Category: Economic Vitality

Building Momentum in Ashland’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

November 5, 2025

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 … More Building Momentum in Ashland’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Onancock “Feels the Vibe” with Downtown Investment Success

August 27, 2025

Downtown Onancock is buzzing with fresh energy, and it’s no accident. The Feel the Vibe project, partially funded by a $45,000 Virginia Main Street (VMS) Downtown Investment Grant, brought together a creative mix of initiatives to attract more people downtown, support entrepreneurs, and enhance the district’s visual appeal. Onancock Main Street (OMS) led the effort, … More Onancock “Feels the Vibe” with Downtown Investment Success

Incentives Further Downtown Waynesboro Revitalization

May 12, 2025

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 … More Incentives Further Downtown Waynesboro Revitalization

Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

April 14, 2025

Bloom Market, Portsmouth’s nonprofit retail accelerator, recently celebrated its first anniversary with an outdoor vendor market that drew a vibrant crowd. The milestone event showcased the creativity and talent of local artisans, makers, and creatives who have benefited from the program’s support over the past year. Since its launch, Bloom Market has empowered emerging local … More Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

DAW Theatre: Breathing New Life Into a Historic Gem

August 22, 2024

Located in the heart of Tappahannock’s historic district, the DAW Theatre has a rich history dating back to its grand opening in February 1939. Named after its original owners—E.M. Doar, H.S. Atkinson, and R.B. Wallace—the theater was once a cultural hub, drawing crowds from across Tidewater with its 500-seat Art Deco style and hosting everything … More DAW Theatre: Breathing New Life Into a Historic Gem

The Walker Program Releases Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide

May 10, 2021

In spring 2021, The Walker Program released its Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide, which provides a step-by-step framework to address racial inequity through the economic sector in the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista, Rockbridge County and similarly sized communities. Created by a Washington and Lee University student, Courtney Berry, in partnership … More The Walker Program Releases Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide

Culpeper Competes Announces Awards to Four Businesses for Startup and Expansion

May 7, 2021

Excitingly, the Town of Culpeper’s Tourism & Economic Development Department announced that four Culpeper Competes entrepreneur’s had been awarded $45,000 in grants and prizes! The nine-week entrepreneurship education competition program was designed for entrepreneurs planning to open a new brick and mortar business in downtown Culpeper, for existing downtown businesses that had innovative ideas on how to expand and grow … More Culpeper Competes Announces Awards to Four Businesses for Startup and Expansion

Danville’s River District Association Reflects on Dream Launch Success and Prepares for Another Impactful Year

March 24, 2021

With support from Virginia DHCD’s Community Business Launch (CBL) program, Danville’s River District Association (RDA) held its first Dream Launch Boot Camp and Pitch Competition during spring 2019! More than 75 individuals participated in some or all of the boot camp classes, and nine completed all the requirements to take part in the pitch competition. … More Danville’s River District Association Reflects on Dream Launch Success and Prepares for Another Impactful Year

New Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program (B-Cubed) Launches in Rockingham County

March 12, 2021

During the summer of 2020, nationwide events influenced many people to seek ways to support Black- and Brown-owned businesses in their communities. In response to that desire, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber’s Diversity Business Council, which includes Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), mapped out a strategy to grow Black- and Brown-owned businesses (B-Cubed) in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, … More New Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program (B-Cubed) Launches in Rockingham County