Quincy, Illinois © The District Quincy
Building Stronger Local Economies
At Main Street America, we believe that supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and small-scale development builds community wealth and creates meaningful investment in communities.
Through our Small Business Support work, Main Street America is equipping both small business owners and economic development leaders with tools, resources, and opportunities to build stronger and more resilient local economies.
NEW RESOURCE: MSA Small Business Hub
Looking to connect with other small business owners and get free small business education? Join the Main Street America Small Business Hub for even more resources, opportunities, and information.
Tools & Education
Main Street America is committed to providing tools, resources, and education for enhancing economic vitality and fostering entrepreneurship in historic neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Main Street Business Insights Podcast
Learn about the innovative ways that Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track.
Main Street America Academy
Main Street America Academy is the preeminent provider of professional development and network-building opportunities for downtown and commercial district leaders.
American Express® Neighborhood Champions
With American Express, we invite organizations to bring small businesses and shoppers together on Small Business Saturday® and all year long.
Small Business Grants & Funding
We are committed to providing grant and funding opportunities to support Main Street business owners and economic development leaders.
American Express® Backing Small Businesses
The Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express, supports locally significant small businesses facing economic hardship.
Amex Shop Small Grants Program
Providing grants to help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities.
Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
We are committed to helping revitalization professionals lead and develop initiatives that support innovative entrepreneurship.
Building a Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Use this self-guided training to understand how to build a robust environment to support small business creation and sustainability.
The Importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems
An article from State of Main exploring the impact of entrepreneurship and examining ways to create inclusion in the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems. Published in State of Main.
Metuchen, NJ © Isaac Kremer
Advancing Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Watch this webinar to learn techniques and strategies to support minority entrepreneurs and create a diverse small business ecosystem.
Supporting the Creation & Growth of Businesses in Our Communities
Learn how to connect entrepreneurs of color with resources, grants, and loans to support sustainable economic growth.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Role of Commercial Districts
A comprehensive guide to local small business support to encourage entrepreneurs and create a vibrant downtown commercial district.
Stories & Insights
Learn from small business owners and entrepreneurs who are thriving on Main Street.
Rooted in Community with Kirsten Gjesdal, Downtown Brookings and The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co.
In this episode of the Main Street Business Insights podcast, host Matt Wagner speaks with Kirsten Gjesdal, a small business owner and community leader in Brookings, South Dakota.
Spring 2025 Key Small Business Trends
In this episode, host Matt Wagner is joined by Michael Powe, Senior Director of Research at Main Street America, to discuss the findings from Main Street America's recent Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey.
How to Pivot Your Small Business in a Challenging Economy
In this episode, host Matt Wagner discusses the current economic challenges facing small businesses and offers strategies and innovative pivots to better navigate these turbulent headwinds.
A Recipe for Resiliency with Roberto Melendez, Pórticos 1606
In this episode, host Matt Wagner visits San Germán, Puerto Rico for a discussion with Roberto Melendez, owner of local restaurant, Pórticos 1606. Their conversation explores natural disaster preparedness and the resiliency required to guide a business through unforeseen global events.
Successfully Selling a Small Business (The Monogram Shoppe)
In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Dottie Lange and Dottie McQuade of The Monogram Shoppe in Woodbury, New Jersey to discuss the process and considerations that come with selling a small business.
12 Tips for Navigating Tariffs: A Guide for Main Street Businesses
In this episode, host Matt Wagner provides practical guidance for small business owners facing the challenges of new and potential international tariffs.
Small Business Predictions for 2025
In this episode, Matt Wagner breaks down seven key predictions that will impact Main Street businesses and entrepreneurs in 2025.
Crowdfunding for Small Businesses
In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at the Maine Downtown Conference in November 2024 in Biddeford, Maine, host Matt Wagner explores the world of crowdfunding as a financing alternative for small businesses.
James Langteaux, Trû North Café
In this episode, Matt and James explore the unique journey of starting a business during the pandemic, the challenges of running a small-town café, and the importance of community connection.
Phoebe and Jonathan Carpenter Eells, elSage Designs
In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with husband-and-wife duo, Phoebe and Jonathan Carpenter Eells, co-owners of elSage Designs in Mount Vernon, Washington.
Revitalizing a Legacy Business
In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Dale Sexton, owner of the legendary Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. in Livingston, Montana.
Building Brand and Community
This week on Main Street Business Insights, join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Mallory Dabney, owner of Heyday, a home goods store in Bozeman, Montana.
© Pexels / Rachel Claire
Small Business Knowledge Hub
Find tools and resources here to help you ensure your small business support strategies leverage the distinct sense of place that makes your commercial district unique.
Dive into the Knowledge Hub