In East Atlanta, Devon Woodson, owner of Pals Restaurant & Lounge, shares how business security depends on community stability and supportive institutions. Hear more about his perspective on the Breaking Barriers to Business (B3) initiative in partnership with Main Street America and Living Cities and powered by Truist Foundation. (Full video with the link in our comments!) (fb)

Is your community ready for a natural disaster or crisis? In our recent survey, half of the respondents said they’ve faced a major crisis in the past decade, but only one-third have a disaster or crisis communications plan. As natural disasters and crises become more common, Main Streets must plan and prepare for recovery. Here are five ways your community can get ready: 1️⃣ Prepare to lead the way by identifying contingency plans and coordinating with partners 2️⃣ Get ready for crisis communications and create an outreach plan 3️⃣ Gather the materials you will need to jump in and support small business owners 4️⃣ Identify and prepare frameworks for relief funding opportunities 5️⃣ Map out volunteer opportunities and consider recruiting a team now Learn more: https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/main-spotlight-five-ways-to-prepare-for-disasters-and-crises-in-your-downtown Downtown Decorations, a Main Street America Allied Member, is this quarter's Main Spotlight advertiser. For more information about what they do to support Main Street organizations, click here: https://downtownbanners.com/ (fb)