ABOUT US
VISION
Georgetown Main Street (GMS) is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to help promote and support the economic vitality of our local small business community along Wisconsin Avenue, from Whitehaven Parkway, to K Street and the adjacent area. GMS is designated as a DC Main Street program and is funded in part by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).
MISSION
The mission of GMS is to promote and retain diverse small and local businesses along the Wisconsin Avenue commercial corridor through the Main Street Four-Point approach: organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality.
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?
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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