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…
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…
It’s the Small Business Association’s National Small Business Week, a time to spotlight small business achievements and their economic importance. Small businesses are a major contributor of new jobs and bring innovative approaches to meeting community needs. In fact, SBA data points to small businesses outperforming large firms in net…
Grow Waynesboro Announces Start-Up Grant Awards $21,000 will help three new Waynesboro businesses open in 2016 Grow Waynesboro is pleased to announce the final grant awards for three new local businesses, helping them to create jobs and build a culture of entrepreneurship in Waynesboro. The announcement follows several months of…