[OMS_MANAGERS] OMS Round-up: Main Street America just released the Main Street Online Tool Version 2.0 plus more good info!

[STUART Sheri * OPRD]

National Observances

  *   Women's History Month. We created social media graphics that Main Street programs can use to celebrate Women's History Month on Main Street, as well as a few ideas for Women's History Month programs. Download here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/02/28/womens-history-on-main-street>
  *   World Wildlife Day (Mar. 3)
  *   International Women's Day (Mar. 8)
  *   National Deaf History Month (Mar. 13 - Apr. 15)
  *   Pi Day (Mar. 14)
  *   St. Patrick's Day (Mar. 17)
  *   National Mom and Pop Business Owner's Day (Mar. 29)
Educational Opportunities
Main Street Now Conference: Registration is Open!
Registration for the 2022 Main Street Now Conference<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/now2022> in Richmond, Virginia, is open! View the full schedule here<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/main-street-now-2022-schedule>. Held May 16 - 18, the conference will celebrate the community resilience and reinvestment championed by our Main Street programs through the COVID-19 pandemic and begin envisioning strategic opportunities to strengthen and expand our commercial districts as we emerge into a new economic future. Head to mainstreet.org/now2022<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/now2022> for more details on the conference, including registration rates and hotel information.
We hope you'll join us in promoting this event to your network! You can access the marketing kit here ><https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WAx1KwHLQ0SvHlH78zQcksvrMU03K783eMfsIvu5b4w/edit?usp=sharing>

Main Street America Institute: Upcoming Courses
Main Street America Institute's course on Quality Design will start on February 8! This course focuses on how engaging, effective design improves the district's physical elements while preserving unique character and enhances a sense of place for all those who live, work, or visit. Register here ><https://mainstreet.talentlms.com/catalog/info/id:157,cms_featured_course:1>
Advanced Principles of Economic Vitality will begin on March 15; the course will focus on the key tools to strengthen and diversify the local economic base. Register here ><https://mainstreet.talentlms.com/catalog/info/id:158,cms_featured_course:1>

News and Opportunities
Just Released! Main Street Online Tool Version 2.0
Last spring, we launched Main Street Online, a new resource to help businesses grow and strengthen their online and e-commerce capabilities. Supported by GoDaddy, the tool assesses the unique needs of individual small businesses through a series of questions and offers customized guidance for implementing and maximizing solutions to improve their digital presence.
Last week, we launched Version 2.0! The new and improved tool provides even more resources and recommendations to help small businesses implement an effective online strategy. Please share this resource with small business owners in your community. Learn more here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/02/16/main-spotlight-introducing-main-street-online-vers>

Mary Means Leadership Award Nominations Now Open
Since its founding, the Main Street program's success has depended upon the vision and determination of leaders committed to community. The Mary Means Leadership Award is a celebration of an outstanding leader per year and highlights the critical role that leadership plays in shaping the Main Street movement. This award is open to any and all leaders at local Main Street or UrbanMain organizations and Coordinating Programs. Recipients will be announced at the Closing Plenary of the Main Streets Now Conference. Applications will close on Friday, March 18. Learn more and submit your nomination here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/02/15/nominate-a-main-street-leader-for-the-2022-mary-me?CommunityKey=c40a84d1-46b2-465c-985c-c08ed69081ab>

Main Street Memes
Main Streets are economic engines and cultural hubs, but can they also be memes? Main Street America is launching a new initiative that will use memes to celebrate everything we love about Main Streets! To help them launch this initiative, they are seeking a few initial volunteers to create the first round of memes. Send Marta an email at molmos at savingplaces.org<file://HQFS1/mainst/__Communications/Coordinator%20Roundups/2022/molmos@savingplaces.org> if you are interested in participating!

Partner Funding Opportunities - Brian's comments from last week are duly noted about these national competitions. And, we are fortunate to have good resources in Oregon. With that said, we have had success in some of our communities tapping in to some of these resources so want to make sure folks are aware if they match something on your action/work plans!
AARP Community Challenge Grants
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. This year, applications will be accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older. Applications are due March 22. Learn more ><https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2022/2022-challenge.html>

T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program
T-Mobile's Hometown Grant program is investing big in small towns by awarding up to 100 towns a year with project funding-up to $50,000 each. Recipients are selected and awarded on a quarterly basis, so towns with populations less than 50,000 are eligible and encouraged to apply. Interested in applying for a future Hometown Grant? Learn more ><https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants>

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 ><https://www.communityheartandsoul.org/seed-grants/>

In Case You Missed It
$375K in Grants Awarded to Small Businesses in the Inaugural Round of Inclusive Backing
Main Street America is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of Inclusive Backing, a new grant program presented by American Express, as part of its Backing Small efforts, to help underrepresented small business owners that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic recover and thrive. Grants of $5,000 have been awarded to 75 brick-and-mortar small business owners across 24 states, plus D.C., who identify as persons with disabilities and/or Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander. Read here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/02/09/375k-in-grants-awarded-to-small-businesses-in-the?CommunityKey=c40a84d1-46b2-465c-985c-c08ed69081ab>

Commemorating Black History on Main Street
This Black History Month, Main Streets across the nation are exploring the power of placemaking to create more inclusive communities. Memorials, signs, public art, and other visible reminders of Black history help to tell the full history and proclaim the commitment to building a more equitable future. We have gathered four examples of Main Street Black History initiatives that confront painful legacies, celebrate meaningful achievements, and honor the contributions of difference makers. We hope that these examples will inspire you to explore the potential of similar projects based on your district's Black history. Main Streets should be welcoming, inclusive, and equitable forces for change in our communities and beyond. Read here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/02/17/main-spotlight-commemorating-black-history-on-main?CommunityKey=c40a84d1-46b2-465c-985c-c08ed69081ab>


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