struggle to compete with the convenience and prices available via online shopping. What downtown entrepreneurs can offer, however, are unique in-person experiences – especially during the holiday season. Small Business Saturday® offers a unique shopping experience that can draw unprecedented crowds to shop, eat, and experience your downtown sector. However, to really harness the power of Small Business Saturday, it’s important to implement a plan, engage with resources, and learn from the successes of other communities. Drawing from successful initiatives across Main Street America's network of communities, here are 9 strategies that community leaders can implement to maximize Small Business Saturday's impact in their communities: https://lnkd.in/eJzGaufk Have other ideas for generating more attention and foot traffic during Shop Small® season? Drop your ideas below.

"A rich and diverse Main Street community needs all ages engaged with them, and the possibilities are endless." Main Street Cumberland leverages strategic partnerships to create opportunities for seniors and young people to get involved. Check out this week's Main Spotlight to see their strategies for bringing people together: https://lnkd.in/edga46gA

Main Streets are for people of all ages, and Main Street organizations can play a key role in creating places that welcome and engage everyone. Main Street Cumberland leverages strategic partnerships to create opportunities for seniors and young people to get involved. Check out this week's Main Spotlight to see their strategies for bringing people together: https://lnkd.in/edga46gA