As we welcome the start of a new month we also welcome you to a reimagined Main Street News! Our team is undergoing some changes and as we work through this time of transition, we will be returning this mailer to a monthly publication schedule supplemented with special mailers to share important updates and resources. Keep reading to learn about our upcoming meetingscall for artistsSquare E-commerce programsome cool Downtown happenings, and new resources for residents and businesses.

Main Street Presents

Community Calendar 

Our meetings are open to the public. We invite you to join the movement to bring back Downtown by tuning in, serving on a committee, or becoming an ambassador. All meetings are hosted virtually via Zoom, until further notice.

Board of Directors – Tuesday, March 9, 4:30pm
Promotions & Fundraising Committee – Monday, March 8, 12pm
Clean & Safe Committee – Wednesday, March 10, 4:30pm
Economic Development Committee – Monday, March 15, 5:30pm

Save the Date!
Annual Stakeholder Meeting – Wednesday, March 24, 5pm

Call for Artists: Art In Windows 2021! 

We are excited to announce a new collaboration with NIAD Art Center to raise visibility for local artists and bring art into public spaces along 23rd Street and Macdonald Avenues in Downtown Richmond!

Richmond-based artists are invited to submit works to be considered for inclusion in simultaneous Art In Windows exhibitions, participate in a virtual reception event, and attend a virtual small business development workshop.

Free Square E-commerce Program

March Office Hours Are Here!
Take action now to invest in your business, build your online presence, and streamline your operations. 
1) Watch new & improved Square webinars for restaurantsretail, and service businesses.
2) Have questions? Sign up for virtual office hours: March 18 & 19. 
3) Request a FREE reader to process payments safely and securely anywhere!
Coming Soon!
Square University Webinar Series

April – June: Webinars on Specialty Topics, Virtual Office Hours, Full Access to On-Demand Intro Webinars, AND enter to win a FREE Square Register – $800 value!

Cool Downtown Happenings

A Downtown resident has become our very first Planter Ambassador! They have volunteered to adopt the planter on 15th Street at Macdonald Avenue. Check out the stunning before & after transformation from their first session of service. Join us in giving them a BIG round of gratitude!  

Congratulations–and a lunch visit–are in order for Downtown’s newest business:

NewLife Cafe
322 Harbour Way #7
(Market Square Mall)
Open Monday-Friday, 8am – 4pm
(510) 778-8532 | www.newlifecafe.us

Guides, Resources & Opportunities 

Main Street Now Conference
Small Business Day

April 13, 2021  |  $25  |  Virtual

Live, interactive sessions with retail experts and a plenary on the future of small business to a happy hour with fellow entrepreneurs. 

The Inclusivity Project
by NorCal SBDC & Nor-Cal FDC

A new strategic partnership between the NorCal SBDC and Nor-Cal FDC to support Black business owners and entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and start-up support.