The Science Discovery on Main Street Program aims to help Main Street communities uncover and leverage their unique science assets, history, and features to build local pride and create engaging local attractions and activities.

Program Overview

The Science Discovery on Main Street grant program, supported by Simons Foundation International and administered by the Simons Foundation, provides funding and support to help Main Street communities research, identify, and celebrate their unique scientific assets or history through partnerships and programming. 

Through the program, communities receive professional support to explore science engagement activities as Promotions. By connecting the Main Street Approach and science engagement, this program will help your community take steps towards inspiring curiosity, joy, and pride in what makes your community unique and towards attracting visitors through science-inspired events and activities.

Eligibility

Rural accredited or affiliate Main Street America communities, in good standing, are eligible to apply.  

• Main Street America designated community organization.
• Located in a rural area (population of 50,000 or less) 
• Commitment to creating science programming and science engagement opportunities for residents in the district by leveraging partnerships 
• Organization’s annual operating budget is less than $1 million

 Not sure of your designation or membership status? Contact membership@mainstreet.org or (312) 610-5613

Evaluation Criteria

Community Need 

• Demonstrate strong need for funding, based on organization budget and community demographics

 Commitment to Exploring Science & Science Engagement for your Main Street 

• Commitment to prioritizing focus on residents and science education in addition to attracting tourists

Partners, Engagement, Resources 

• Open to working with partners (existing or, if needed, additional provided partners) 
• Open to working with science institutions, scientists, and/or science engagement experts 

Sustainability & Feasibility 

• Commitment to science activities beyond the initial grant
• Organization is ready and has a committed person or person(s) ready to participate 
• Staff / coordinator commitment / organizational commitment 

Informational Webinar 

Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11 AM CT | 12 PM ET, 1 hour

Learn more about the Science Discovery on Main Street grant program, eligibility and how to apply. The program is for rural accredited or affiliate Main Street America communities, in good standing.  Main Street programs, Coordinating Programs and their staff are welcome to attend. 

Register here.

For more, visit www.mainstreet.org/ScienceDiscovery and see the program's Terms & Conditions.

With the generous support of U.S. Bank, the National Main Street Center's education and professional development program, the Main Street America Academy, is offering a tailored learning opportunity to Main Street managers and community revitalization professionals from our nationwide network. 

Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street is designed to help you achieve economic vitality goals in your community through a focus on Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, or a strong community support network for business owners. 

Scholarship Opportunity  

About & Eligibility

As part of U.S. Bank's sponsorship, a limited number of scholarships (20 total) providing registration at a reduced rate of $100 are available to participants serving communities located within U.S. Bank markets. Communities must be located within 20 miles of a U.S. Bank location to be considered, with special priority given to participants serving districts located in the states of California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

Application & Awards

Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Recipients will receive a discount code to use when registering.

The application will close Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT, or earlier if all scholarships have been awarded. Applicants who do not receive a scholarship will still have time to register at the regular rate before the course begins.

September 2026 Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street Course

Live sessions will be held Thursdays, September 10, 17, and 24 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm, CT.

Generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, the September 2026 Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street course, Building Your Local Business Ecosystem, will explore how Main Street leaders can better understand, strengthen, and activate the network of people, organizations, programs, resources, and relationships that support local businesses.

Across three connected sessions, participants will examine the entrepreneurial ecosystem in their communities, identify strengths and gaps in the local business support system, and consider how Main Street programs can bring partners together around shared priorities. Participants will leave with practical approaches for moving from ecosystem insights to coordinated action that better serves entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Learning Objectives 

• Map the people, organizations, programs, resources, and relationships that make up their local entrepreneurial ecosystem and assess how effectively they serve small business owners.
• Identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities within the local business support system and explore strategies for building stronger relationships and coordination among ecosystem partners.
• Translate ecosystem insights into practical priorities and collaborative actions that strengthen support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in their communities.

Course Instruction

This course is led by Main Street America's Manager of Instructional Design, Casie Cameron, and features instruction from Main Street America staff, including: 

Maggie Gillespie | Manager of Innovation

Luke Hallowell | Senior Manager of Capital Absorption 

Amy Miller, MPA | Program Officer

FAQ 

Why should I participate in this course? 

If Economic Vitality is on your mind, this is the Main Street course for you. This specialized learning experience, supported by U.S. Bank, will give you new insights, tools, and strategies to foster entrepreneurship, support small business owners, and retain local businesses. Without small businesses, Main Streets don't exist. After the course, Academy staff will stay in contact to assist with any further professional development needs.     

What is the cost of the course if I don't receive a scholarship?

The member price for this course without a U.S. Bank funded scholarship would be $275.00.  The non-member price is $350.