The Shenandoah Valley is not just one ecosystem. It’s a massive region of thriving downtowns, cultural offerings, and over 3,000 farms in the 11 counties that stretch along I-81. The region includes Winchester, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Lexington, and Buena Vista, with a handful of ESOs who come together to elevate entrepreneurship in “The Valley.” 

Spring Summit attendees won’t get to explore all of these amazing places, but there are three in the Central Valley we will get a chance to spend time in throughout our 2.5 days together. Let’s dive in!

Harrisonburg: Your Homebase

Home of James Madison University (JMU) and Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), Harrisonburg’s downtown is going through a resurgence that is spreading to other parts of the city thanks to entrepreneurial activity. The city will be our home base during the Spring Summit, where we will spend much of our time together while not on ecosystem tours or adventures.

Where the entrepreneurs hang out

  • The Perch at Magpie is a coworking space that acts as a hub for entrepreneurs. 

  • Manufactory Collective is a 20,000 square foot space where makers, manufacturers, artisans, and entrepreneurs can gain access to assembly, storage, and production space, large and specialized equipment, and industry experts to help them scale up their businesses. Founded by Summit Host Debbie Irwin and her husband Nate, this space just opened, and Summit attendees are going to get a chance to tour it!

  • Coffee shops! There are many to choose from: Black Sheep Coffee, Coffee Hound, Heritage Bakery, Broad Porch Coffee, and Merge Coffee.

Entrepreneur Support in Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg is home to a few ESOs in The Valley.

  • B-Cubed is a Black and Brown business growth program. It blends a combination of comprehensive business support including business plan development or improvement, marketing guidance, technical assistance, micro-loans, small grants, mentorship, and networking support. B³ utilizes a phased assistance approach, customized to the business's current stage and needs.

  • The Shenandoah Valley SBDC is headquartered in Harrisonburg and has been a wonderful partner and advocate for entrepreneurs.

  • Harrisonburg Economic Development runs Launch Harrisonburg, a ten-week startup support program, twice a year and is one of our Summit sponsors! Launch Harrisonburg equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving business.

  • James Madison University (JMU) JMU Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spaces (for JMU students): 

    • For entrepreneurs who have an idea but don’t know where to start, the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship (GCFE) is the place to be.

    • JMU X-Labs encourages innovators to build and test their ideas using the latest maker equipment: laser cutters, vinyl cutters, 3D printers, large format printers, AR/VR technology, sewing equipment, and low-fidelity prototyping materials. 

    • The Makery is a makerspace on the first floor of Rose Library on JMU campus. It is free and available to all JMU students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Where to shop local 

  • Liberty Street Mercantile is where you’ll get some of Harrisonburg's best small businesses in one storefront.

  • Shops at Agora is home to several local businesses: Lineage (for the modern explorer), Alakazam toys, vintage, apparel, and sustainable goods.

Where to eat 

  • Magpie Diner: A modern diner serving diner staples as well as fresh and healthy meals.

  • Magnolia's: Tacos and margaritas in downtown Harrisonburg and one of the few rooftop bars in Harrisonburg.

  • The Chop House

Staunton: Home of SCCF

Our Summit Host organization, Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF), is based in the quaint and beautiful town of Staunton. Downtown Staunton is home to Mary Baldwin University and is a popular place to stop and visit for its shopping, dining, and theater experiences.   

Where the entrepreneurs hang out

  • Staunton Innovation Hub is the local coworking space where you’ll find many entrepreneurs, businesses, organizations, and even The Newsleader, the local paper. 

  • Coffee shops! Crucible Coffee Roasters and The By&By is where you’ll find them gathering. 

  • You’ll also run into many at Yelping Dog Winery, where they serve “adult grilled cheese,” Ciders from Mars, Accordia, Redbeard Brewing, Bricks, and The Green Room.

Entrepreneur Support in Staunton

Our Summit Host, SCCF, is based in the Staunton Innovation Hub, where they act as one of the lead conveners in the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From Business Bootcamp to business loans, and entrepreneur events, SCCF takes an active role in helping drive ecosystem growth in The Valley. 

Where to shop local 

Take a stroll down Beverly Street, and you’ll have your pick from a number of small businesses to shop from.

Where to eat

Staunton is home to some amazing (and some award-winning) restaurants:

  • Zynodoa

  • Aioli

  • Chicano Boy

  • Remedy Burger (they have an amazing broccoli burger)

For a full list of recommendations, see Summit host Anika’s personal favorites.

Waynesboro

Waynesboro is an up-and-coming city with a vibrant arts scene, walkable downtown, and gorgeous views of The Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Where the entrepreneurs hang out 

  • The Virginia Metal Crafters Building is a hotspot of independent local businesses.

  • HAPP Coffee: If you stumble in on the first Thursday of the month, you’ll be greeted by busy chatter, laughter, and the exchange of business cards for their monthly Coffee Chat to support early-stage entrepreneurs in Waynesboro. 

We will tour both of these places during the Innovation Tour on Day1!

Entrepreneur Support in Waynesboro

Grow Waynesboro provides technical assistance such as licensing requirements, website strategy, and business development to entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing their business in the city. The program supports small grants through a group of local service providers that specialize in services like legal guidance, accounting, and marketing. Waynesboro is one of five cities under the Shenandoah Valley Community Navigator program through the SBA with the goal of providing more support to historically underserved entrepreneurs.

Where to shop local 

Walking up and down Main & Wayne Street is a real treat - whether you're looking for hospitality, arts, or shopping.

Where to eat

  • River Burger Bar

  • Heritage on Main

  • Stella Bella & Lucy's

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to The Valley! For all of these ecosystems, there’s The Libraries of Virginia, which has 27 locations throughout the Shenandoah Valley that offer entrepreneurs space and resources free of charge. There are also dozens of events that happen throughout the region, hosted by SCCF and their ecosystem partners: Caffeinate/Innovate, Women entrepreneur meetups, workshops, Small Business Breakfasts, and many more.

Ready to visit and explore? Get your Spring Summit ticket here.