If you’ve been dreaming of starting a business or expanding the existing footprint, the City of Waynesboro has a unique opportunity that could result in $25,000 in startup funds.
The successful Grow Waynesboro program is expanding to the Rockfish Gateway, or East Main Street, one of the entrance corridors to the city.
The corridor stretches from the Blue Ridge Tunnel to the Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace building and includes Sunset Park.
According to the city, the Virginia Department of Transportation is also planning streetscape improvements to this corridor.
The area already features many businesses including Basic City Beer Co., The Foundry, Common Wealth Crush, Happ Coffee Roasters, Blue Ridge Bucha, Bonobos Bakery, Faded Poppy, The Matriarchs, Bear Creek Outdoor Living, Sip City Soda Shop and more.
The small-business development program begins with a free, seven-week business training series that includes fundamentals including business planning, marketing, financial management and operations led by industry professionals and mentors. Classes will begin in early 2026.
At the conclusion of the training, some participants will have the opportunity to compete for up to $25,000 in startup grants during a live pitch night that is open to the public. A total of $57,500 will be awarded to start or expand businesses by November 2026.
“Grow Waynesboro has a track record of turning big ideas into real businesses,” said Greg Hitchin, director of economic development and tourism for the city. “By focusing this round on Rockfish Gateway, we’re helping fuel the district’s momentum and inviting the next wave of entrepreneurs to shape Waynesboro’s future.”
The Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway program is made possible through the support of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Business Launch (CBL), Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, First Bank & Trust and Atlantic Union Bank.
More information is available online. The deadline to apply is Jan. 12, 2026.
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Crystal Graham
