Main Streets Allegheny

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Strengthening Local Business Districts

Main Streets Allegheny is Allegheny County’s coordinated initiative to support neighborhood commercial districts and downtown business corridors across the county. Strong main streets are essential to healthy communities. They support small businesses, create local jobs, activate public spaces, and serve as gathering places that strengthen neighborhood identity and quality of life.

Main Streets Allegheny brings together technical assistance, grants, loans, and district-level investment to help municipalities, business districts, and small businesses work together to strengthen local economies and create vibrant, welcoming places.

The Main Streets Allegheny Program includes more than $5 million to be invested in Allegheny County’s main streets. For any questions about Main Streets Allegheny, please email mainstreetsallegheny@alleghenycounty.us.


Watch the full Main Streets introductory video on YouTube.

Open for Business Program

Main Streets Allegheny continues to expand the technical support available to small businesses across the county. Through the Open for Business Program, business owners can connect with experienced consultants in marketing, accounting, legal services, and more, at no cost.

Apply for the Open for Business Program

Main Streets Allegheny Technical Assistance Program Applications

Main Streets Allegheny invests in local business districts to help communities create vibrant places to live, work, and shop. The newly launched Main Streets Allegheny Technical Assistance Program offers expert, hands‑on guidance to help communities plan and implement effective Main Street revitalization strategies. Depending on existing plans, municipalities receive either a new Strategic Action Plan or tailored support to carry out current initiatives. Services include strategic planning, specialized studies, grant support, and direct assistance for small businesses. 

Applications are now being accepted through Friday, August 28, at 5:00 pm.  For more information on this and other grant opportunities, please see below.

Technical Assistance Program

The Main Streets Allegheny Technical Assistance Program (TAP) provides hands-on support from qualified consultants to help communities plan, organize, and implement successful Main Street revitalization strategies in their traditional Main Street commercial districts. This support is provided by Fourth Economy Consulting and evolveEA, with additional technical assistance provided from a group of approved experts, including grant writers and marketing professionals.

After acceptance into the program, municipalities will be evaluated to determine the specific planning and technical assistance to be provided and the recommended program lifecycle (between one to three years).

Municipalities that do not have existing business district plans (either created during the former Allegheny Together program or through another effort) will receive a detailed, implementable Strategic Action Plan for their business district within the first six months of the program. Municipalities with existing business district plans will receive tailored technical assistance to implement the strategies outlined in their plans and additional scopes of work to complement these efforts.

TAP Services

Participants will receive a comprehensive package of services that can be broken into two main components:

Technical Assistance and Strategic Planning: These activities may include strategic planning and/or specific planning studies (e.g., market analysis, bicycle and/or pedestrian plans, business retention and attraction strategies, site location assistance) or additional support for grant writing or organizational planning.

Small Business Assistance: Specific support for small businesses, such as business owner surveys, resource identification, site location assistance, business expansion and retention services, and business association formation.

TAP Application

Submissions are accepted through Friday, August 28, at 5:00 pm.

Apply for the Technical Assistance Program

Additional Resources

For TAP-related questions or application support, email tap@mainstreetsallegheny.com. 

Main Streets Grant Opportunities

Implementation and Placemaking Grants

The current application round has closed, please check back for the next application cycle. View the 2026 Implementation Grant Guidelines(PDF, 221KB) for more details.

Funding for physical improvements and district-level projects that enhance the character, function, and identity of Main Street districts. Eligible activities may include:

  • Streetscape and public-realm improvements
  • Murals, lighting, signage, and wayfinding
  • District identity and placemaking initiatives
  • Available to municipalities outside of the City of Pittsburgh

Apply for an Implementation and Placemaking Grant

Events and District Activation Grants

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated. View the 2026 Events and District Activation Grant Guidelines(PDF, 192KB) for more information.

Support for events and activities that bring people to Main Street districts, increase foot traffic, and activate commercial corridors. Eligible activities may include:

  • Community events, festivals, and pop-up activities
  • District-wide activations tied to local businesses
  • Available countywide, including all neighborhoods within the City of Pittsburgh

Additional Information

Review the Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 102KB) for more information about the program.

Small Business Support and Capital

This grant opportunity will be available soon. Financial support and one-on-one assistance for small businesses located within Main Street districts. Support may include:

  • Small business grants
  • Small business loans
  • Build-out, equipment, facade improvements, and expansion
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