Phoebus, Hilton Village designated as ‘Virginia Main Street’ communities [Video]

HAMPTON, Va. — Two Hampton Roads neighborhoods have reached a significant milestone in maintaining the economic development of small, locally owned businesses in their respective communities. 

Phoebus in Hampton and Hilton Village in Newport News are among nine communities in the Commonwealth that will now receive special resources to advance downtown revitalization and business development.

The Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) Designation will help those communities secure special funding and things like market analysis, economic strategies, design assistance, and facade improvement that will foster redevelopment projects and small business growth.

“Online shopping doesn’t give you as many touch points, being face to face, that’s what they (customers) are saying now. That online is cold, and this personable,” Marnie Dashwood said, owner of The Mint Sweater, which just opened on the main Hilton Village strip this November.