Harrisonburg businesses eligible for bootcamp, $2,500 grant through new initiative

New or early-stage business owners in Harrisonburg may be eligible to take part in a business bootcamp offered through the city.

Thirty businesses will be chosen for the new Harrisonburg Entrepreneurship Development Initiative.

The HEDI program begins with participants meeting one-on-one with a business coach to discuss their business and to identify an area in which they’d like to enhance their skills. These areas may include subject matters such as marketing, sales, bookkeeping, etc.

Participants will then engage with a dedicated subject matter expert, set meaningful goals and track their growth.

“Our new entrepreneurship initiative will help unlock the potential of our local business owners and ensure Harrisonburg remains a vibrant and dynamic place for businesses to grow and succeed,” said Pierce Macgill, Harrisonburg deputy director of economic development.

Once participants complete their training, they are eligible for a one-time grant of $2,500.

Applications for the bootcamp are due Jan. 31.

Visit www.harrisonburgdevelopment/hedi to learn more and apply.

Harrisonburg Entrepreneurship Development Initiative requirements

1. Must be a for-profit business entity with a place of business located in the City of Harrisonburg. Home-based businesses are eligible.
2. Must have a city business license
3. Must have at least $5,000, but no more than $100,000, in annual gross revenues
4. Must be able to provide proof of revenue through a 2023 federal tax return or 2024 income statements
5. The business is locally owned, or locally operated with headquarters in Virginia
6. All taxes and fees to the City of Harrisonburg are current