Unexpected Beginnings The information technology field is full of unexpected beginnings, from Bill Gates dropping out of college to launch Microsoft, to Mark Zuckerberg inventing Facebook while living in the hallways of Harvard. Ian MacRae’s journey began in its own unexpected way, right here in the Valley, in a local…
Freda’s Skin Studio talks wellness, entrepreneurship, and the local economy in Waynesboro Barely minutes into a conversation about entrepreneurship, Freda Jackson’s passion for people-centered economics shines through. “I wanted to go into business as an entrepreneur because corporate America was looking out for the dollar, not for the customer.” Freda’s…
It is always satisfying to reflect on the amazing growth of our 2016 start-up businesses. They are reporting new jobs, significant buildouts, and a growing impact on the local economy. We are proud to release updates on the progress and accomplishments of our 2016 entrepreneurs. Ula Tortilla, Make Waynesboro, and…
Difference Made Obvious New Country Organics has a fast-track approach for sharing their business mission. In my one hand, they place a bag of a competitor’s organic, animal feed product. A uniform grind of grains and unnamed ingredients, it is a pelletized collection of nutrients and looks like every bag…
The Art of Preserving the Useful Over the years, many folks have told Dave Young, owner and cobbler at Graham’s Shoe Service in Waynesboro, a small business self-proclaimed as the most eccentric shop in America, that he is the guardian of a dying art. Surrounded by tools from the…
The first resource of many to be provided to local entrepreneurs in 2017 WAYNESBORO – As Grow Waynesboro’s search to find and fund the best new businesses of 2017 intensifies, this local economy initiative is announcing a new attraction for local entrepreneurs: free coworking space in downtown Waynesboro. Heralded in…
Award Part of Governor McAuliffe’s Virginia Community Business Launch Grants WAYNESBORO – Community Business Launch (CBL) awards were announced this week by Governor McAuliffe, totaling $300,000 for five projects in the Commonwealth. The City of Waynesboro secured $60,000 in funding for its Grow Waynesboro program, which will provide resources to…
South River Fly Shop is the kind of store where you smile when you cross the threshold; the love and passion of its owners, Kevin Little and Tommy Lawhorn, is almost palpable. They’re happy to provide fly fishing knowledge, equipment, instructions, and resources if you’d like to buy them,…
Augusta Sign Company: Leaving a Lasting Impression on the Local Economy Augusta Sign Company is a full-service design-build sign company, constructing wooden, electric, stucco and vinyl signs that grace the entries of businesses and residential neighborhoods across the Shenandoah Valley. Mark Hackley, its owner, may be an artist, brand-designer, and…
