Summer is a time to enjoy outdoor activities, explore hidden gems, and expand your Main Street knowledge base. From honing foundational best practices and approaches to diving into the latest trends and techniques, the Main Street America Academy’s suite of summer learning opportunities has something for everyone. Mark your calendar for these high-impact webinars, courses, and workshops!

Save the Date for These Returning Favorites

Summer Learning Webinar Series
We’re bringing the buzz of the 2025 Main Street Now Conference straight to you. Join us for this dynamic FREE webinar series featuring attendee-favorite sessions, reimagined as a virtual experience. Whether you missed them in Philly or are ready for a deeper dive, these webinars offer fresh perspectives on the topics that matter most to Main Street leaders today.

• Dates & Topics:
  • Thursday, July 17 – Sowing the Seeds of Service: Creating Committed Volunteers for Life
  • Thursday, July 24 – Bridging Humanities and Preservation Through Community Storytelling
  • Thursday, July 31 – Strengthening Together: Shared Strategies for Disaster Preparedness
  • Thursday, August 7 – Data is Not a Dirty Word: Solutions for Stewardship, Stories, and Succession Planning
• Price: Free
• Registration: Opens June 30

Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street Course
Generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, this live, three-week course centers the real challenges of entrepreneurs and equips Main Street leaders with invaluable insights and practical tools to respond. Featuring small business owners and supporters from around the nation, join us for an in-depth look into what small businesses need now and how your Main Street organization can meet this moment. 

• Dates & Time: Thursdays, September 4, 11 & 18 | 2:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m. CT
• Price: $275 Members, $350 Non-members
• Registration: Opens July 28

Community Transformation Workshop
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into one of the Main Street America Academy’s most powerful immersive learning experiences. Come with examples of your downtown district’s greatest challenges, explore data-based solutions, and leave with best practices, practical tools, and real-world insights to develop sustainable strategies, plus your community’s latest market data—a $750 value!

• Dates: October 13 – 15
• Location: Columbia and Hartsville, South Carolina
• Price: $800 Members, $1,000 Non-members
• Registration: Opens July 21

New Courses Coming Soon

Beginning July 16, interactive on-demand learning experiences will be available on the new Main Street America Academy platform. Stay tuned for more details!

Focus on the Four Points
Build a stronger, more effective Main Street program by exploring how Organization, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Design show up in your day-to-day work. Along the way, access tools, templates, and proven resources from across the Main Street network to help put foundational Main Street Approach concepts and best practices into action.

Local Main Street Leader
This five-part learning journey is built to support local leaders guiding Main Street efforts in your community. From starting to succession, find actionable guidance, peer-tested strategies, and ready-to-use tools to support your work. This series debuts with the Starting module, with additional courses rolling out in the coming months.