Entrepreneurs – Virginia Main Street

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

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

Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk

January 18, 2021

In October 2020, Downtown Suffolk Business Launch winners and real estate brokers Domenick Epps and Danita Hayes launched Wall Street Café on Washington Street in downtown Suffolk. “Great food, great coffee, great conversation and [financial] education is what the atmosphere of Wall Street Café is all about!” – Danita Hayes Emphasizing the role of entrepreneurs … More Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk

CARES II: Program Fast Facts for Small Businesses

January 12, 2021

The pipelines for the second round of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding are opening now, and here are some quick facts to share with small businesses in your district: Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of forgivable loans opened on Monday, Jan. 11th, to first-time applicants. It will open … More CARES II: Program Fast Facts for Small Businesses

10 Steps To Take A Retail or Restaurant Business Online

July 24, 2020

During the rapid changes in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown, many retailers and restaurants set up online sales from scratch. Our guest blogger today is Kevin Clay, partner and communications director at Big Spoon Co., a Richmond-based PR and marketing firm. He helped numerous food-based businesses get online during COVID-19 lockdown and below … More 10 Steps To Take A Retail or Restaurant Business Online

How to Include your Landlord in a Game Plan for Success during COVID-19

April 21, 2020

Our contributor is Jenny Crittenden, a seasoned 14-year veteran executive director of the Main Street Preservation Trust in Gloucester, VA, where she manages an accredited Main Street program. She has experience working with property owners and tenants from independents to national retailers. To learn more about the Gloucester Village go to http://www.gloucestervillage.com or follow them … More How to Include your Landlord in a Game Plan for Success during COVID-19

Community Development Roadshows Coming Soon!

July 17, 2019

Are you wondering what programs are available to help revitalize your downtown or community? Do you have a “white elephant” building in your community that would make a great brewery or co-working space? Do you want to encourage new businesses to open in your community? If so, we encourage you to attend one of the … More Community Development Roadshows Coming Soon!