Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway Startup Grants

Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway Startup Grants is sponsored by Waynesboro Economic Development and Tourism. Offers startup grants to entrepreneurs in Waynesboro's Rockfish Gateway district after completing a business training series.

Grow Waynesboro: Rockfish Gateway Program Grow Waynesboro rockfish gateway Grow Waynesboro: Rockfish Gateway is a free business training program designed to provide a base of business fundamentals to individuals looking to start or expand a business in Waynesboro. Following the completion of the seven-week program, selected individuals will be invited to compete for up to $25,000 in startup grants.

The Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway program opened in November 2025 and business planning classes beginning in February 2026. Selected participants will compete in a live Pitch Night event after completion of classes, with at least three winners receiving a total of $60,000 to start or expand businesses by November 2026. On July 25, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin Announced $5.

4 million in grants to revitalize downtown development. The City of Waynesboro secured $50,000 as part of the Community Business Launch (CBL) program for its Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway program, which will provide resources to support the development of new businesses, spur job creation, and encourage private investment in the Rockfish Gateway corridor.

Thanks to our generous local sponsors we were able to increase the start-up funds. The Rockfish Gateway, stretching from the Blue Ridge Tunnel to the Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace, is one of the most visible entrances to Waynesboro, serving as the gateway from Albemarle and Nelson counties, Interstate 64, Shenandoah National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This targeted area is already home to popular attractions such as Basic City Beer Co. , The Foundry, Common Wealth Crush, Happ Coffee Roasters, Blue Ridge Bucha, and Sunset Park, and will soon benefit from major VDOT-funded streetscape improvements. (Deadline: January 12, 2026) View the Rockfish Gateway District Map Frequently Asked Questions What is Grow Waynesboro: Rockfish Gateway?

Grow Waynesboro: Rockfish Gateway is a free business training program designed to provide a base of business fundamentals to individuals looking to start or expand a business in Waynesboro, VA. Following the completion of the seven-week program, selected individuals will be invited to compete for up to $25,000 in startup grants in a live Pitch Night.

The program is funded by a grant from the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Community Business Launch (CBL), City of Waynesboro, Waynesboro Economic Development Authority (EDA), and local businesses including First Bank and Trust, and Atlantic Union Bank. Who can participate in the business planning class?

Any individual who has considered opening their own business in Waynesboro, including, but not limited to, for profit, nonprofit, home-based businesses, retail storefronts, professional services, manufacturing and more. What do the business planning classes involve? During the seven-week class series, you will hear from experts in their fields as they walk you through the steps to launch a successful business.

You will discuss a variety of critical topics, including marketing, finance, operations, cash flow projections, hiring employees, taxes, and more. The training program is facilitated by the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF) and will feature expert guest speakers.

At the conclusion of the class, you will have a nucleus of a business plan, and will have met one of the eligibility guidelines to compete for up to $25,000 in startup funds. Class size is limited, see the complete list of topics and class schedule here . Classes are held in the evenings in Waynesboro and will begin February 3, 2026 from 6pm to 8pm.

See complete class schedule here . What if I have an existing business but want to expand or improve? If you already have a business plan and/or successful business in Waynesboro or have a business in another community and want to open a second location in Waynesboro, we can provide assistance with your expansion plans.

Support can be obtained through SCCF, SCORE, and the Small Business Development Center. To be eligible to participate in the Pitch Night and compete for startup grants, you will need to complete the GrowthWheel program provided by the Small Business Development Center (at no cost to you) and meet additional criteria for expansion/relocation. Complete the form here no later than January 12, 2026.

Can I talk to someone about my business idea? Yes! Contact us at the email or phone number below and our Small Business Specialist will get back to you.

You may also want to review the recent downtown “leakage” report to compare your idea with current needs and also the market research tool here . How do I apply for the startup grants? After meeting the eligibility factors, startup grants in the Grow Waynesboro: Rockfish Gateway program are competitive based on your business plan and your “pitch” at a live pitch night event in Waynesboro in late-April 2026.

What are the eligibility factors? Businesses that meet the following eligibility guidelines can apply: • Successful completion of the seven-week business training program, or if an existing business, completion of the SBDC GrowthWheel program • Submission of a business plan and any other required documents by March 31, 2026.

• Open a for profit, brick and mortar “storefront” in Waynesboro, with a focus in the Rockfish Gateway District (see Rockfish Gateway District Map and check back later for a list of available properties) no later than November 30, 2026 • Plan on hiring at least 1 FTE (including yourself) (1. 5 new FTE’s if an expansion) within the first twelve months.

Existing businesses, unless planning a significant expansion and/or a move into the Rockfish Gateway District, are not eligible to apply (exceptions may apply). A brick-and-mortar businesses (building or part of a building) that has a physical presence and offers face-to-face customer experiences with visibility on a main street.

Full Time Equivalent employee – one full time (40 hours / week) employee = two part time (20 hours/ week) employees. How large are the grants? The Grow Waynesboro: Rockfish Gateway competition has a total of $57,500 of grant funds to award to three top finalists with the first-place winner receiving up to $25,000.

The final distribution will depend on the quality, funding needs, and quantity of the overall applicant pool. An independent pool of judges will review all business plans and presentations at pitch night to determine the final awards. What can I use the grant dollars for?

Rent payments, supplies, marketing materials, website development, computer equipment, leasehold improvements, and more are all eligible costs for businesses supported by Grow Waynesboro grant dollars. Winner will not receive a direct check, but the Waynesboro Economic Development Authority will make direct payments to vendors.

Your opportunity to present your business idea to an independent panel of judges and a live audience (think of a famous TV show, although our judges are much nicer). How do I enter the pitch night competition? Instructions for entering the pitch night will be provided during the seven-week business training and/or GrowthWheel sessions.

An independent panel of judges will review the business plans of those completing the required training sessions and select up to eight entrepreneurs to compete in pitch night and the startup grants. What if I am not one of the grant winners, can you still help me with funding? Yes!

We have a limited number of other grant options based on need and availability. In addition, as a Grow Waynesboro participant, you are eligible to apply for a zero-interest loan from the Economic Development Authority. Details will be provided during the required training sessions.

How do I prepare for pitch night? An optional Pitch Preparation Workshop will be held at the conclusion of the seven-week training to help competitors build upon the research and work that went into their business plan and turn that into an impressive presentation for the audience and judges. What if I still have more questions?

We’d love to help answer them! Contact us at , or 540-942-6570. staff@waynesborobusiness.

com