Grants Boost New Waynesboro Businesses

August 9, 2026 - 20:19

Driving into Waynesboro along Route 250, just past the Rockfish Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park and the western portal of the Blue Ridge Tunnel, the signs of a new entrepreneurial spirit are hard to miss. The Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace, a sprawling industrial complex where iron and brass goods were crafted for over a hundred years before the building fell silent, is now humming with activity again. It has become a hub for new businesses, and local grants are playing a big part in that turnaround.

The funding is helping entrepreneurs cover the high costs of renovating old spaces, buying equipment, and getting their operations off the ground. For many owners, the money has made the difference between a risky dream and a solid plan. One new shop owner said the grant allowed them to focus on building their customer base instead of worrying about the rent for the first few months. Another startup is using the funds to turn a raw corner of the marketplace into a bright, welcoming storefront.

This push is about more than just filling empty square footage. It is about creating jobs and giving locals a reason to stop and stay instead of passing through. City officials say the goal is to build a diverse economy that does not rely on any single industry. With each new sign that goes up, Waynesboro is proving that old industrial spaces can find new life, and that a little support can go a long way in helping small businesses take root.