Interested in joining the effort to strengthen your local main street?
Applications are now open!
Deadline: December 1
Moving from learning to doing.
In 2026, we launched our inaugural Learning Cohort with 11 teams from districts across the state. Now, in the second year of our state funding, we’re expanding our programming with advanced opportunities for teams to put the Main Street Approach into practice in their own districts. We will also continue to offer our introductory courses on the Four Points (organization, design, promotion, and economic vitality). Sessions will alternate monthly between 101 and 102, starting in January and ending in October.
Why become an MSRI Community?
As an MSRI Community, your team is part of a statewide program run in partnership with Main Street America, the national leader in commercial district revitalization. That affiliation tells municipal leaders, funders, and property owners that your effort is organized, trained, and using a proven model.
The Main Street Approach has guided revitalization in communities across the country for more than 40 years. Its Four Points (Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality) give your team a shared language and a clear structure for turning ideas into action.
You’ll learn alongside teams from across Rhode Island facing similar challenges, and you’ll leave with relationships that last well beyond the program.
MSRI helps teams navigate state-level resources, find the right partners, and elevate local leaders.
Becoming an MSRI Community builds the organizational capacity needed to pursue Main Street America affiliation and accreditation down the road.
Who should apply?
- New teams of at least 3 community members focused on a local main street district
- Returning teams that completed the 2026 Learning Cohort
Cost: $150 Main Street America membership per team, which includes 4 logins. You do not need to purchase a membership until your team in accepted. There are no other program fees.
The 2027 Curriculum
Main Street 101: Foundations
Required for new teams, optional for returning teams
Virtual webinars led by MSRI staff, 2 to 3 hours on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings.
- Organization 101: Creating a strong foundation of people for a sustainable revitalization effort
- Design 101: Strengthening the physical and visual assets that set a commercial district apart
- Promotion 101: Cultivating a unique identity through events and marketing
- Economic Vitality 101: Fostering an environment for thriving businesses that drive local economies
Main Street 102: Advanced Workshops
Required for returning teams, optional for new teams
In-person workshops led by Main Street America and MSRI staff, hosted in districts around the state. Sessions are 3 hours on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings and include a presentation from Main Street America plus time for teams to workshop a project of their own.
- Volunteer-Powered Projects: Planning and delivering community development projects
- Creative Fundraising: Diversifying revenue through events, partnerships, and unique channels
- Telling Your District’s Story: Building and promoting a vision and brand from local assets
- Business Retention & Expansion: Using market data and stakeholder interviews to support existing businesses
Individual district consultations
Every accepted team will receive a visit from the MSRI team. Returning teams can also apply for a 3-hour district visit from Main Street America, followed by a 1-hour debrief. Up to 4 teams will be selected, and visits take place the morning after a 102 session. Opt in on your application to be considered.
Ready to apply?
- Assemble your team of at least 3 people committed to your local district.
- Fill out our brief online application describing your district and your goals. Returning teams can opt in to be considered for a Main Street America district consultation.
- Submit by December 1.
FAQS
What is a main street district?
Main streets are defined, walkable regions characterized by commercial and mixed-use blocks that serve as a center of commerce and community life for its surrounding neighborhood, town, or city. Examples include downtown Woonsocket, Wakefield in South Kingstown, Hope Valley in Richmond/Hopkinton, and Trinity Square in Providence.
Do we need to be an existing organization to apply?
No. Teams can be formal organizations or informal groups of residents, business owners, local officials, etc. If you have questions about who to invite to your team, please reach out to MSRI staff.
What if I can’t attend every session?
We will announce exact dates once we have reviewed applications. We require at least one team member at every session. Its best to have the full team present, but we understand that life happens.
What does my Main Street America membership include?
The membership includes 4 logins to a wealth of MSA resources, including the Main Street Academy, knowledge hub, member hub (to chat with other main streeters around the nation) and more.
