Virginia Main Street

When it comes to sparking innovation and supporting small businesses, the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) has shown what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and passion. Through the FY24 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant—administered by DHCD’s Virginia Main Street program—DAA set out to strengthen Ashland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and open doors for small businesses across Ashland and Hanover County.

The vision was simple yet powerful: to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and confidence to thrive. That vision came to life through a series of energizing programs, workshops, and mentorships that left a lasting mark on the community.

Over the course of the project, DAA hosted a Startup Business Accelerator for 12 new entrepreneurs, blending video instruction with lively in-person discussions and one-on-one mentoring. The Center Street Pitch Competition, co-hosted with the Dominion Energy Innovation Center, added excitement and opportunity—awarding $20,000 in prizes to promising local ventures.

Entrepreneurs also dove into Digital Marketing Mentorships, Innovation Workshops, and Business Leadership Roundtables that tackled big topics like access to capital, real estate investment, and workforce challenges. The workshops didn’t just stay in the room—DAA made them available online and launched a Spanish-language series, ensuring more people could benefit from this wave of support.

This momentum was powered by strong partnerships and in-kind contributions from community organizations offering event space, marketing assistance, and technical expertise—all reinforcing that success in Ashland is truly a shared endeavor.

And the results speak volumes. The program exceeded expectations—assisting 50 businesses, training 80 people, creating 8 new businesses, and helping retain 40 local jobs. Nearly $40,000 in prize funds fueled innovation and confidence among emerging business owners.

From workshops to mentorship to celebration, DAA and its partners have built more than programs—they’ve built belief. In Ashland, entrepreneurship isn’t just about business—it’s about community, creativity, and the courage to grow together.