RDA Press Releases

News Release

Media Contact

Contact: Kirsten Aherron                                  

Tel: 434-791-0210                                                                                                                                

Email: Kirsten@riverdistrictassociation.com

Date: January 9, 2024                                         

RDA CEO EARNS HISTORIC REAL ESTATE CERTIFICATION

Danville VA - On December 1, Diana Schwartz, CEO of the River District Association received certification as a Historic Real Estate Development Finance Professional (HREDFP) from Grow America (formerly National Development Council). HREDFP Certification is a professional credential given to individuals who successfully complete Grow America’s intensive historic real estate development finance training series. The training provides professionals working in the field of historic preservation and economic, housing and community development with essential skills and knowledge in historic real estate development finance, including problem solving and deal structuring.

The two course HREDFP Certification Program courses are five days in length and conclude with an exam. Upon successful completion of both courses, the candidate is awarded HREDFP Certification. 

Schwartz will utilize this certification in her work at the River District Association along with previously earned credentials, such as Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP) and the Duke University Nonprofit Management and Leadership certifications.

“I am thrilled to not only work alongside our property developers and owners in the district, but to be able to understand the minute details of how to make projects come together.  Real estate finance is an interesting field, and historic real estate finance is a unique skill in the field.  I look forward to putting this knowledge to work in the continued revitalization of historic districts” said Schwartz of the certification.

Grow America’s work focuses on HOMES, JOBS and COMMUNITY. Founded as a national nonprofit in 1969, Grow America has worked for 50 years at fulfilling its mission to increase the flow of capital for investment in low-income communities. Grow America directs capital to support the preservation and creation of affordable housing, the creation of jobs through training and small business lending and the promotion of livable communities through investment in social infrastructure. Grow America’s products and services are deployed for the benefit of our municipal and nonprofit partners in both urban and rural low-income communities.

Grow America has provided training to over 75,000 professionals working in the fields of economic and housing development. Participants come from diverse backgrounds including city and state governments, public agencies, community-based organizations, professional organizations, and banks.

###

Grow America is headquartered in New York City with offices in, Cleveland, OH and Dallas, TX. For more information about Grow America, please visit: www.growamerica.org.

The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association. In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the City’s River District brand and is an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community. More information about the River District Association can be found at www.riverdistrictassociation.com.

Now Open for Registration

$100K available in area pitch competitions open to local entrepreneurs that complete the Dream Launch Bootcamp

DANVILLE VA – The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce that registration has opened for the sixth cohort of the River District Association Dream Launch Bootcamp. Since the start of the program in 2019, nearly 600 individuals have registered for the Bootcamp classes. Additionally, 209 Dream Launch Bootcamp Certificates have been earned by individuals completing all 6 classes.

The RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp is for anyone who wishes to learn more about opening, owning, and operating a business in the Dan River Region; the Bootcamp is also open to current businesses that would like to expand as well as those that would like to audit the courses to prepare for potentially opening a business in the future. There is no cost to participate in the Bootcamp. Classes will be held via Zoom beginning in mid-January with one class in-person in Danville.

Entrepreneurs and new or existing businesses who complete all six Bootcamp sessions and plan to open or expand a brick-and-mortar location in the Downtown River District may apply to compete in the RDA IGNITE Business Pitch Competition (Formerly the RDA Dream Launch Pitch Competition) for awards and incentives totaling $50,000. Additionally, RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp participants who wish to open a business outside of the River District are eligible to compete in the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Rev Up Pitch.  Rev Up will have $50,000 available in awards and incentives. Lastly, individuals who have completed all six Bootcamp sessions in years past and have a Certificate of Completion are also eligible to apply for the Ignite Business Pitch or Rev Up Pitch, without needing to retake the Bootcamp classes.

This year, RDA will again offer an additional educational resource for food related businesses in the region.  The Food and Beverage Workshop will be optional for all Dream Launch Bootcamp participants but required for those wishing to pitch specifically to open a food and beverage business.  Panelists from Virginia ABC, Health Dept, and Planning and Zoning will be on-hand to provide information needed for business owners in this industry.  Local entrepreneurs with an interest in learning more about opening a food and beverage business are also welcome to attend; this workshop is free but requires separate registration.

"We are thrilled to be moving into the sixth year of the program, and it cannot be stressed enough how grateful we are to all of the partners that have been involved with the program all these years,” said Diana Schwartz, CEO of the River District Association. "It takes collaboration to make programs like this happen.  Nearly 500 people have now taken classes through the Dream Launch Bootcamp in our region, positioning many people in our community to open their own business and create their own wealth-building opportunities".

Registration for the 2024 RDA Dream Launch program is now open at https://bit.ly/2024RDADreamLaunch and can also be found at www.riverdistrictassociation.com or on the RDA social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)

If you’d like to know more, you can register to attend an information session being held on December 12th, from 6pm-7pm.  Sign up at: https://bit.ly/RDADreamLaunchInfoSession

Funding for the RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp, IGNITE Business Pitch and Rev Up Danville Pittsylvania Pitch is made possible by the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County.

###

The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association. In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the city’s River District brand and is an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community. The office is currently located at 208 N Union Street, Danville VA.

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce accelerates business growth by connecting its members to dynamic resources and networks. The Chamber’s number one goal is to help area businesses of all sizes to grow and prosper.

The River District Association (RDA) is excited to be hosting another session of “Start-Up Slam.” It is a fun community-oriented event where people share a meal, share creative business ideas, make new friends, and network with both creative people and people who support creative people! In addition to having people share ideas, attendees can participate in community conversation activities and win door prizes. RDA encourages the Danville community to bring friends and family. Even if you aren't sharing an idea, it will be a fun evening!  Anyone in the community is invited to attend (reservation required, limit 100 people).  For just $10 per person (cash only at the door), you can join other members of the community to have a simple meal - and share some of those great ideas that you keep thinking up.  Anyone age 5 and up can share their good business idea.  Children under 5 can attend at no cost but will not get to vote for their favorite idea. 

This Start-Up Slam will be on Tuesday, September 26th, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Ma’s Cakes at 318 Main Street.

To reserve a seat, call the RDA office at 434-791-0210 or email alyssa@riverdistrictassociation.com and let us know you are coming.  You can also register at: bit.ly/RDAStartUpSlam

Up to 15 participants at the event are welcome to share their ideas with the crowd (3-minute limit), and attendees will be able to vote on their favorite at the end of the evening. The top vote-getter takes home all the cash collected at the door - no strings attached! No business plans and no requirements, just you and your next great idea! 

• Those who wish to share their idea have the following guidelines:
• Ideas must be new business ideas (not yet established).
• Those who wish to share their idea will put their name in at the door.
• Up to 15 names will be drawn randomly to present (if more than 15 people put their name in, not all may be able to present).
• Each presenter has 3 minutes to share one idea.

We encourage those planning to present to spread the word, bring friends and family, and be open to new connections! 

RDA Programs and Services Manager Will Mackaman said, "Whether you're a writer, tattoo artist, baker, or someone with another creative talent, you may be able to turn that talent into a business. The world and our community is full of people who have done so. This Start-Up Slam is geared toward artists and creatives, but as always, all new business ideas of all types are welcome and eligible for the cash prize!"

River District Association celebrates recent staff professional development accomplishments.

DANVILLE VA – The River District Association (RDA) celebrates the recent professional development accomplishments of three of its staff members. 

Office Manager Alyssa Turner completed the local leadership program run by the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Southside. The Leadership Southside program aims to develops participants’ leadership skills to strengthen their role as an individual, professional, and community member.

“Before Leadership Southside, I was always under the assumption that you needed the title to TRULY be considered a leader: CEO, Owner, Director, etc.” Said Turner, “But I've learned that titles are irrelevant; you can be leader regardless of your position, and not only at your job! You can be a leader anywhere in your community.”

Programs and Services Director Lashawn Farmer completed the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute, a professional development program for leaders confronted with Virginia’s most pressing natural resource issues who seek new skills in conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving. 

“Now, because of VNRLI I can have a deeper appreciation for the environment and myself. VNRLI gave a greater sense of purpose and belonging.” Said Farmer, “I am a leader and influencer and it is important to use my voice to advocate for the things that I believe in when it comes to my environment and community. Being a leader is more than a title or position, it is the person in the community that the people trust and someone who is constantly working on themselves as well as the issues. It is important to self-motivate and encourage. Sometimes the answers are discovered in silence, between each breath and during the times of peace, love and truth.”

Programs and Services Manager Will Mackaman completed the Reinventing Impact: Collaboration Lab program, organized by the Danville Regional Foundation, Healthy Places by Design, and the Tamarack Institute.  The Collaboration Lab is designed to help participants build local relationships, enhance collaborative leadership skills, and learn strategies for sustaining local organizational collaboration.

Mackaman said, "Collaboration Lab is an excellent leadership and relationship building program in our region. We learned that many of our community's hardest problems can only be solved when we collaborate, communicate well, and understand the problem to begin with before jumping to the solution. The goal is to eventually change the larger system for the better."

"The culture at RDA is very supportive and encourages ongoing personal and professional development opportunities" said Diana Schwartz, CEO of the River District Association.  "Our goal is for our entire team to be equipped to do anything they are passionate about.  Supporting learning opportunities to ensure our team consists of well-rounded individuals makes for a stronger organization and, ultimately, a stronger community."

RDA is excited to see how staff members use their new skills and knowledge to further enhance RDA’s work to continue the transformation of Danville's River District as a welcoming and lively place for all, while inspiring and influencing social and economic development for the great Dan River Region.              

Two new businesses and one business expansion are heading to the River in the coming months

DANVILLE, VA — Friday, May 19, 2023 The River District Association (RDA) has awarded three businesses $52K in RDA IGNITE Pitch Grants to open or expand their brick-and-mortar businesses in the River District.

The River District Association Dream Launch Program and IGNITE Pitch Competition are part of a multi-phase entrepreneurship program. The first phase, the Dream Launch Bootcamp, consists of six classes that teach participants a full slate of skills and information that business owners need. The annual Bootcamp is free for anyone to attend. The program also offers an additional 7th class specifically for food and beverage businesses. During the second phase, participants that complete the entire series and wish to open or expand a brick-and-mortar business in the downtown River District area are eligible to pitch for grant funding in the IGNITE Pitch Competition. In addition, thanks to partnerships and collaboration building, Dream Launch Bootcamp participants are also eligible to elect to pitch for funding in the Danville-Pittsylvania Rev-Up Pitch with the Chamber of Commerce (for locations in Pittsylvania County, or in Danville outside of the River District).

Dream Launch, now finishing the 5th year of the program, saw registration of 179 for Dream Launch Bootcamp classes; 113 participants attended at least one class; 76 completed all 6 classes to earn a Certificate of Completion; and 5 business plans were pitched to judges in the Dream Launch Pitch Competition in April. In addition to the awarded IGNITE Pitch grants, Movement Bank attended the pitch competition and awarded two $1,000 grants to pitch participants of their choice.

Of the 5 businesses that pitched, 3 were awarded 2023 RDA IGNITE Pitch Competition funding.

Existing Business that received funding to expand on site services:

• River District Auto Spa - Owner Von Wellington - $14,000 + $1,000 grant from Movement Bank

New Businesses that will locate in the River District:

• 2 Earthy Mamas - Owner Rae Barnes - $10,000 + $1,000 grant from Movement Bank

• The Happy Little Fox Toy Shop - Owner Amy Pruitt - $28,000

“It is inspiring to see friends and neighbors made a business dream become a reality.” Says Programs and Services Manager Will Mackaman. “Above all, we want to thank each IGNITE Pitch participant for their hard work, determination, and being bold!”

Funding for the 2023 RDA IGNITE Business Pitch was made possible by the City of Danville. Additional community partners in the RDA Dream Launch Program and IGNITE Pitch Competition include the Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC), The Launch Place, Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, Movement Bank, Averett University and many volunteer instructors, judges, and mentors throughout the Dan River region that make the program possible. The 6th year of the program, the 2024 RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp will open for registration in fall of 2023.

The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association. In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the City’s River District brand and is an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community. The office is located at 208 N Union St, Danville VA

RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION EARNS 2023 GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION, Through Collaborative Leadership and Holistic Economic Development Efforts

CHICAGO, ILL., (March 27, 2023) – Main Street America announced today that River District Association (RDA) in Danville, Virginia, has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The 2023 GAMSA designations, sponsored by The Hartford, were presented at the opening plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

Selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, River District Association is being recognized for creating a fertile environment for economic vitality through exceptionally strong collaborative leadership and partnerships.

“River District Association demonstrates that a strong organizational foundation based on an ethos of collaboration and strategy leads to transformative change,” said Main Street America Interim President and CEO, Hannah White. “Their tireless efforts to build meaningful relationships with local stakeholders to inform and realize a holistic economic development approach has created an entrepreneurial ecosystem for the downtown and its surrounding region.” 

Danville’s downtown is well known for its rich manufacturing heritage, which built large brick facilities along the town’s eponymous waterway. As these industries shrank during the 1980s-2000s, the downtown suffered economically. Today, the downtown is not only rebounding, but thriving as an attractive place for residents and visitors to remember the area’s history while contributing to a vibrant future for all.

Revitalization work led by RDA began in 1999 with a mission to coordinate efforts with the city agencies. While these early efforts resulted in some progress, meaningful change was hampered by the continued decline of the town’s mill industry. Strategically designed action plans in 2011 and 2017—which included the allocation of public dollars into the downtown and retooled RDA’s organizational structure based on the principles of the Main Street Approach—supported sustainable economic initiatives, multifunctional promotional activities, and property development. 

The results: Danville’s vision of a vibrant downtown is coming to fruition. Since 2010, the River District has leveraged $52 million in public investment to attract $310 million in private investment to facilitate the creation of more than 150 businesses and the addition of over 1,200 residential spaces. 

“This is a tremendous honor for our community, and very important for our local residents who have been through so much economic turmoil over the decades,” said Diana Schwartz, CEO at River District Association. “This recognition will continue to drive home the understanding that Danville truly is a city once again on the rise. It is because of the resilience of the people in our community that Danville is a great place for those that choose to live, work, play, pray, and invest in.”

RDA credits a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, as well as intentional efforts to increase the strength, collaboration, trustworthiness, and reputation of the organization as their keys to success. Notable accomplishments include investing in the professional development of board members, establishing rock-solid relationships with stakeholders, and implementing thoughtfully constructed, yet ambitious strategic plans.

Their Dream Launch series is credited as its most impactful programming. Consisting of four distinct, yet integrated programs, the program equips budding entrepreneurs and established businesses with education and financial tools. Since 2018, the program’s business bootcamp series has provided free start-up training to over 465 participants (200 of which completed all 6 Dream Launch Bootcamp Classes) and has distributed $375,000 in grants. 

“Danville's transformation is proof of the power of the Main Street Approach,” remarked Courtney Mailey, Virginia Main Street State Coordinator at Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. “Leaders in every facet of the community are united in a common vision and plan for the future. And they stick to it! They understand the importance of downtown revitalization and entrepreneur support in creating a positive quality of life for the entire region.”

The organization’s Vote Your Main Street campaign resulted in securing a $150,000 preservation award that provided funds for the renovation of a historic property, an increase sense of community pride, and organizational sustainability for RDA as a part owner in the building. Their façade improvement program has provided nearly 40 property owners and tenants with grants, in-kind professional services, and technical assistance. From fresh coats of paint to new signs, these improvements are inspiring a positive multiplying effect on the community’s sense of pride and physical appearance.

"We are immensely proud of the city of Danville, the Danville River Association, and the residents for earning this coveted national award for their Main Street efforts," said Bryan Horn, Director of DHCD. "Danville continues to exemplify the profound impacts that downtown revitalization can have on communities and regional economies, and we applaud them for their efforts to create a vibrant community to live, work, and visit."

###

ABOUT THE GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARDS

The Great American Main Street Award program recognizes communities exemplifying the use of the Main Street Approach™ to revitalize commercial districts. Winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 100 Main Street programs have been honored as GAMSA communities. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION

River District Association (RDA) melds the past with the present to provide a vibrant economic core in Danville, Virginia. RDA works with the City of Danville, area businesses, and institutions to develop programs and events to foster community collaboration, market the area's unique assets, improve the physical appearance of the historic downtown, and to attract and retain businesses. RDA is an Accredited Main Street America and Virginia Main Street program. For more information, visit riverdistrictassociation.com.  

DANVILLE VA – The River District Association, the City of Danville and VANTAGE Art Flats, are pleased to invite the community to a ribbon cutting on March 20th, 2023 at 12 pm, celebrating the opening of VANTAGE Art Flats.

VANTAGE Art Flats, located at 550 Craghead Street, is an art themed AirBnB project that includes 9 apartment-like lodgings, and art studio, and art themed outdoor space that will eventually connect to a city park behind the building.   This project is part of the award winning 500 block revitalization project, spearheaded by local business owner and River District enthusiast, Rick Barker. 

“VANTAGE Art Flats, in the heart of the River District, is designed to deliver a unique Danville experience to the region’s most discerning travelers. This dedicated Airbnb property will offer apartment style amenities for overnight guests, with a focus on both regional and international art.” Says Barker, “This restoration project began with buildings vacant for decades and in a terrible state of disrepair. The buildings, heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael, have been thoughtfully restored to the highest standard, insuring their life span into the next century. It is exciting to see Danville’s antique architecture repurposed to become a vital part of our new economy.”

“Our city is undergoing a remarkable resurgence, and what is happening in our River District is a great example of that activity,” Mayor Alonzo Jones said. “In the last 12 to 13 years, public investment of $52 million in the River District has resulted in $310 million of private investment. Take a drive along Craghead Street and you will see buildings once vacant that have a new life as living spaces and as places to eat and gather with their friends. This project is a great example of the regeneration of this street and our downtown.”

In addition to renting out lodging through AirBnB, VANTAGE Art Flats will also house an artist in residency program that will offer studio pace and lodging for artists from around the country and world. Artists will be responsible for their own travel, materials, meals, and personal incidentals, Vantage Art Flats will provide housing and studio space at no cost as well as a monthly stipend of $3,000.

DANVILLE VA –

The River District Association (RDA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Diana L. Schwartz, Executive Director of the River District Association, will take on the new title of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.  The change in title will more accurately reflect her role leading and growing the downtown revitalization organization.

Since being hired by the RDA Board of Directors in 2017, Schwartz has focused on creating high performing programs such as the RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp and resulting pitch opportunities, securing outside grant funding through initiatives like the national award-winning 2018 Vote Your Main Street campaign to assist in property preservation and development on North Union Street, and is a recognized leader regionally, building collaborative relationships with organizations and individuals across the Dan River Region.

The success that Schwartz and the RDA Board have experienced driving the change and growth of the organizational initiatives over the past five years has opened opportunities to access additional resources; especially notable is the additional talent Schwartz has attracted to the RDA team.  With this organizational growth, tripling the annual budget and growing a team from 1 staff person to 5, Diana’s role has shifted from creating and managing new programs and services for the downtown stakeholder and business community, to a greater emphasis on growing local leaders, enhancing strategic local, regional, and statewide relationships, and finding appropriate opportunities for RDA to serve as an even greater resource for economic and community development for the region.

"Over the past several years, Diana has positioned RDA as a collaborative leader in the region and garnered national recognition for its work in the River District.” Said, Rachel Covington, RDA Board President, “As the organization grows and begins to influence social and economic development in areas beyond the River District, the RDA Board feels that this title change will more accurately reflect the next chapter of the organization. Diana is most deserving of this, and she is dedicated to leading a full team that will create a positive impact in the Dan River Region."

River District Association team grows, adds new staff to work towards North Main Street revitalization efforts

January 6th, 2023

DANVILLE VA – River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce that Lashawn Farmer has been added their downtown revitalization team.

Lashawn Farmer joins RDA as the Program & Services Director - Design and Expansion in January 2023.  Farmer formerly served as Chief Operating Officer for The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area. There, she oversaw the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of a broad range of programs for youth in the Club and community and will now bring these skills to RDA.  Mrs. Farmer, in this new position, will enable RDA to broaden its design initiatives in the River District and implement the Main Street Four Point Approach and community engagement in the North Main business district. 

Among many projects, Mrs. Farmer will be integral in driving new programs and services in the North Main Street corridor that are being developed from a DHCD Community Resurgence grant award of $150,000 dedicated to the North Main Street Business District Revitalization work. RDA, in partnership with the Danville Regional Foundation and the City of Danville Office of Economic Development, will provide services to the corridor including business assistance, marketing, façade improvement programs, and place making rooted in economic inclusion that prioritizes the neighborhood’s resident’s ideas and values in economic development decisions.  The North Main Street initiative will not be incorporated into the current footprint of the River District, but instead will be recognized as an independent neighborhood business district with a distinct identity that reflects the history of the corridor and will be driven by community input and engagement.

“We are very excited to have Lashawn Farmer join our RDA Team.  We strive for a culture of excellence in our organization, both inside and out, and Lashawn most certainly exemplifies that in all that she does” said Diana Schwartz, Executive Director of the River District Association.   “We are thrilled that she has chosen to apply her many talents to our work implementing the Main Street America approach in the Dan River Region and are looking forward to celebrating the many milestones and success that we will achieve by using one of the most successful economic development programs in the country.”

In addition to her professional experience, Farmer brings to RDA her skills as a catalyst for positive change throughout the Dan River Region and the Commonwealth.  Farmer currently contributes to our community through service on the Board of Third Chance Housing, Project Literacy and The Dan River Region Nonprofit Network. Lashawn is a Co-Owner of Defining Purpose the Black Women’s Collective, a member of More Than A Statistic and Kazelle and Co., is dedicated to advocacy and unity projects around diversity, equity and inclusion. 

“By being born and raised in this community,” says Farmer, “I feel the desire to be the bridge of aspiration. Growing up, I remember “coming to town” and being in love with the Downtown and the North Main area. It was the core of the city and center for all the community needs. I will forever remember all the love and laughs from family and friends that we would come in contact with when we would shop and stroll. By being at RDA, I am excited that we can provide the community the capacity to reimagine and bring that luminosity back. We are building a society that is leading with love and is full of diversity, equity and inclusion. RDA is creating a narrative that focuses on growth, culture and impact and everyone will be exhilarated that they work, live, play and/or pray in Danville. And, all constituents will be part of the system that is a legacy of togetherness. “

River District Association announces RDA 2023 Dream Launch Bootcamp Now Open for Registration Over $129K available to local entrepreneurs that complete the Dream Launch Bootcamp

DANVILLE VA – The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce that registration has opened for the fifth cohort of the River District Association Dream Launch Bootcamp. Since the start of the program in 2019, over 400 individuals have participated in some or all of the boot camp classes; 133 individuals have completed the entire series of classes and earned a Dream Launch Bootcamp Certificate.

The RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp is for anyone who wishes to learn more about opening, owning, and operating a business in the Dan River Region; the Bootcamp is also opened to current businesses that would like to expand as well as those that would like to audit the courses to prepare for potentially opening a business in the future. There is no cost to participate in the Bootcamp.

Entrepreneurs or existing businesses who complete all six Bootcamp sessions and plan to open brick and mortar locations in the River District may apply to compete in the RDA IGNITE Business Pitch Competition (Formerly the RDA Dream Launch Pitch Competition) for awards and incentives totaling $50,000. Additionally, RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp participants who wish to open a business outside of the district are eligible to compete in the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Rev-Up Pitch. Rev-up will have $75,000 available in awards and incentives.

Movement Bank will be involved with both pitch opportunities this year, offering two $2,000 grants; one to an RDA IGNITE Pitch participant, and one to a Rev-Up Pitch participant.

RDA will once again offer an additional educational resource for food related businesses in the region. The Food and Beverage Workshop will be optional for all Dream Launch Bootcamp participants but required for those wishing to pitch specifically to open a food and beverage business. Panelists from Virginia ABC, Health Dept, and the Danville and Pittsylvania County Planning and Zoning Departments will be on-hand to provide information needed for business owners in this industry. Local entrepreneurs with an interest in learning more about opening a food and beverage business are also welcomed to attend; this workshop is free but requires separate registration.

“The support of Dream Launch on both the local and state level really speaks to the quality of the program and all the partners involved” says Diana Schwartz, Executive Director of the River District Association, “without collaboration, the program would not be as successful. We are particularly thankful to our local lending institutions that have chosen to work with our RDA Bootcamp Certificate holders. Access to capital is the number-one hurdle for most start-ups, and the opportunity to apply for a business line of credit as a brand-new business owner will go a long way to get our entrepreneurs the financial assistance they need to be successful.”

Registration for the RDA Dream Launch program is now open at https://tinyurl.com/2023RDADreamLaunch or can also be found at www.riverdistrictassociation.com or on the RDA social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)

If you’d like to know more, you can register to attend a virtual information session being held on Tuesday, December 6th, from 6pm-7pm. Sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/RDADreamLaunchInfoSession

Funding for the RDA Dream Launch Boot Camp, IGNITE Business Pitch and Rev-Up Danville Pittsylvania Pitch is made possible by the City of Danville Economic Development office, Pittsylvania County, Danville Regional Foundation and The Dan River Entrepreneur Ecosystem.

RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCED AS 2023 GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARD SEMIFINALISTS

One of Eight Organizations Recognized for Excellence in Transforming Downtown Districts

Danville, Virginia, September 21, 2022 – Main Street America has announced The River District Association (RDA) as a 2023 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) Semifinalist. This prestigious award is the nation’s top award recognizing communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. A jury of professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation convened to review a nationwide pool of applicants. After thoughtful deliberation, the jury unanimously selected eight semifinalists that demonstrate exemplary use of the Main Street Approach™ to lead community-based transformation strategies in their downtowns.

The 2023 GAMSA Semifinalists are:

River District Association – Danville, Virginia

Denison Main Street – Denison, Texas

Downtown Florence Main Street – Florence, South Carolina

Metuchen Downtown Alliance – Metuchen, New Jersey

Mills 50 Main Street – Orlando, Florida

Ruston Main Street – Ruston, Louisiana

Downtown Sheridan Association – Sheridan, Wyoming

Downtown Sykesville Connection – Sykesville, Maryland

“The Great American Main Street Award is the highest honor that we grant to organizations within our network,” said Hannah White, Interim President and CEO at Main Street America. “We are proud to recognize RDA and seven fellow organizations as 2023 GAMSA Semifinalists for their excellence in transforming their downtown districts through strategically implemented economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization initiatives.”

From small towns with traditional downtowns to commercial corridors within larger cities, the 2023 GAMSA represent the diversity of the Main Street America network and the power of the Main Street Approach™. Semifinalists have generated over $872 million in local reinvestment, helped open 863 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 4,706 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 1,922 historic buildings, and leveraged 178,452 volunteer hours.

RDA Executive Director Diana Schwartz says, “We are very grateful for the team at the National Main Street center for recognizing the hard work that has been done in the River District for the past decade. We are thrilled to be selected once again as one of 8 semifinalists nationally.  This is a very prestigious honor that I hope will help our long-term residents recognize that Danville is nationally recognized as a model for revitalization. We look forward to the continued success of our downtown that will illuminate a bright path to move forward and share the improvements and opportunities to all areas of our city and our region.”

The 2023 Great American Main Street Award winners will be announced at the Opening Plenary of the 2023 Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on March 27, 2023.

###

ABOUT THE GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARDS

The Great American Main Street Award program recognizes communities exemplifying the use of the Main Street Approach™ to revitalize commercial districts. Winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 100 Main Street programs have been honored as GAMSA communities. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION

The River District Association (RDA), formerly Downtown Danville Association, was formed in 1999 to coordinate efforts to revitalize the downtown Danville, Virginia community, now called the River District.  Since 2016, RDA and the City of Danville have enjoyed accredited status under the National and Virginia Main Street Programs; the program and accreditation are recognized nationally as one of the most successful formulas for downtown revitalization. 

River District Association rolls out “Start-Up Slam”, giving locals the opportunity to

crowdfund money for great ideas

RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION AWARDS OVER $160,000 IN START-UP FUNDS IN THE 2022 RDA DREAM LAUNCH PROGRAM: Five new business and three business expansions on tap for downtown Danville in the coming months.

The River District Association is happy to invite the Danville Community to its annual holiday tree lighting event, Christmas on the Plaza on December 3rd from 5-9 pm. 

The River District Association (RDA) is proud to announce they have once again been selected for the American Express® Neighborhood Champion Program.  Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 and celebrates the impact small businesses have on communities across the country while reminding us all to Shop Local this holiday season.

RIVER DISTRICT ASSOCIATION SEEKS COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FOR THE 2021 “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” TELEVISION PRODUCTION

River District Association announces RDA 2022 Dream Launch Bootcamp and Pitch Competition now open for registration.

Over $250K available to local entrepreneurs that complete the Dream Launch Bootcamp.

DANVILLE VA – The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce that registration has opened for the fourth cohort of the River District Association Dream Launch Bootcamp. This will be the fourth iteration of the RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp; since the start of the program in 2019, over 200 individuals have participated in some or all of the Bootcamp classes.

The RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp is for entrepreneurs who wish to learn more about opening, owning, and operating a business in the Dan River Region; the Bootcamp is also open to current businesses that would like to expand as well as those that would like to audit the courses to prepare for potentially opening a business in the future. There is no cost to participate in the Bootcamp.

Entrepreneurs or existing businesses who complete all six Bootcamp sessions and plan to open brick and mortar locations in the River District may apply to compete in the Dream Launch Pitch Competition for awards and incentives totaling more than $200,000.  Dream Launch Bootcamp participants that wish to open a business outside of the district are eligible to compete in the Danville Pittsylvania Rev-Up Pitch competition through the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce and access more than $100,000 in awards and incentives.

RDA is also excited to announce two new partnerships with traditional lending institutions to provide additional access to capital to pitch participants.  Movement Bank is offering the opportunity for 2 grantees to potentially be awarded a line of credit up to $25,000 each, and 2 additional cash awards of $2,000 per grantee.  American National Bank will also continue their work with the program by offering the opportunity for 2 local grantees to potentially access lines of credit up to $25,000 each. (Lines of credit from both institutions are subject to credit underwriting and approval).

This year, RDA will offer an additional educational resource for food related businesses in the region.  The Food and Beverage Workshop will be optional for all Dream Launch participants but required for those wishing to pitch specifically to open a food and beverage business.  Panelists from Virginia ABC, Health Dept, and Planning and Zoning Department will be on-hand to provide information needed for business owners in this industry.  Local entrepreneurs with an interest in learning more about opening a food and beverage business are also welcome to attend; this workshop is free but requires separate registration.

“The support of Dream Launch on both the local and state level really speaks to the quality of the program and all the partners involved” says Diana Schwartz, Executive Director of the River District Association, “without collaboration with our many partners, the program would not be successful.  We are particularly thankful to our two local lending institutions that have chosen to partner with us; access to capital is the number-one hurdle for most start-ups, and the possibility of accessing an additional $100,000 for local entrepreneurs will go a long way to get our new businesses the assistance they need to be successful.”

In addition to the two new partnerships, support for the program has expanded in other ways.  RDA was recently awarded $90,000 Community Business Launch grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The program is also made possible by the financial support of the City of Danville, Danville Regional Foundation, and The Dan River Entrepreneur Ecosystem (also funded by the Danville Regional Foundation).

Registration for the RDA Dream Launch program is now open at https://tinyurl.com/RDADreamLaunch2022 or can also be found at www.riverdistrictassociation.com or on the RDA social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)

The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association. In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the city’s River District brand and is an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community. The office is currently located at 208 N Union Street, Danville VA.

River District Association receives $240,000 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to invest in River District, North Main Hill 

Download a PDF of this Press Release

Read the Commonwealth of Virginia Press Release

Watch an interview with Diana Schwartz on River City TV

DANVILLE VA – The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce that the organization has been awarded two competitive grants totaling $240,000 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to further assist with their mission to strengthen the regional economy, allowing all to experience Danville’s high quality of life.  These grants have been awarded from a pool of $4.4 Million designated to 33 investment projects across the Commonwealth. 

A $90,000 Community Business Launch (CBL) grant will go towards expanding RDA's innovative Dream Launch Bootcamp and Pitch Competition. In its three years of operation, the Dream Launch program has trained over 200 entrepreneurs and awarded startup or expansion funds to 12 businesses in the district. This is the second time RDA has won funding through this grant program.  Registration to take part in year four of Dream Launch Boot Camp will open the beginning of November 2021.

The DHCD Community Resurgence grant award of $150,000 will go towards North Main Street Business District Revitalization. River District Association, in partnership with the Danville Regional Foundation and the City of Danville Office of Economic Development, will be able to provide services to an expanded footprint including but not limited to business assistance, marketing, façade improvement programs, and place making rooted in economic inclusion that prioritizes the neighborhood’s resident’s ideas and values in economic development decisions.  This expansion of services will lay the groundwork for infrastructure improvement, and will increase access to capital, loans, grants, and training for businesses interested in opening in the North Main Street Business District. 

“We are grateful to our many partners that make programs such as Dream Launch and Commercial District Revitalization possible; without the support of Virginia DHCD, we would not have been able to start the Dream Launch program in 2018.  The program has been instrumental to provide knowledge, connections, and resources to entrepreneurs throughout the region, not just in the River District” says Diana Schwartz, Executive Director of the River District Association, “we did not know we would ever be in a ‘Year Four’ of the program when we began, and certainly it is only through collaboration with our many partners that the program continues to be a success.”

To find out more about the River District Association, or if you have any questions, please visit www.riverdistrictassociation.com.

The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association.  In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the City’s River District brand and is an Accredited by both the Virginia Main Street Organization and the National Main Street (Main Street America).

DANVILLE VA – River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce that it has added two new people to its downtown revitalization team.  The addition of a Programs and Services Manager, and a Bookkeeper and Office Manager will enable RDA to even more effectively collaborate with the City of Danville and other partners to provide entrepreneurship and business retention programming, and more effective promotion and marketing of the River District.

River District Association launches Downtown Art and Sculpture Tour in River District App: Distrx

DANVILLE VA – River District Association announces the addition of a Downtown Danville Arts and Sculpture Tour in the River District App: Distrx.  This tour, through walking, photos, and recorded audio, leads participants through the River District to view and learn about sculptures, murals, and other art projects in Downtown Danville.