Self-Guided Course

Economic Vitality: The Engine of a Thriving Main Street

What makes a Main Street district thrive economically over time?

This course explores this topic by offering a fresh look at Economic Vitality—the point that powers a district’s growth from within. You’ll explore how local investment, smart property use, and small business support come together to shape a more resilient and vibrant economy. You'll also see how Economic Vitality intersects with Design, Organization, and Promotion to build a dynamic and inclusive commercial district.

Time: 30 minutes Skill Level: Starting Formal Learning: 100 points

Three people stand on a brick-paved sidewalk beneath leafy tree branches, holding up a phone together to take a selfie. To their right, a sandwich-board sign advertises specials in front of a red-awning storefront, and a bicycle leans against the building. Parked cars line the street, and a parent pushes a stroller farther down the sidewalk under a banner–draped lamppost. — Toccoa, Georgia. Photo by Steph Maley, Steph’s Photography.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Define Economic Vitality as one of the Four Points of the Main Street Approach.
Identify how Economic Vitality supports small business growth, property development, and strategic investment.
Describe how Economic Vitality connects with Design, Organization, and Promotion to create a thriving local economy.