ABOUT US

VISION

Georgetown Main Street’s vision is to build a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative commercial corridor that champions diverse small businesses and continues to grow the local and unique nature of Georgetown.

MISSION

Georgetown Main Street’s mission is to strengthen the vitality of Georgetown’s small businesses by representing, promoting, and supporting the Wisconsin Avenue commercial corridor and engaging residents, businesses, community organizations, and visitors to build a vibrant Georgetown.

VALUES

Innovation
Collaboration
Advocacy
Accessibility
Vibrancy
Inclusivity

HISTORY

Founded in 2017, GMS is a designated DC Main Streets program from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development. GMS grew out of the Georgetown Business Association, which was created in 1976, as a non-profit membership organization committed to maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Georgetown.

For many decades, Georgetown flourished as one of Washington's most successful neighborhoods. It was where everyone wanted to live, shop, dine, and study. However, in more recent years, the Georgetown shopping area has seen unprecedented competition from emerging neighborhoods nearby.

Using the Main Street Four Point Approach that has stabilized and strengthened hundreds of Main Street communities nationwide, Georgetown is uniquely positioned to utilize economic vitality, design, promotions, and organization to help protect the small businesses along the commercial corridor from this new competition in the marketplace so that Georgetown businesses can continue to serve the local community for decades to come.

WHAT IS A MAIN STREET?

WHAT WE DO

PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENTS

Main Streets can help provide plantings, public art, clean & safe teams, and work with the city on sidewalk and street repairs and improvements!

PROMOTIONS,

MARKETING + EVENTS

Main Street helps to promote the street and the businesses, puts on events, and helps to market the area to locals and tourists

SMALL BUSINESS RETENTION + RECRUITMENT

The number one job of a Main Street is small business retention and recruiting to fill vacant spaces

HISTORIC

PRESERVATION

Preserving the history of the neighborhood and the local buildings is another key element of most Main Street programs

NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT

Main Streets can be a great vehicle to help bring grant funding and private investments to a neighborhood

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

+ ADVOCACY

A good Main Street program facilitates conversations between business owners, building owners, and community members

As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Georgetown Main Street is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

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