CMSC Webinar: Main Street Accelerator Info Session

Learn more about the next Main Street Accelerator program cohort starting in January 2025! Designed to empower leaders driving downtown improvement, this 6-month virtual program equips participants with the knowledge and tools to spearhead impactful projects on their main street. In this info session, you’ll learn:

• What to expect in Main Street Accelerator
• The types of projects and individuals best suited for the program
• The application process and timeline

About Our Presenter

Michelle McCabe, Executive Director of Connecticut Main Street Center 

Michelle brings over a decade of non-profit management experience to Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC). Her expertise in program development and strategic planning led CMSC’s expansion of its educational and technical assistance programming, member assistance offerings, and championing statewide policies that benefit Connecticut’s downtowns and Main Streets.

Since beginning her tenure at the helm of CMSC in July 2022, Michelle and the CMSC team introduced a new evaluation framework, including the development of an innovative new downtown management assessment tool; met with CMSC member communities, partner organizations, government leaders, and others to explore new opportunities to collaborate; launched several new programs including Main Street Accelerator focused on  local  team leadership training and project implementation, and Diversity on Main, a partnership with the Black Business Alliance focused on filling storefront vacancies; engaged in regional work in partnership with the Northwest Hills Council of Governments and the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce; and identified key issues for advocating on behalf of Connecticut’s main streets. Michelle serves on the boards of Connecticut Arts Alliance, Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) and Connecticut Preservation Action, and works closely with the Main Street Working Group of the state legislature.

Prior to joining CMSC, Michelle served as an Interim Executive Director with HomeBridge Ventures, a non-profit focused on holistic workforce development and re-entry programming for formerly incarcerated individuals. She also served as Director of the FEED Center with The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, where she built multiple programs from the ground up that included workforce training, small business development and social enterprises, strategic planning, diversifying revenue sources, and organizational change management. Her experience also extends to successful public/private collaborations, community engagement, and policy advocacy.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Michelle received her BA from Vassar College, BA, and her MA from the University of Texas – Austin.