Starting February 2025, the City of Waynesboro is launching Grow Waynesboro Wednesdays, a new pilot program designed to provide free mentoring and resources to entrepreneurs every Wednesday afternoon. The “Grow” in Grow Waynesboro stands for Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Work, and we’re thrilled to partner with some outstanding organizations to support the growth of Waynesboro’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Here’s how it works:
- First, Third, and Fourth Wednesdays: From noon to 4 p.m., a service provider or mentor will hold open office hours at the Waynesboro Economic Development & Tourism Office (301 W Main Street). No appointments are required, but you’re welcome to notify us in advance and share any specific questions you’d like help with by emailing staff@WaynesboroBusiness.com.
- Second Wednesday of Each Month: Join us for special presentations and technical services tailored to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs.
August 2025 schedule:
September 3, 2025 (1st Wednesday): Shasta Weeks, Director of Membership, Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
September 10, 2025 (2nd Wednesday): Mary Sullivan, Project Coordinator, The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (Virginia TOP) *please register here to ensure we have enough materials. Mary will be available from 12-1pm for questions prior to the Tap into Talent session that will take place from 1-3pm. She will be available after the session, until 4pm for additional questions.
August 20, 2025: (3rd Wednesday): Diane McCarthy, Business Advisor, Small Business Development Center
August 27, 2025 (4th Wednesday): Ross Gulotta, SCORE Mentor and Co-Chapter Chair, Central Virginia SCORE
More about our providers & mentors:
Shasta Weeks, Membership Director, GARCC
Shasta Weeks, a Waynesboro native, manages membership at GARCC, helping businesses connect, grow, and thrive. From educational workshops to advocacy, she can guide you through membership options tailored to your needs. Have questions about joining, updating your directory listing, or boosting your business? Shasta’s your go-to resource!
Diane McCarthy, Business Advisor, SBDC
Diane brings years of experience in marketing, retail, and business ownership to her role as an SBDC advisor. From restaurants to nonprofits, she helps businesses create sustainable action plans. Her free consulting services are open to start-ups and established businesses alike.
Ross Gulotta, SCORE Mentor
Ross has 40 years of business leadership experience and offers free mentoring through SCORE. He specializes in business planning, operations, and financial literacy. Whether you’re starting or scaling, Ross is ready to help with tailored advice to fit your goals.
Mary Sullivan, Project Coordinator, The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP)
Mary serves as the Virginia Internship Experience Workgroup (VIEW) Project Coordinator for the Shenandoah Valley region through the Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP). Mary has over 25 years of experience in talent and workforce development. Previously, she worked as the Corporate Training Director at Blue Ridge Community College, the Training and Events Coordinator for the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center and as an Academic Advisor at Indiana University East in Richmond, Indiana. She specializes in internships, work based learning, talent development, customized corporate training, employee training, talent sourcing and management, workplace skills assessment, relationship and partnership building, business to business sales, leadership and supervision.
We’re excited to kick off this initiative and help Waynesboro’s businesses thrive. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with mentors and resources that can help take your business to the next level!