[LOUISA, VIRGINIA] – The Louisa Forward Foundation announces its recent success in securing a $15,000 Community Vitality Grant awarded by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as part of Governor Glenn Youngkin's commitment to invigorate Virginia's economy. These grants, totaling $2,910,500, aim to drive economic growth, revitalize historic downtowns, and strengthen local economies across the Commonwealth.

Governor Glenn Youngkin stated, "Virginia is open for business, and my administration recognizes the importance of building strong entrepreneurial ecosystems and investing in our historic downtowns to make Virginia the best place to do business in the nation. These investments will ensure that, as we grow Virginia's economy, we are supporting our local economies and creating strategic economic opportunities while preserving the unique character of these communities across the Commonwealth."

Administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), these grants support small business creation and expansion, as well as the revitalization of historic downtown and Virginia Main Street districts. The Virginia Main Street Program, a preservation-based economic and community development program, follows the Main Street Approach by the National Main Street Center. Virginia Main Street is a Main Street America State Coordinating Program that offers a range of services and assistance to communities interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts.

"These grant programs allow us to provide targeted assistance to address the unique challenges facing Virginia's small businesses, downtowns, and historic districts," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. "We look forward to seeing the economic opportunities and growth that these projects will inspire while preserving the unique culture and history that make these Virginia downtown areas consumer destinations and the best place to live, work, and do business."

Among the projects receiving grants is the Louisa Forward Foundation, which has been awarded a $15,000 Community Vitality Grant for the "Wayfinding in Louisa" project. This initiative aims to support the sustainable development of Main Street Louisa by assessing the need for Wayfinding, enhancing the visitor experience, supporting local businesses, and preserving the unique character of Main Street Louisa.

"We are grateful for the continued support from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development," states Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director of the Louisa Forward Foundation. "The 'Wayfinding in Louisa' project is timely with the recent addition of EV Chargers provided by Rappahannock Electric Cooperative to increase traffic to our Main Street."

The Town of Louisa formally joined the Virginia Main Street (VMS) network and became an Exploring Main Street (EMS) community in the Fall of 2021. The Louisa Forward Foundation (LFF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as the lead organization and focuses on creating improved economic opportunity downtown and enhancing quality of life through community-driven revitalization efforts.

For more information about the Louisa Forward Foundation and its dedication to Louisa Main Street's revitalization, please visit LouisaForward.org.

About the Louisa Forward Foundation: The Louisa Forward Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting economic growth, education, and community development in Louisa County. By initiating projects and programs, the Foundation aims to create a lasting impact and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses in the region.