[OMS_MANAGERS] Preview of new Main Street On-line + Updates from the National Main Street Center & more

Fri May 7 08:29:16 PDT 2021

  1.  Main Street Online
NMSC is sharing a sneak peek of Main Street Online<https://mainstreetonlinetool.org/>, a new tool they developed to help small businesses grow and strengthen their online and e-commerce capabilities! Supported by GoDaddy, the tool assesses the unique needs of individual small businesses and offers customized guidance for implementing and maximizing solutions to improve their digital presence.

The tool was designed specifically for small businesses with 20 or fewer employees in the retail, service, and food and beverage sectors. It's simple to use and 100% free! Business owners simply need to answer a series of questions and they will receive customized results on everything from POS systems, website platforms, and content creation software to help market their business.

Become an expert! NMSC is offering a training for Main Street leaders on how to help small business owners navigate the tool and implement the solutions best suited for their particular needs. Sign up for one of the timeslots below!

May 11 at 10am Central - Register here<https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodOGhqjwsE9H9RUl-788xY1BdLbhbQzu0>
May 18 at 3pm Central - Register here<https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkfu-vpj8qH93rZpoaku-WDvnDfdiC9Gwh>

  1.  Historic Real Estate Finance Certification Courses Start Soon
MSAI is pleased to offer the National Development Council's Historic Real Estate Finance Certification series to Main Street professionals who are interested in deepening their knowledge of and participation in real estate development transactions, particularly in the utilization of Historic Tax Credits. Participants in this two-course virtual training program will be equipped with the real estate finance and development techniques needed to accomplish Main Street revitalization and preservation goals. With the support of the 1772 Foundation, these courses are available at two highly subsidized rates. Learn more<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/msai/historicrealestate>.

  1.  Explore our New Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Resource Center
In cities and towns across the country, fostering entrepreneurship has become a key component to most economic development strategies. To support downtowns and urban commercial districts along this journey, we recently launched a new Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Resource Center<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/entrepreneurialecosystems> to strengthen this critical aspect of revitalization and small business development. Be sure to explore the free resources within this center, including a new self-guided training manual<https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NMSC/390e0055-2395-4d3b-af60-81b53974430d/UploadedImages/Resource_Center/EE/EE_Community_Guide_f.pdf> on how to build a community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.

  1.  Activating the American Rescue Plan on Main Street: Details & Webinar
With recent federal funding made available through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP),<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/mainstreetforward/accessingrecoveryformainstreets> Main Streeters should be aware of key opportunities to support small businesses in your district and to spur revitalization across your community. Multiple sources of funding available through the ARP may be applicable to particular projects or help fill budget gaps created by the pandemic. View a recording of NMSC's recent webinar to hear more about the funding opportunities through the American Rescue Plan and ideas for Main Street use. View recording here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urmOhr4RCFU&ab_channel=NationalMainStreetCenter%2CInc>.

  1.  Recorded Sessions Available for Next Twelve Months!
The sessions, plenaries, and workshops at the Main Street Now Conference<https://now2021.us2.pathable.com/> were recorded and will be available for the next year! Registration is required to access these recordings, so if your peers, small businesses, or civic leaders were unable to attend the event live, have them register to access the same energizing and rich content you experienced, including resources and recaps of chats from select sessions through March 1, 2022. Register here<https://mainstreetnow.regfox.com/main-street-now-2021>.

  1.  Main Street Now 2022: Save the Date
Mark your calendar for Main Street Now 2022 in Richmond, Virginia from May 16-18! We can't wait to be together again and experience everything Richmond has to offer. In the meantime, be sure to follow our Main Street Now Twitter<https://twitter.com/MainStreetsConf> and Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetNowConference> pages for the latest updates on next year's conference.

  1.  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>.

  1.  National Trust Preservation Funds Grant Program
Enhance your efforts to save the historic places within your community-participate in the National Trust Preservation Funds grant program. Funding ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 and supports preservation planning and educational projects. The next deadline is June 1. Learn more<http://forum.savingplaces.org/preservation-funds>.

  1.  T-Mobile's $3M Hometown Techover
Is your town in need of a techover? As part of their commitment to supporting rural communities, our friends at T-Mobile are offering a $3 million tech upgrade to one lucky town! Entries will be accepted through May 7, 2021. Entries may be submitted by anyone living in a town with a population of 50,000 people or less. Learn more and nominate your town<https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2021/05/03/win-a-3m-tech-upgrade-for-your-community?CommunityKey=c40a84d1-46b2-465c-985c-c08ed69081ab>.

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