Business Resources
Main Street Washington
Whether you’re starting a business, enhancing your storefront, or seeking funding opportunities, our Resources page is here to help. Explore local and state grants, small business tools, design guidelines, and other valuable information to support your success in Washington’s Main Street district. We’ve gathered everything you need in one place to make it easier to grow, thrive, and invest in our community.
Marketing Snapshot
Main Street Washington is committed to building a vibrant future for our historic downtown. Through public and private investment, strong partnerships, and coordinated marketing efforts, we are working to position downtown as a thriving center for commerce and community life. This Market Snapshot, prepared by Main Street Iowa, provides key data and insights that will guide business development strategies and support ongoing revitalization efforts. Washington has proudly been part of the Main Street Iowa program since 2008.
Historic Downtown
Washington’s Historic Downtown District showcases beautifully preserved 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, reflecting the city’s rich heritage. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this vibrant area remains the heart of the community—where history, commerce, and culture come together.
Design Guidelines
The character of Washington’s historic downtown is shaped by its buildings, storefronts, and public spaces—reminders of our past, anchors of our present, and opportunities for future growth. As part of the Main Street America® program, our design guidelines help property owners, city staff, and community partners preserve and enhance these physical assets. Guided by the Four Points of the Main Street Approach™—economic vitality, design, organization, and promotion—these standards ensure that revitalization efforts not only protect the district’s heritage but also support sustainability, economic strength, and community well-being.
Permits
Any new signage, building improvements, or renovation projects within Washington’s historic downtown require city permits before work begins. This process ensures that projects meet safety codes and follow local design guidelines, preserving the unique character of the district. Whether you’re updating a storefront, adding exterior signage, or starting a larger renovation, securing the proper permits helps protect your investment while keeping downtown vibrant and welcoming for all.
As a Main Street America™ accredited program, Main Street Washington is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ accredited programs meet a set of national accreditation standards of performance as outlined by the national Main Street Center.
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