Downtown Business
Downtown revitalization is economic development with a front porch.
Whether you own a business downtown, dream of opening one, or want to better understand the work happening around the Square, this is the place to begin.
A Strong Downtown Helps Everyone
When downtown businesses do well, the whole community feels it. Storefronts stay active. Visitors have more reasons to come. Events feel livelier. Historic buildings remain useful. Local dollars stay closer to home. And the Square continues to serve as the center of community life.
Heart of Scottsville supports downtown business through storytelling, events, promotion, partnerships, public projects, merchant communication, and the steady
We’re Here to Help
Business VisibilityMarketing, events, storytelling, and downtown promotion.
Merchant SupportResources, training, networking, and communication.
Public spaces, walkability, and downtown appearance.
Design & District CareInvestments & PartnershipGrants, sponsorships, projects, and long-term strategy.
You Are Part of the Welcome
Downtown merchants are one of Scottsville’s strongest assets. Your storefronts, services, windows, hospitality, and investment shape the experience people have when they visit the Square.
Heart is here to help support that work through promotion, events, communication, and partnership.
Merchant opportunities include:Being listed in the Downtown Directory
Participating in First Friday Passport promotions
Sharing updates for Heart newsletters and social media
Hosting specials during events
Collaborating on Shop Small Saturday
Participating in seasonal campaigns
Sharing business milestones, new products, or special offerings
Connecting with other downtown merchants
Learning about available resources and project opportunities
Receiving business and marketing coaching
Thinking About Opening a Business?
Downtown Scottsville has room for good ideas.
If you are interested in opening, relocating, or growing a business in the historic commercial district, Heart can help you understand the downtown landscape, connect with local partners, and think through how your business might fit into the life of the Square.
We cannot promise a perfect space or a simple process, but we can help point you in the right direction and welcome you into the conversation.
Help Guests Find You
The Downtown Directory helps visitors and locals discover where to shop, eat, gather, and do business in downtown Scottsville.
If your business is located in or near the downtown district, we invite you to submit or update your listing so guests can find accurate information about your hours, services, location, website, and social media.
Invite Guests Through Your Door
The First Friday Passport is designed to encourage guests to visit downtown merchants as part of the First Friday experience.
As visitors enjoy food trucks, guest vendors, music, classic cars, and family activities, the Passport gives them one more reason to step inside local businesses, explore the Square, and support the merchants who keep downtown lively all year long.
This program helps connect the energy of First Friday with the storefronts that make downtown Scottsville more than a one-night destination.
Useful Tools for Local Business
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Submit new hours, photos, events, specials, or announcements for possible promotion here.
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Add or update your listing in the downtown business directory here.
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Learn how downtown merchants can participate in event-night promotions here.
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Support events, projects, and downtown programming here.
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Learn about opportunities for local makers or Heart merchandise opportunities here.
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Receive our FREE course or request personal coaching to help you establish an effective Google Business Profile here.
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Interested in updating your facade or signage? The historic commercial district has a Design Guide and permit process. Receive guidance here.
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Learn about available properties in the historic commercial district here.
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Ask about downtown business support, projects, or partnership opportunities here.
Caring for Downtown Places
Historic buildings are part of downtown Scottsville’s character, but they are also working spaces that need care, investment, and vision.
Heart values property owners who want to keep downtown buildings active, useful, and well cared for. If you own property downtown, we welcome the chance to stay connected, share relevant opportunities, and work together when projects or resources align.
Let’s Keep Downtown Working
Downtown Scottsville is strongest when merchants, property owners, volunteers, sponsors, and civic partners are moving in the same direction.
Whether you are running a business, opening one, improving a property, sponsoring an event, or simply looking for a way to support the Square, Heart would be glad to hear from you.