Main ST, founded in 2017, was established in response to the profound and multifaceted impact of economic inequities. The founders were deeply concerned about the economic decline in many communities, particularly affecting small businesses, especially Black-owned businesses, due to lack of access to resources. This economic decline has led to:
- Loss of Economic Impact and Viability: Communities experiencing diminished economic activity and growth.
- Erosion of Culturally Relevant Shopping: The disappearance of local businesses that reflect the community's culture identity.
- Reduction in local Employment Opportunities: Fewer jobs opportunities within the community.
- Diminished Community Pride: A decline in the sense of community pride and cohesion.
Our efforts aim to address these challenges, restore economic viability, and foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all community members.
We connect (representation and reliability)
Main ST is representative of the people we serve. As a small minority-led organization with staff who live and work in the same communities we serve, we can relate to those we help. We connect with and understand the challenges faced by underrepresented individuals and businesses. This allows us to establish trusting and meaningful relationships.
We understand (relatable expertise and experience)
Main ST has firsthand experience in overcoming challenges related to building economic capacity. This insight enables us to lead others through similar obstacles, helping them achieve their economic goals.
We care (empathy and care)
Main ST genuinely cares about the success of individuals and is invested in preparing a new generation for economic participation either was business owner or leaders. Our compassion and dedication contribute to a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters growth and empowerment.
We partner (collaborative approach)
Main ST understands the power of partnerships and actively collaborates with other organizaton to expand the reach of equitable economic participation. Main ST has developed strong relationships and partnerships with various organizations, schools, and community stakeholders in the area we serve. By woking together with our partners, we are able to leverage shared resources, knowledge and networks to create a more significant impact. These connections allows us to access resources, fundingan support for our programs and services.
Capacity building for community economic development (CED) is the process Main ST utilizes to develop and strengthen the skills, abilities, resources and structures that communities need to improve their economic conditions and sustain economic growth. Our process involves empowering the community members and organizations to identify and leverage local assets, overcome challenges, and achieve their economic goals. Key elements of our capacity building process include
Initiatives: Developing and implementing programs that foster economic growth and sustainability within communities- institutional strengthening- community engagement- policy advocacy
Partnerships: building and nurturing partnerships with stakeholders to support community development goals- establishing and nurturing partnerships among various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations. These partnerships provide additional resources, expertise, and opportunities for collaborations
Capacity Building: strengthening community organizations to enhance their ability to deliver effective services and achieve long-term success- skill development- resource mobilization- leadership development- access to information and technology
To foster economic empowerment and build community prosperity, a goal is to work with partners to establish Main ST centers that are designed to provide public access to a variety of essential resources that are not readily available in underserved communities. By creating these hubs of opportunity, Main ST aims to use our centers to bridge gaps in economic equity and inclusion.
Main ST is working to establish the first center in Hazelwood, PA, located within the City of Pittsburgh. This center is a critical factor in providing the public with the ability to gain access to health, education, and workforce resources virtually. This virtual platform ensures inclusivity, allowing community members to gain access to these vital services regardless of their physical location or mobility constraints, thereby extending the reach and impact of Main ST's initiatives.
Additionally, the center will host the following Main ST initiatives:
1. We Are Open Small Business Capacity Building Services:
This initiative focuses on strengthening the capabilities of small businesses. The goal is to empower small businesses to scale their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.
2. Youth Economic Mobility Immersive Activities:
Designed to equip young people with the skills and experiences needed for economic mobility, this initiative includes several key components:
- Tech Innovation Production Studio: A state-of-the-art facility where youth can learn and practice digital skills and other tech-related competencies. This hands-on experience aims to prepare them for careers in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
- Front Line Customer Services Training: This program offers practical training in customer service skills, a critical area for many entry-level positions. Participants will learn effective communication, problem-solving, and customer interaction techniques that are essential for success in various service-oriented roles.
- The Biz Entrepreneur Incubator: A nurturing environment for young aspiring entrepreneurs, this incubator provides the resources, mentorship, and support needed to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses. It encourages creativity, resilience, and business acumen among youth.
3. Main Street Arts Collective:
This initiative is dedicated to fostering artistic talent and cultural expression within the community. It provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work, collaborate on projects, and engage with the community. The Arts Collective aims to enrich the cultural landscape, promote the arts as a vital component of community identity, and support artists in achieving economic sustainability through their craft.
By integrating these resources and initiatives into centralized centers, the organization seeks to create vibrant, supportive environments where community members can access the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary for economic success. The addition of a virtual platform ensures that health, educational, and workforce resources are readily accessible to all, enhancing the reach and impact of these initiatives. This holistic approach is designed to empower individuals, strengthen local economies, and build resilient, prosperous communities.
Remaking the Mon Valley Labor Force Partners:
Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments and Steel Rivers Council of Governments, Mon Valley Initiative, Mon Metro Business Equity Initiative, Heritage Community Initiatives, Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc., Pittsburghers for Public Transit
Main ST & Associates
A division of Main ST, Main ST and Associates is a consulting team of experts with extensive qualifications, experience and specialized knowledge in working across diverse community settings.
We emphasize engagement with underrepresented communities to build consensus develop scalable, multi-disciplinary, and impactful projects.
Our Principal Consultants
Fred W Brown, Jr.
Dr. Particia DeMarco
Tina Doose
Lori Rue
Current Projects and Initiatives
Eos Community Benefits Work
Mon Valley Focused Community Benefits Work
Other CBP Work for other Corporations
PA and Appalachia Sustainable Business Network
Corporate Strategic Planning for Green Manufacturing
SWPA Municipal Project Hub
Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce
Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN)- Quality Committee Member
Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations
Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP)
We Are Open activities improve operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational capability of underrepresented entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations. Capacity building activities are:
Products (i.e., website design/development, logo design, visual content)·
Services (i.e., multi-media like podcasts, tech support, streaming,)·
Education/Training (i.e., workshops, conferences, development,)·
Development Processes (i.e., strategic planning, fund development, grant writing, business development, coaching, mentoring)
Main ST empowers underrepresented mostly low-income youth through hands-on learning activities, to gain competencies geared to empower and transform them into capable individuals who can navigate and thrive in an inequitable and unjust society by
· Developing practical /technical, life, and social skills that are essential in the 21st-century workforce;
· Providing them with opportunities to use their competencies in positive self-promoting ways; and,
· Fostering pro-social and emotional racial socialization that creates a supportive environment.
Black working Artists need support to equitably market and sell their art. A platform that allows them the freedom to showcase their cultural expression based on their experiences and the experiences of their communities, while allowing them to make money. Although progress has been made to be more supportive of black artists, data shows there still remains a question of equity and inclusivity.
The art ecosystem still remains predominately a white space - most American Artist who successfully make a living from selling their art are white, while the curators, museums, galleries and other venues that set the standard for art are mainly white owned, operated and staffed (Among 18 major U.S. museums, 85% of artists featured are while, while 87% are men, according to 2019 Study by Williams College). And because of the lack of black representation within this system, when it does come to exhibiting black art, these platforms usually base their selection of which black artists to display on their comfort and viewpoint.
Beyond building inclusivity within these structures, we need to transform the structural landscape to combat this historical inequity. One way is to increase black operated platforms that identify with black artists experiences and can provide them cultural support. Working with other black art organizations, Arts Collective will provide multimedia, technology and marketing / branding support that provides equitable economic opportunities for black artist to promote, showcase and sell their art.
