The Grow Waynesboro Rockfish Gateway program will launch in November 2025, with business planning classes beginning in early 2026. Selected participants will compete in a live Pitch Night event after completion of classes, with at least three winners receiving a total of $50,000 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.
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.
Grow Waynesboro would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. If your business would like to contribute to funding the next wave of Waynesboro entrepreneurs, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Current sponsorship info can be found here.