Program Information
The Main Street Approach
The Main Street Approach offers community-based revitalization initiatives with a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation that is easily tailored to local conditions. The Main Street Approach helps communities get started with revitalization and grows with them over time.
ECONOMIC VITALITY focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for the scores of entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.
Want to dive deeper into the Four Points?
Getting Started with Main Street
If Main Street sounds like the right fit for your community, you can apply to become a Candidate program with Wyoming Main Street, gain access to resources, and join the network of Wyoming communities already implementing the approach.
There’s no fee to join Wyoming Main Street as a community.
We ask for commitment from community leaders to follow the established guidelines, continue to learn, and be willing to share experiences with others.
Our Services and Benefits
Access to Main Street Events
Our program hosts retreats, online network calls, and an annual Best Practices Workshop.
Online Community Platform for Practitioners
Wyoming Main Street leaders have an online gathering space to access resources, see the latest updates, and connect with one another.
Strategy-Specific Funding Opportunities
Wyoming Main Street has a proactive and ever-evolving response to the needs of communities. While our work is rooted in education and mentorship, we also offer funding opportunities throughout the year to designated Main Street programs. These funds are small grants for things such as an education stipend, marketing assistance, or special project funds.
Community Coaching
Our program aims to serve as a support network for the work that local communities are leading, and can serve as a sounding board, help identify problems, and teach specific subject matters.
Education Sessions
Knowing the facets of the Main Street Approach is half the battle, and we want to help you become an expert too – whether in an online learning format with the Main Street America Academy or in-person with our staff.
Wyoming Main Street Designations
Practicing Main Street programs undergo an annual designation process according to national standards, ensuring continuity of the Main Street Approach across the country.
Candidate
Communities interested in implementing and forming a Main Street program can begin by applying for and participating in the Candidate program.
The Candidate program is primarily self-guided, with milestones to help the local group become integrated with regular Main Street activities and some of the essential documents.
We advise Candidate programs to remain in close contact with their WBC regional director, who plays a critical role in advising.
Upon Completing the Candidate Program
A Main Street program undergoes an assessment process using the national Main Street Standards, determining their designation status for the following year.
Affiliate
Affiliate programs practice the Four Points of Main Street, and are on their way to downtown revitalization. They’ve accomplished the crucial steps of having a plan in place, building community, and demonstrating effectiveness through smaller efforts.
The guidelines of the Affiliate level help an organization prepare for Accreditation and long-term security and sustainability.
Accredited
Accredited programs have a proven record of success and implementation while garnering support and leading downtown development hand-in-hand with other stakeholders.
Accreditation is the highest recognition for a Main Street program, serving as mentors and leaders for the movement.
Interested in applying to become a Main Street program?
Applications are accepted once a year – due February 1.