Michigan Main Street Process

Michigan Main Street Training Series

Interested in participating in the Michigan Main Street Program? The first step is attending the Main Street Training Series, which provides:

A basic understanding of the Main Street Approach™
An overview of the strategies that build awareness and participation in future Main Street efforts

The Main Street Training Series is offered at no-cost in Select and Master Level Main Street communities across the state. The Main Street Training Series is a day long seminar that includes 2 training sessions: “Main Street Basics” and “Main Street In Practice” and a panel discussion with the local Main Street Program. The training is offered three times annually. Communities that attend the Training Series will learn the fundamentals of establishing a local Main Street Program and will be able to decide if Main Street is right for their community.

Communities interested in continuing to participate in the Michigan Main Street Program and reach the Engaged Level will need to complete the following activities:

Develop a communications plan following the principles learned during the Main Street Basics Training Session
Develop a fund development plan following the principles learned during the Main Street In Practice Training Session

Engaged Level

A community will officially be recognized as an Engaged Level Main Street Community once they have participated in the Main Street Training Series and have developed their communications and fund development plans. A community has up to three years to participate as an Engaged Level community working to implement their plans and apply to the Select Level. Communities interested in applying for the Select Level will need to complete the following activities prior to application.

Engaged Community Activities:

Identify or establish local MMS host organization
Implement communications plan
Implement fund development plan
Host community site visit

Select Level

Once a community has successfully fulfilled the requirements of the Engaged Level, they have the option to apply for the Select Level. At this level, communities can expect assistance in implementing the Main Street Approach™. Michigan Main Street staff, along with other professionals, work closely with Select Level communities to train their boards and committees, hire a full-time Main Street Director, recruit volunteers and get the program up and running. The Select Level requires a 5 year commitment from participating communities.

Master Level

The Master Level is available to communities that have successfully completed 5 years in the Select Level. The Master Level focuses on continuing to assist communities that have successfully integrated a full Main Street program into their community. This is achieved by continuing to offer Select Level trainings and networking opportunities through MMS, as well as the opportunity to act as mentors for other Michigan Main Street communities. The Master Level requires a 2 year commitment from participating communities. Communities have the opportunity to renew their participation for as long as they are actively practicing the Main Street ApproachTM.

For additional information about the Michigan Main Street program levels and services, download our Program Brochure.

Key Dates

Learn more about the Main Street Training Series content and how to register.