https://mainstreet.org/news.xml en-us https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/community-spotlight-black-history-as-civic-leadership-business-legacy-and-economic-innovation Chandra Teddleton, Ph.D., shared how the Sweet Auburn Historic District is preserving Black history while creating opportunities for a vibrant and sustainable economic and cultural future. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/community-spotlight-black-history-as-civic-leadership-business-legacy-and-economic-innovation https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/new-course-advocating-for-your-local-main-street-budget Strategic and consistent advocacy is key to growing and sustaining your local program. Whether you’re new to advocacy or strengthening existing efforts, Advocating for Your Local Main Street Budget provides the tools and strategies you need to champion your program with confidence. Register for this transformative three-part, live instructor-led course today and start honing your advocacy skills on March 17! Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:30:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/new-course-advocating-for-your-local-main-street-budget https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-how-rural-oklahoma-main-streets-have-weathered-change Learns how rural places across Oklahoma have survived through booms and busts, and how they are leveraging the Main Street Approach to build sustainable and vibrant futures. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 07:48:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-how-rural-oklahoma-main-streets-have-weathered-change https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/announcing-the-2025-backing-small-businesses-grant-recipients We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/announcing-the-2025-backing-small-businesses-grant-recipients https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/congratulations-to-the-main-street-policy-impact-awardees Main Street America is proud to recognize Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02) and Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) as the inaugural recipients of the Main Street Policy Impact Award, recognizing their contributions to the revitalization of Main Streets and national policy to support economic development through business district organizations. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:01:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/congratulations-to-the-main-street-policy-impact-awardees https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/all-about-sustainability-blogs-and-resources This month, we are spotlighting blogs and resources to help support the long-term sustainability of your organization. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/all-about-sustainability-blogs-and-resources https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-main-street-and-transportation-planning Insights from the Thriving Communities Toolkit about how you can build partnerships to advance your transportation goals. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-main-street-and-transportation-planning https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/community-spotlight-celebrating-the-other-george-washington Centralia, Washington, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the town's founding by honoring its founder, an African-American homesteader and land speculator named George Washington. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/community-spotlight-celebrating-the-other-george-washington https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-eight-trends-for-small-businesses-in-2026 Chief Innovation Officer Matt Wagner, Ph.D., shares his annual predictions for the trends that will impact Main Streets and small businesses in 2026. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-eight-trends-for-small-businesses-in-2026 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/this-february-in-the-academy-focus-on-sustainability From managing projects to supporting the people who are the heart of your efforts, sustainability is a crucial consideration for building a durable Main Street program. The Main Street America Academy is here to help! This month, we invite you to focus on sustainability with this curated collection of learning opportunities and resources. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/this-february-in-the-academy-focus-on-sustainability https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/new-main-street-america-board-handbook A comprehensive overview of the Main Street Approach, board member fundamentals, and Main Street policies and procedures, as well as tools, resources, and templates to set boards up for success. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:20:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/new-main-street-america-board-handbook https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/expiring-soon-lowest-rates-for-main-street-now-2026 February 3 is your last chance to save big on registration for the 2026 Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 13-15, with Early Bird rates. This is your last chance to pre-order your conference T-shirt, and your best chance at getting Big Bash or mobile workshop tickets before they sell out, too. There's so much to experience, learn, and explore at the Main Street movement's biggest gathering of the year: act now to save big! Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:51:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/expiring-soon-lowest-rates-for-main-street-now-2026 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-appreciating-the-reality-of-a-storefront-business-owner This conversation between Main Street America's Director of Research and the owner of a plant shop in Tacoma, Wash., reveals the unique struggles of today's storefront business owners. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-appreciating-the-reality-of-a-storefront-business-owner https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/find-the-perfect-mobile-workshop-for-your-main-street-now-2026-experience From informative tours to immersive learning experiences, mobile workshops offer an unparalleled glimpse into Main Street efforts happening in and around Tulsa, Oklahoma. Check out our round-up of recommendations designed to help you complete your itinerary with the perfect mobile workshop. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/find-the-perfect-mobile-workshop-for-your-main-street-now-2026-experience https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-how-to-stop-a-dollar-store Dollar stores don't contribute to local economic vitality. Learn how Historic King Drive on Milwaukee’s Northside stopped a dollar store in favor of a local grocer. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-how-to-stop-a-dollar-store https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/martin-luther-king-jr-s-legacy-on-main-streets Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact and legacy continue to have a lasting effect on this country. To honor him, we gathered four articles that highlight how communities celebrate and remember Dr. King through programming, events, and public art. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/martin-luther-king-jr-s-legacy-on-main-streets https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/take-a-look-preview-main-street-now-2026-sessions-2 With 96 sessions and counting, this year's conference is guaranteed to be your biggest professional development opportunity of the year. Get a first look at the wealth of knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions that you can bring home to your Main Street community. Peruse all sessions at once, or use our handy filter tools to sort by type, track, or topic area. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:20:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/take-a-look-preview-main-street-now-2026-sessions-2 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/all-about-organization-blogs-and-resources The start of a new year is the perfect time to strengthen your understanding and practical knowledge of Organization principles, board management, and lasting leadership. Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/all-about-organization-blogs-and-resources https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-building-stronger-main-streets-for-the-long-term Learn how Oklahoma's Main Streets are designing for durability both in the built environment and within their organizations. Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-building-stronger-main-streets-for-the-long-term https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-creating-green-street-in-lees-summit-missouri Catalytic projects can transform communities. Learn how Lee's Summit, Missouri, built the Green Street Market as an anchor institution to bring people together and invest in their future. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-creating-green-street-in-lees-summit-missouri https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/introducing-all-about-organization-january Thriving Main Streets are built upon a strong foundation—and every foundation needs regular tune-ups to meet the ever-evolving needs of your program and community. The Main Street America Academy is here to help! This month, we invite you to focus on your foundation with this curated suite of courses, learning opportunities, and resources. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/introducing-all-about-organization-january https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/top-6-blogs-of-2025 2025 has been a significant year for the Main Street network. To celebrate the completion of another year of impactful work, here are six of the top blogs from this year. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/top-6-blogs-of-2025 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/celebrating-small-businesses-in-2025 Small businesses are the heart of our communities. On our blog, we shared stories of Main Street business innovation, community, and growth. Here are four stories about small businesses from the past year. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/celebrating-small-businesses-in-2025 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/community-spotlight-how-annistons-karla-eden-is-rewriting-the-playbook-for-small-business-success Learn how Karla Eden at Main Street Anniston in Anniston, Alabama, built a small business support program based around the GETUP Anniston training program and pitch contest. Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/community-spotlight-how-annistons-karla-eden-is-rewriting-the-playbook-for-small-business-success https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-what-ive-learned-from-americas-main-streets-so-far President and CEO Erin Barnes shares reflections from her first two years at Main Street America, including lessons learned from visiting 42 Main Street communities across the network. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-what-ive-learned-from-americas-main-streets-so-far https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/invest-in-your-abilities-register-for-the-2026-main-street-now-conference Registration for our most anticipated and highest-impact professional development opportunity is open! From inspiring plenaries and immersive mobile workshops to engaging education sessions and interactive activities, the 2026 Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 13 – 15, offers countless opportunities to strengthen your network, gain new skills, and find solutions to issues impacting your community. Join us! Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:15:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/invest-in-your-abilities-register-for-the-2026-main-street-now-conference https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/t-mobile-hometown-grants-tops-20-million-backing-450-community-projects-nationwide T-Mobile recently announced its latest 25 Hometown Grant recipients, bringing the total number of communities impacted to 450 across 48 states and one U.S. territory. Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/t-mobile-hometown-grants-tops-20-million-backing-450-community-projects-nationwide https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/new-podcast-episode-growing-a-business-with-intention In a new episode of our Main Street Business Insights podcast, host Matt Wagner sits down with Angela Mallett, founder of Honeybee Sage Wellness & Apothecary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In their conversation, Angela shares her intentional approach to growth, one that prioritizes community care and cultural healing over rapid expansion. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/new-podcast-episode-growing-a-business-with-intention https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-using-visitor-data-to-turn-insights-into-action-for-main-streets Visitor data is an essential tool for Main Streets to understand market forces and make strategic decisions. Learn how Saline and Lapeer, Michigan, are leveraging visitor data to recruit businesses and drive investment. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-using-visitor-data-to-turn-insights-into-action-for-main-streets https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/find-renewed-confidence-and-clarity-with-our-strong-boards-for-sustainable-leadership-course Strong boards build strong Main Streets. But how do you develop and sustain effective governance, shared leadership, and accountability structures? Our Strong Boards for Sustainable Leadership course is here to help! Get a jumpstart on your 2026 organizational goals with this transformative course starting January 14. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/find-renewed-confidence-and-clarity-with-our-strong-boards-for-sustainable-leadership-course https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/announcing-the-thriving-communities-transportation-toolkit Created based on lessons learned through the Thriving Communities Program, this toolkit provides actionable guidance and case studies to help communities undertake successful transportation projects. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/announcing-the-thriving-communities-transportation-toolkit https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/new-podcast-episode-recovering-after-catastrophe In this special roundtable episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with community leaders from Spruce Pine, North Carolina, one year after Hurricane Helene devastated their downtown. This episode provides insights on how Main Street leaders and business owners can learn how to be better prepared for disaster from others who have recently gone through recovery efforts. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/new-podcast-episode-recovering-after-catastrophe https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-community-investment-in-rock-hill-south-carolina Learn how Rock Hill, South Carolina, leveraged funding from the National Trust Community Investment Corporation to support a local children's museum. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-community-investment-in-rock-hill-south-carolina https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/amex-shop-small-grants-program-now-open Main Street America and American Express® are helping support local communities through the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. Beginning November 29, eligible small business owners can apply to receive up to $20,000 in funding. Sat, 29 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/amex-shop-small-grants-program-now-open https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/shop-small-this-weekend Join us to celebrate small businesses and give back to your community during Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artist Sunday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/shop-small-this-weekend https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/coming-soon-the-new-msarp-credential-experience Tasha Sams, Director of Education, shares an exciting update about the next chapter for the Main Street America Revitalization Professional credential and what it means for you right now. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:30:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/coming-soon-the-new-msarp-credential-experience https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/program-spotlight-how-kentuckys-main-streets-are-building-digital-resilience Our Small Business Digital Coaching program helped small business owners in Cumberland, Shelbyville, Pikeville, and Beattyville, Kentucky, build their digital presence for long-term success. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/program-spotlight-how-kentuckys-main-streets-are-building-digital-resilience https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-main-street-business-owners-are-eager-for-holiday-sales-and-economic-stability New research shows that Main Street businesses continue to struggle with economic uncertainty caused by tariffs and political changes, but they are hopeful that the holiday shopping season can provide stability and support. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:06:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-main-street-business-owners-are-eager-for-holiday-sales-and-economic-stability https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/turn-organizational-hurdles-into-helpers-with-this-course Running a successful Main Street program requires passion, dedication, and solid organizational systems. Learn how to identify and evaluate inefficient systems, and how to turn hurdles into helpers with this three-part, peer-instructor course starting December 3, 2025. Come with a desire to explore systems-based thinking and walk away with the clarity, structure, and confidence to lead with intention.   Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/turn-organizational-hurdles-into-helpers-with-this-course https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-how-small-business-accelerators-can-help-artists-move-from-hobbyists-to-business-owners Discover how Mount Vernon Downtown Association’s artisan retail market, The LIDO Collective, provides local artists with a place to build their confidence, learn business skills, and grow their client base – all while revitalizing their downtown core. Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600 https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-how-small-business-accelerators-can-help-artists-move-from-hobbyists-to-business-owners