The City of Waynesboro and the Waynesboro Economic Development Authority strengthened their downtown historic district through enhanced small business development services and façade improvement matching grants.
Building on successful, existing programs, a $100,000 FY24 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant was secured from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to expand incentives and create a more comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem to promote post-pandemic recovery locally.
Demand surpassed expectations, and a total of 24 businesses were served. $36,000 was awarded to seven businesses for services including e-commerce, marketing, and specialized training. More than $86,000 was awarded for 17 building façade improvement projects and leveraged by almost $115,000 in private investment. The City of Waynesboro contributed over $25,000 cash towards the project, along with staff and in-kind support. Additional outcomes include the creation of four new jobs and retention of nine existing jobs.
Once home to large manufacturers and major employers, downtown Waynesboro is working to overcome decades of disinvestment. COVID further hindered progress until a FY22 Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant and FY23 Community Business Launch grant were received from DHCD. By layering resources, Waynesboro has visually transformed it’s historic downtown district; spurred business creation, downtown foot traffic, and community pride; and proactively positioned itself as a vibrant hub for tourism and commerce.
“We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the City of Waynesboro for the grant funding we received in support of our business, Bionic Innovations. Please understand the value of what you are doing for small businesses in the community and how much we appreciate what you did for us.”
– Kevin King, Owner of Bionic Innovations
Most recently, Waynesboro was accepted into the Virginia Main Street (VMS) Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) two-year program, through which Waynesboro is working to build the local support and capacity needed to sustain a comprehensive downtown revitalization program. VMS and DHCD look forward to continuing to support their local efforts.
Photo Credit: Waynesboro Economic Development Authority
Virginia Main Street 