In this special Main Street Accelerator Info Session, Executive Director, Michelle McCabe, provides an overview of the program and how to apply. 

The genesis of Main Street Accelerator stemmed from over 20 years of observation at CMSC. We see Main Street communities all over the state with big visions and ambitions, that find themselves struggling to make them a reality. Main Street Accelerator is a professional development and team-building program centered on helping local teams execute small-scale projects that will make incremental positive change to their downtown.

The recording is available on this page. Additional information and the application link can be found on our dedicated Main Street Accelerator webpage.

Applications close October 29, 2024. 

View Presentation Slides (PDF) 

Michelle McCabe is Connecticut Main Street Center’s Executive Director.  Michelle brings 12 years of non-profit experience to CMSC.  Before joining, Michelle served as interim Executive Director for HomeBridge Ventures, a non-profit focused on holistic workforce development and re-entry programming for formerly incarcerated individuals, and over seven years as Director of the FEED Center with The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport. In the course of this work, she built multiple programs from the ground up, leading strategic planning, raising funds from a diversity of revenue sources, and guiding boards and staff through organizational change. Her experience also extends to successful public/private collaborations, community engagement, and policy advocacy.  Michelle currently serves on the Board of the Connecticut Arts Alliance and as a member of Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from Vassar College and a master’s degree in art history and criticism from the University of Texas at Austin.

Savannah Blantz, Programs Coordinator 

savannah@ctmainstreet.org