About Conway Downtown Alive

Conway Downtown Alive aims to stimulate economic development, encourage historic preservation, and promote the vitality of Downtown Conway.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation developed the Main Street program through its National Main Street Center. In 1985, South Carolina joined the revitalization movement and established a statewide Main Street program. In 1986, Conway was chosen, along with 3 other cities- Aiken, Beaufort and Georgetown, as a founding program for Main Street SC, making Conway Main Street USA one of the oldest Main Street programs in the state.

A group of local citizens concerned about the economic health of Downtown Conway founded Conway Main Street, U.S.A., a non-profit organization run by a Board of Directors and a staff Executive Director. The Main Street program was a comprehensive, incremental approach to regenerating the economic vitality of downtown commercial districts, built around a community’s unique heritage and attributes. Using local resources and initiative, the Main Street program helps communities develop strategies to stimulate long-term economic growth and pride in the community center — Downtown. This is done through several platforms – promotions, physical improvements and economic restructuring.

In June 2011, Conway Main Street USA stepped out from the South Carolina Main Street Program to form Conway Downtown Alive. CDA utilizes the Main Street approach to continue promoting and preserving Downtown Conway and remains a partner of the National Main Street Center. Conway Downtown Alive hosts over 25 events days annually and offers classes, grants, networking and promotion opportunities for the businesses in the Historic District.

Job Opportunity

Part-time Visitor Center Associate

Conway Downtown Alive is currently seeking a part-time employee to assist with visitor operations at the Conway Visitor Center for 3 to 5 Fridays and Saturdays each month. The compensation is $12 per hour. Applicants should have a year of customer service experience and be knowledgeable about the shops, restaurants, events and amenities of Downtown Conway. To apply, submit a resume and references to hillaryhoward@conwayalive.com. No phone calls. Closing date is May 10, 2024, with a proposed start date of June 2024.

Grants

Conway Downtown Alive offers granting programs for façade improvements and rent assistance.

CDA Grants

Scholarships

Conway Downtown Alive offers two scholarships, the Carol Hoyt Scholarship and the David Summers Scholarship.

Annual Meeting

The 2024 Conway Downtown Alive Annual Meeting will be held at the 5th & Main Building. Join us on Tuesday, June 18 at 5:30 PM to mix and mingle with fellow CDA partners.