Tennessee Downtowns
Forecasted
Tennessee Downtowns, from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, helps communities revitalize their downtowns through training, technical support, and project grants.
Funder: Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027: Certified Tennessee Downtowns Letter of Intent deadline (projected) | January 2028: Round 11 Application deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Each selected community receives a $15,000 reimbursable innovation grant; 24-month program duration.
Summary: Supports Tennessee communities in launching and sustaining downtown revitalization through training, technical assistance, and project grants.
Key Information: Highly competitive; only communities not previously in the program may apply.
Description
The Tennessee Downtowns program, managed by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), is a structured, 24-month initiative designed to help Tennessee communities revitalize their traditional downtown districts. Drawing on the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach® (Design, Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion), the program provides in-depth training, technical assistance, site visits, and access to a reimbursable innovation project grant. Communities benefit from workshops, webinars, and guidance from state-assigned consultants, with the goal of fostering sustainable economic growth, heritage tourism, and community development. Participation in Tennessee Downtowns can also serve as a pathway to Tennessee Main Street designation, though this is not automatic.
