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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

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Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

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People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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Center of the Yarniverse: Ashland, Virginia

Owner: Stacey Williamson

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your small business.
After careers in accounting and education, I wanted to try something completely different. I decided to create a happy place for knitters and crocheters to come for supplies, instruction and social stitching. Center of the Yarniverse is a local yarn shop right next to the train tracks that run through the middle of town.

How has your business been impacted by COVID-19?
One of the biggest changes due to a COVID-19 is no longer being able to hold our weekly sit and stitches in person or have in-person classes. We originally switched to shopping by appointment only and quickly put up an online store (that wasn’t very effective). We are now open, but with a 10-person limit.

How are you using the grant funds, and how will they help your business?
We are using our HartBeat of Main Street Grant money to invest in a new POS system with an integrated website and email marketing. We added a second check out area to assist with social distancing. To reach our customers virtually, I purchased an iPad and lighting for virtual sit and stitch meetings on Zoom, social media, and in virtual classes.

The Grant funds will help Center of the Yarniverse provide a safer environment in-store and provide an opportunity for customers to shop online if they do not want to shop in-person. Having an online presence better than the one we created at the beginning of the pandemic (that integrates with our inventory system) has allowed us to expand our customer base to multiple states and across the country. We are also able to connect with our customers virtually to maintain the sense of community that has been important since we first opened in 2018.

What advice would you give to small business owners who are struggling right now?
I would recommend that other struggling businesses reach out to their local governments and chambers of commerce for possible financial assistance programs. Brainstorming and working with neighboring businesses is a great way to support each other and bring business to their area.

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View more spotlights of the first round of recipients for the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program.