Stay informed about recent projects, events, and initiatives shaping our historic downtown. We share stories that highlight local achievements and upcoming opportunities.
Our news section keeps residents and visitors connected with the ongoing revitalization efforts. Discover how Bellefontaine continues to grow and preserve its unique character.
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Bellefontaine Encourages Small Business Saturday Participation with Neighborhood Champion ProgramLocal entrepreneurs and community members are invited to step up as Neighborhood Champions to boost downtown shopping during the holidays.
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6 Practical Ways to Make Small Business Saturday® a Hit in Downtown BellefontaineSupporting small businesses on Small Business Saturday® doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are six proven ways to turn the day into a lively, community-focused event that boosts local shops and builds connections.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Pushes for Civic Infrastructure InvestmentCommunity leaders are calling for increased funding to improve civic spaces and public services in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Local advocates emphasize that strengthening civic infrastructure is crucial for sustainable downtown growth and community engagement.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Focuses on Investing in Its People to Revitalize Main StreetLocal leaders and small business advocates are emphasizing workforce development and community engagement as keys to downtown renewal in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
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Main Spotlight: Bringing Civic Engagement to Main StreetRevitalizing downtown requires more than new storefronts; it demands intentional civic spaces and community-driven programming. Bellefontaine’s Main Street is stepping into this role.
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Main Street Spotlight: Bellefontaine Named Semifinalist for 2027 Great American Main Street AwardsBellefontaine’s downtown earned a spot among national finalists, recognizing its ongoing efforts to revitalize and preserve its historic core.
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Revitalizing Memphis’s Historic Business Districts: A Community-Centered ApproachFrom neighborhood renaissance projects to small business support programs, Memphis’s historic districts are making strides in economic and cultural renewal.
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Main Street Revamp: How Bellefontaine’s Local Leaders Are Earning MSARP Points and Moving ForwardDowntown Bellefontaine’s small business community is actively engaging with the Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP) program, with new policies and tools encouraging participation and progress.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Offers New Chance for Local Businesses with Science Discovery GrantSmall businesses and community organizations in Bellefontaine can apply now through October 15 for a grant supporting science and innovation initiatives on Main Street.
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Fireflies and Curiosity Light the Way in Hillsboro’s Downtown RevivalFrom glowing fireflies to educational initiatives, Hillsboro’s downtown is embracing its community’s curiosity and natural beauty to foster growth and engagement.
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Six Ohio Main Street Communities Receive Hartford Small Business GrantsSix communities across Ohio are set to bolster their local economies through Hartford's Small Business Accelerator Grants, supporting expansion of physical spaces and operational capacity.
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Local Small Business Owners Receive $30,000 Boost with New Enhancement GrantsTwenty-five small businesses in Bellefontaine are receiving grants to help upgrade their storefronts and improve their presence downtown. The funding aims to support local entrepreneurs and bolster community vitality.
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Biddeford Community Mourns and Reflects After ICE Shooting IncidentThe fatal shooting of Johan Sebastian Guerrero by an ICE agent in Biddeford has shocked a community rooted in immigrant history, prompting calls for transparency and unity.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Hosts Community Transformation Workshop This FallLocal residents and small business owners are invited to participate in a hands-on workshop focused on revitalizing downtown Bellefontaine. Registration is now open for this community-led event.
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Main Street Credential Gets a Fresh Look for 2027Downtown revitalization efforts take a step forward with the reimagined Main Street America Revitalization Professional Credential, aiming to equip local leaders with new tools and recognition.
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Restoring a First Lady’s Birthplace Sparks New Life in WythevilleWytheville celebrates a major milestone with the unveiling of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace restoration, honoring her legacy and attracting visitors to southwest Virginia.
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Main Street Resilience: How Legacy Businesses and Small Producers Are Navigating 2026A detailed look at how different types of small businesses are recovering and thriving in today’s Main Street economy, with a focus on local resilience and community roots.
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Applications Open for the 2027 Great American Main Street AwardsMain Street communities across the country are encouraged to apply for the 2027 Great American Main Street Awards, recognizing outstanding downtown revitalization efforts.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Welcomes New Small Business Hub InitiativeLocal entrepreneurs and community leaders are launching a new Small Business Hub to bolster downtown revitalization and support local commerce.
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Main Street Celebrates Growth as 1,291 Communities Earn Designation in 2026Over 1,200 Main Street programs across the country are now recognized for their work in community revitalization and historic preservation, highlighting the movement’s ongoing impact.
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Main Streets and Bookstores: A Vital Mix in Bellefontaine’s Downtown RevivalAs Bellefontaine’s downtown continues to evolve, independent bookstores remain a cornerstone of community identity and economic resilience amid shifting retail trends.
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Naomi Riley Earns Main Street America Revitalization CredentialLocal downtown revitalization advocate Naomi Riley has been recognized with the 2026 Main Street America Revitalization Professional Credential, highlighting her expertise in place-based economic development.
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Bellefontaine Downtown Revitalization Honored with 2026 Mary Means Leadership AwardThree local leaders recognized for their outstanding contributions to historic preservation, economic development, and community building in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
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Main Street Leadership Reflects on Half a Century of Resilience and Future VisionAs downtown Bellefontaine celebrates nearly 50 years of Main Street efforts, local leaders recognize the importance of durability, community roots, and innovative legislation in shaping a resilient future.
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Bellefontaine Named a 2026 Great American Main Street Award WinnerThe city’s downtown earned national recognition for its revitalization efforts, highlighting its vibrant community spirit and historic preservation.
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Last Call for Downtown Bellefontaine’s 2026 Main Street Conference RegistrationLocal business owners and community advocates have one final chance to sign up for the upcoming Main Street conference, happening this May in Detroit. The event promises practical sessions, networking opportunities, and a chance to see how peer cities are revitalizing their downtowns.
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Six Main Street Communities Receive Capital Development GrantsGrants awarded to six communities highlight ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown areas and support small businesses across the country.
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T-Mobile Awards $50,000 Hometown Grants to 25 Small Towns, Including BellefontaineThe latest round of T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants brings $50,000 each to 25 communities, supporting projects from historic preservation to recreational facilities. This program has now invested over $21.5 million in nearly 500 small towns nationwide.
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Advocacy in Downtown Development: Practical Resources for Local LeadersCommunity advocates and local leaders can leverage a variety of tools and resources to influence policy, communicate effectively, and strengthen downtown revitalization efforts in Bellefontaine.
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Last Call to Register for Main Street Now 2026 in TulsaDowntown revitalization advocates and Main Street supporters have just weeks left to secure their spot at the 2026 Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from April 13 to 15. With discounted rates ending soon, attendees can access expert-led sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to boost small-town Main Street efforts.
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Main Spotlight: Creating Community Connections One Trolley Ride at a TimeA downtown trolley service in Bellefontaine is bringing residents and visitors together, fostering community ties and supporting local businesses. The initiative highlights how place-based transit can revitalize a small town’s social fabric.
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Leadership Driving Change on Milwaukee’s Historic King DriveStrong leadership and community engagement are reshaping Milwaukee’s King Drive corridor, turning decades of challenges into a story of persistent revitalization.
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Crossroads of Opportunity: Downtown Bellefontaine Prepares for Main Street Now 2026Bellefontaine's downtown revitalization efforts ramp up with a packed schedule of events, improvements, and partnerships leading into 2026.
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Downtown Bellefontaine: Building Resilience and Legacy Amid ChangeLocal small business owners and community leaders are actively working to preserve Bellefontaine’s unique character while adapting to economic shifts. Initiatives focus on revitalization, inclusive growth, and sustaining local history in the heart of Logan County.
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Main Street Directors in 2026 Show Resilience Amid ChallengesDespite staffing and data hurdles, Main Street leaders remain committed to economic stability and community vitality. New survey results reveal both ongoing struggles and signs of durability.
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Black History as Civic Leadership and Economic Power in BellefontaineCelebrating Black civic and business leaders in Bellefontaine highlights the ongoing impact of community-driven change and economic resilience.
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2025 Backing Small Businesses Grant Winners Announced in BellefontaineA new round of grants is supporting local entrepreneurs in Bellefontaine as they expand and innovate, with a focus on strengthening the downtown community.
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Bellefontaine Celebrates Main Street Policy Impact Awardees Amid Calls for Civic InvestmentLocal leaders and community advocates highlight the importance of investing in civic infrastructure to strengthen downtown and Main Streets.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Builds a More Sustainable FutureLocal efforts are increasingly focused on sustainable development, with residents and business owners exploring new resources and strategies to create a resilient downtown.
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Community Spotlight: Honoring the Many Washingtons in Bellefontaine’s HistoryA local project reimagines the story of George Washington by highlighting the diverse contributions of Black Americans and community leaders in Bellefontaine’s history.
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Main Street Rates Extend Through 2026, Giving Downtown a Longer Break on Loans and IncentivesBusiness owners and community advocates in Bellefontaine can breathe easier with the current low-interest rates for Main Street programs now extended through 2026, providing more time for revitalization projects.
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Behind the Counter: The Realities of Running a Downtown StorefrontExploring the daily struggles and resilience of small business owners in downtown Bellefontaine, highlighting how ownership, lease issues, and community support shape their futures.
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Mobile Workshops Could Bring a New Creative Pulse to Downtown Bellefontaine in 2026-27Downtown Bellefontaine is exploring options for mobile craft workshops, aiming to energize community events and small business collaborations through flexible, hands-on experiences.
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Building a Stronger Downtown: How Organization Enhances Bellefontaine’s RevitalizationDowntown Bellefontaine is focusing on strategic organization to boost small businesses, strengthen community ties, and preserve its historic character. Recent efforts emphasize understanding board composition and resource management to ensure sustainable growth.
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Main Spotlight: Building Stronger Main Streets for the Long TermDowntown Bellefontaine is focusing on sustainable revitalization with concrete steps and community-driven efforts, aiming to strengthen its Main Street for years to come.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Gears Up for Main Street January EventsLocal businesses and community groups in Bellefontaine are preparing for a series of events this January aimed at revitalizing downtown and fostering community engagement.
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Plugging Into Community: How Small Businesses Shape Downtown Bellefontaine in 2025As downtown Bellefontaine continues to revitalize, local small businesses are creating more than storefronts—they’re building social hubs that reinforce community ties amid changing commerce landscapes.
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Community Spotlight: How Anniston’s Karla Eden is Rewriting the Playbook for Small Business SuccessKarla Eden’s work in Anniston exemplifies how strategic revitalization efforts and community-focused programs can breathe new life into downtown neighborhoods.
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Invest in Your Abilities: Register Now for the 2026 Main Street Conference in TulsaThe upcoming Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa offers local leaders and small business advocates a chance to sharpen skills, expand networks, and find solutions for community revitalization.
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Strengthening Downtown Leadership: A New Course for Sustainable Boards in BellefontaineLocal business leaders and community stakeholders can now access targeted training to enhance governance and sustainability practices. The focus is on empowering downtown organizations with the tools for long-term resilience.
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Main Street Gets a New Transportation Toolkit to Boost Community ConnectivityA new resource aims to help small towns and downtown districts improve local transit options, making communities more walkable and accessible.
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Main Street Focus: How Rock Hill Invests in Its Downtown FutureCommunity-led efforts and strategic design are transforming Rock Hill’s historic core into a vibrant economic hub and gathering place.
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American Express Launches Shop Small Grants Program to Boost Local BusinessesSmall business owners across the country can now apply for grants aimed at supporting community-centered growth, thanks to a new partnership between Main Street America and American Express.
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Main Street America Unveils the Revamped MSARP Credential Experience in 2026Main Street America is launching a reimagined professional credential in early 2026, aiming to elevate downtown revitalization efforts through a modernized, accessible program.
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Bellefontaine Looks to the Future with a Focus on Main Street’s 250th AnniversaryDowntown Bellefontaine plans to celebrate its historic roots and boost local pride by highlighting its role in America's 250th birthday celebrations.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Welcomes New Leadership Council MembersThe Bellefontaine Main Street program has announced new members for its leadership council, aiming to strengthen downtown revitalization efforts and preserve local character.
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Main Street Leaders Can Elevate Skills with New Academy CoursesEmerging leadership training programs aim to boost downtown revitalization efforts and community engagement. Here's what Main Street entrepreneurs and volunteers need to know.
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Community Spirit in Bloom: Scarecrows Supporting Local Businesses in BellefontaineEvery fall, Bellefontaine’s scarecrow display transforms into a celebration of small business resilience and community pride. This year’s effort highlights local entrepreneurs and their contributions to downtown life.
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Bellefontaine’s Downtown Gets a Scientific Makeover with New Grants for 2025Seven small towns across the U.S. are turning their Main Streets into outdoor science classrooms, including Bellefontaine, Ohio. These grants fund creative events that connect residents of all ages to local natural wonders.
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Main Spotlight: Bridging the Civic Infrastructure Gap in Downtown BellefontaineInvesting in civic spaces like parks, plazas, and community centers is vital for strengthening local communities. Bellefontaine’s downtown is part of this broader conversation about the importance of well-supported public places.
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Community Strategies to Boost Local Business This Small Business SaturdayLocal leaders in Bellefontaine can play a pivotal role in driving foot traffic and sales on Small Business Saturday through targeted events, partnerships, and marketing efforts.
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Board Spotlight: How Local Leaders Shape Downtown Bellefontaine’s FutureMeet the people guiding Bellefontaine’s downtown revival through strategic decisions and community engagement.
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Adding More Housing Downtown: Lessons from Authentic Main Street CommunitiesSmall-city downtowns are finding ways to integrate more housing without losing their character. Here's what real Main Street communities are learning about balancing growth with preservation.
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Hartsville's Downtown Revitalization Gains National AttentionSmall South Carolina city leverages strategic partnerships and data-driven planning to transform its historic core, attracting national workshops and recognition.
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Bellefontaine Encourages Local Businesses to Join Small Business Saturday® EffortDowntown Bellefontaine is calling on small businesses to sign up for Neighborhood Champion status, aiming to boost holiday shopping and community engagement this season.
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Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy in Atlanta’s Business CorridorsAtlanta’s small business districts showcase resilience amid systemic challenges, with local efforts focusing on equity, community investment, and economic growth.
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Three New Free Courses Open Doors at Downtown Bellefontaine Education HubLocal residents and students now have access to three free courses designed to build skills and community engagement, with registration open through November.
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Main Street Lessons: 7 Tips for Taking Over a Local Business SuccessfullyLocal entrepreneurs share practical insights on how to step into an existing business and make it your own, based on real-world experience in downtown Bellefontaine.
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Meet the Next Leader of Main Street: John Mitterholzer Takes the HelmJohn Mitterholzer, known for his work in historic preservation and environmental justice, steps into the role of Board Chair for Main Street America, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to downtown revitalization.
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Main Street Announces 2026 Semifinalists for the Great American AwardSix small towns and historic districts are vying for the 2026 Great American Main Street Award, highlighting revitalization success across the country.
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Community Spotlight: How Jefferson’s Downtown Reclaimed Its Spirit with Main Street WinsJefferson, Iowa, earned national recognition for its resilience and innovative revitalization efforts, transforming a struggling small town into a vibrant community hub.
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Building Shared Momentum in Charlotte’s Commercial CorridorsA new workforce development project aims to uplift Charlotte’s west corridor, focusing on community-driven growth and economic mobility.
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Main Street Success: Five Practical Tips for Managing Effective Grant ProgramsA well-run grant program can be a game-changer for local businesses and community development. Here’s how to get it right.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Launches New Courses in Main Street Education SeriesLocal entrepreneurs and community leaders now have access to fresh training opportunities through the Main Street America Academy, designed to bolster small business success and historic preservation efforts.
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Main Street's Future: Building Local Alliances for GrowthDowntown Bellefontaine is focusing on fostering shared priorities among community stakeholders to spark sustainable revitalization and support small businesses amid ongoing challenges.
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Downtown Bellefontaine: How Local Entrepreneurs Are Shaping Community GrowthBellefontaine’s small business scene is thriving as entrepreneurs invest in revitalizing the downtown core, fostering community connections, and pushing economic renewal.
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Made on Main: DANE Fragrance Focuses on Authenticity and Local RootsA small-town perfume business in California highlights the importance of storytelling and craftsmanship in today’s crowded marketplace.
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Bellefontaine Small Businesses Feel Optimistic as Support Course Launches in 2025A new Main Street-focused course aims to bolster local entrepreneurs and strengthen Bellefontaine's downtown economy amid signs of growing confidence.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Seeks Speakers for 2026 Main Street ConferenceThe downtown revitalization group is calling for local voices to share their stories and expertise at the 2026 Main Street Now Conference in Detroit this May.
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Main Street Gets Tactical: Small Changes, Big Impact in Downtown BellefontaineLocal efforts to revitalize downtown Bellefontaine are embracing tactical urbanism—quick, low-cost projects that turn streets into social spaces and boost community engagement.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Looks Ahead: Tackling Challenges at the 2025 Community Transformation WorkshopLocal leaders and residents are gathering to explore practical solutions for downtown's biggest hurdles, shaping the future of Bellefontaine’s core area.
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Using Video and Photography to Highlight Downtown Bellefontaine’s HeartLocal efforts are turning to visual storytelling to boost Main Street’s profile, blending community pride with strategic media investments.
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Main Street Continues Its Evolution with New Academy LaunchDowntown Bellefontaine and other Main Street communities are taking steps to deepen their economic and cultural revitalization efforts through the newly introduced Main Street America Academy.
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Free Summer Webinars Offer Skill-Building Opportunities for Educators and Lifelong LearnersA range of free online webinars this summer aims to boost professional development and AI literacy, attracting thousands of participants eager to upgrade their skills from anywhere.
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Elgin Builds Bridges to Boost Small-Scale Manufacturing and EntrepreneurshipElgin’s local leaders and organizations are creating new pathways for small producers to grow, from markets to storefronts, fostering a more resilient small business scene.
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Main Spotlight: Building Resiliency for Hurricane Season in Downtown BellefontaineWith extreme weather patterns like Super El Niño impacting the U.S., local Main Streets need to prepare for more frequent flooding and storms. Here’s how Bellefontaine is strengthening its resilience.
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Main Street America Academy Launches New Learning Platform for Downtown RevitalizationA new online resource aims to empower local leaders and community members with flexible, self-paced training to revitalize Main Streets nationwide.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Opens 2026 Great American Main Street Awards Application WindowBellefontaine’s downtown business district is inviting local projects to compete for national recognition, with applications open for the 2026 Great American Main Street Awards.
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Main Street Names 2025 Designated Communities and Reflects on 2024 Local ImpactBellefontaine is among the communities recognized for their efforts in downtown revitalization, with local programs demonstrating measurable progress in 2024.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Launches Spring Window Decorating Contest to Boost Local BusinessBellefontaine’s downtown encourages community participation with a spring-themed window decorating contest, bringing vibrancy and foot traffic to Main Street businesses.
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Downtown Bellefontaine Opens $10,000 Small Business Disaster Recovery GrantsLocal small businesses in Bellefontaine now have access to $10,000 grants aimed at supporting recovery efforts after disasters, with applications open through the end of this month.
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Downtown Bellefontaine secures $60,000 GM grant to improve traffic safetyThe city is among five nationwide to receive funding for new traffic calming and pedestrian-friendly projects in its downtown district.
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Downtown Streets Get Safer in Bellefontaine: Local Strategies Take RootBellefontaine is making steady progress in improving safety on its busy downtown streets, focusing on pedestrian-friendly changes and community-driven initiatives.
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Downtown Scottsville Prioritizes Pedestrian Safety with Practical ImprovementsScottsville’s downtown is making strides to create a safer, more welcoming environment for pedestrians through targeted infrastructure upgrades supported by national grants.