[OMS_MANAGERS] March 2021 NMSC Roundup

Mon Mar 15 15:34:10 PDT 2021

FYI - reminders and updates from the National Main Street Center.....Sheri

New Survey for Small Businesses!

March Survey for Small Businesses from NMSC's Research Team
Help us better understand how the small businesses in your communities are coping during the pandemic. Please share our latest five-question survey with your business communities. Small businesses can text the word "survey" to (833) 945-1313 or visit here<https://widget.smsinfo.io/v2/979cfb8f9db86539a0c4dae0a10b6d76>.

Programs and Opportunities

American Express Shop Small 'Order In, Help Out' Innovation Challenge
We recently teamed up with American Express to launch the Shop Small 'Order In, Help Out' Innovation Challenge. The campaign is part of American Express's 'Order In, Help Out'<https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/neighborhoodchampions/?linknav=us-loy-nav-neighborhoodchampions> Initiative. Please share the opportunity with your Main Street programs by using the blurb below and one of the graphics from American Express here<https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/downloadmaterials/?template=DINE-SMALL_NEIGHBORHOOD-CHAMPION-ASSETS&extlink=va-us-GABM-SS_Dine_Small_NC_RTU_2021>.

Now more than ever, the local restaurants on our Main Streets need some extra support. That's why Main Street America has team up with American Express to launch the American Express Shop Small 'Order, In, Help Out' Innovation Challenge! Tell them how your downtown is encouraging your community to support local eateries for an opportunity to win. The first-place winner will receive $5,000. The second-place winner will receive $2,500, and five third-place winners will receive $1,000 each in recognition of their efforts. Entries must be Main Street America members as of 2/16/21 to be eligible. Entries are open now until 12:00 p.m. CT March 17! Learn more and enter here<http://bit.ly/3jYzoOr>. Official Rules apply.

Main Street Now Conference

Early Bird for Main Street Now Conference Closes Soon
Early bird rates for the Main Street Now Conference<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/now2021> close March 22! Be sure to register soon to take advantage of these discounted rates to connect with Main Streeters around the country (and the world!) virtually on April 12-14. With a strong lineup of topical themes, a new platform for connecting, and a new track specifically for small business owners, 2021 is going to be a Main Street Conference experience like no other. Please help us spread the word!

Note: Given exciting evening events happening Tuesday and Wednesday of the conference, we recommend any city, county, or statewide social gatherings take place the night of Monday, April 12. View our schedule-at-a-glance<https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NMSC/390e0055-2395-4d3b-af60-81b53974430d/UploadedImages/Education___Training/Now21/MSN21_schedule_at_a_glance_final.png> for more details.

Small Business Day at Main Street Now Conference
Additionally, through March 22, we are offering FREE one-day registration to ALL small businesses located in Main Street America districts. View the full line up of content dedicated to small businesses here<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/now2021/smallbusinessday>. To register, business owners simply have to fill out the registration form here<https://mainstreet.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=881199cb2d0b2894c01ba06c1&id=739345e155&e=ca2e50304d>, select "Small Business" as their registration type, and enter the Coupon Code SB2180. Please note, they will not need your member number to get the discount. This discount is only available through the early bird period.

Please help us get the word out: To make it as easy as possible, we created this email template<https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NMSC/390e0055-2395-4d3b-af60-81b53974430d/UploadedImages/Education___Training/Now21/Small_Business_Day_Email_Template.docx> and flyer<https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NMSC/390e0055-2395-4d3b-af60-81b53974430d/UploadedImages/Education___Training/Now21/MSN_SBO_Flyer.pdf> you can use to share this one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity with your business community.

Calling All Civic Leaders!
Main Street America is offering a special discounted rate of just $50 to local elected officials and senior-level local government staff. With session topics ranging from transformative placemaking and disaster preparedness to the relationship between elected officials and Main Street, local leaders will have access to a specialized education session track and networking events with peers from across the country. Mayors, county executives, city councilmembers, elected municipal leaders, and staff at the director level and above in Main Street-related departments, like economic development and planning, will be eligible for the discount. Learn more<http://bit.ly/3vbwFqf>.

Share with your local elected officials and government leaders: To make it as easy as possible, we created this flyer<https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NMSC/UploadedImages/2c594824-b492-4beb-ace1-261b5811c0c5/_2021/MSN_Conference_One_Pager_CL.pdf> you can use to share this one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity with your business community.
Partner Funding Opportunities

AARP Community Challenge Grant.
Does your organization have an idea for a project in your community - maybe an outdoor mural, park updates, innovative bus stop, or community garden? Apply for AARP Livable's Community Challenge grant! AARP's Community Challenge is aimed at sparking change and improving the quality of life for people of all ages in communities nationwide. Applications accepted through Wednesday, April 14. Learn more<https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/?cmp=RDRCT-61887811-20200707>.

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program.
The Orton Foundation is inviting resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to apply for $10,000 in startup funding to implement the Community Heart & Soul model. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more<http://ow.ly/Y4hn50DFdgY>.

Abby Armato (she/her) | Communications Coordinator
P 312.939.5588

NATIONAL MAIN STREET CENTER
53 West Jackson Blvd. Suite 350 Chicago, IL 60604
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Read State of Main<https://www.mainstreet.org/mainstreetamerica/stateofmain2020>, a publication of Main Street America
[cid:image001.jpg at 01D719B3.920FD330]<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/now2021>

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