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Record Store Day is April 20th! To celebrate, visit one of Winchester's fantastic record stores like Back to the Media, Ear Food, or Hopscotch Coffee & Records. Featured: Ear Food, located at 22 Weems Lane. |
Winchester Economic Development Newsletter
The City of Winchester, Economic Development Authority, focuses on attracting, expanding, and retaining economic development activity to maximize our industrial and commercial land use. Our strategy includes preserving the city's social, environmental, architectural, and cultural fabric.
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Leslie Richardson, owner of Michelle's Wigs & More, was kind enough to participate in a Q&A with us this month so we could learn more about her and her business:
EDA: How many years have you been in business?
LR: I've been in business for 16 years, since August 2008.
EDA: What inspired you to start your own business?
LR: I moved from New York to Winchester in 2004 and noticed there was no wig or hair shop for women of color. From the time I graduated high school, I always knew that God's vision for my future was to be a business owner, and with prayer and determination I made it happen.
EDA: What do you find challenging about owning a small business?
LR: The greatest challenge in the hair industry is keeping up with the rapid growth. Although I manage to keep what my customers want in stock, I will try to get it if I don't have it.
EDA: What do you find rewarding about owning a small business?
LR: The reward of owning my business is that through these 16 years in business I have met some incredible people and, in some cases, lifelong and dedicated friends. That's why I love what I do.
If you're looking for a luxurious new wig, hair products and accessories, or beauty supplies, look no further than Michelle's Wigs & More, located at 45 Featherbed Lane. They're always ready to assist their customers, and they even offer private consultations. The experienced and caring staff at Michelle's Wigs & More will help you take the guesswork out of finding the perfect wig so you can spend more time looking and feeling your best!
| Michelle's Wigs & More is one of many businesses in Winchester that have received one of our incentives to grow or improve their business. To learn about the incentives we offer and how they can help you achieve your vision for your business, contact us for more information. |
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Neighborhood Design Districts being eyed to focus future development in Winchester | The City is embarking on an effort to redevelop four strategically-chosen areas of Winchester through the Neighborhood Design Districts (NDD) process. This initiative will guide the City's effort to proactively revitalize neighborhoods by incorporating a mix of residences, businesses, and open spaces that promote residents' well-being. | City Council OKs rezoning for Ward Plaza redevelopment | On March 26th, City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request from Winchester Acquisition Partners LLC to add a planned unit development (PUD) designation to the 22 acres zoned Highway Commercial (B-2) in the 2200 block of Valley Avenue that accommodate the shopping center. | Widget Cup showcases design, building talents of area students | The Widget Cup Competition is an annual event overseen by the Frederick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) that gives students from five area high schools — Handley, James Wood, Millbrook, Sherando and Clarke County — an opportunity to design and build an item needed by a local nonprofit. | Winchester unveils new WinReady on-demand bus service | WinReady has launched in Winchester with the promise of shorter wait times and more convenient service for people familiar with the city’s previous WinTran public transportation system. | Martin's round-up campaign raises over $40,000 for Bright Futures | If you rounded up at the register while shopping at Martin’s in Winchester or Frederick County within the past few months, you might not have realized how big an impact your small contribution would make. | Neighborhood Nights kicks off on May 9th | Spend the evening connecting with your community at your neighborhood park. This summer, the City of Winchester will host a series of Neighborhood Nights one Thursday a month from May to August. | |
In February 2024 unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 65 of Virginia’s 133 counties and cities. Among the metro areas, Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, and Winchester had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.6 percent
Click HERE to read the VEC's March newsletter.
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Less traditional professional routes highlighted at career fair | As high school students approach graduation, they’re often nudged toward mounds of college applications as the main route to professional success. At least, that was the case for Tyler Beiler, founder of Winchester-based building contractor Beiler & Co. | Paladin Downtown wows with creative cuisine, craft cocktails and stunning design | Paladin Downtown at 31 E. Piccadilly St. in Winchester is not your typical place. It opened its doors about three weeks ago after much anticipation and an extensive renovation of a 2,000-square-foot, 1920s-era building that had been vacant on one of the city’s busiest corridors for years. | The American Bar garden reopens April 19th | A French brasserie-style restaurant styled after the "American" bars in Paris during WWII, the American Bar offers a traditional bistro menu alongside an extensive French wine list and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Welcome spring in style by enjoying a romantic dinner for two or brunch with friends in a tucked-away oasis. | On their 'Hit List': 2 childhood pals try to track down memories from long ago movie rental store | It was the early 1990s in Winchester and — in blue jeans and on bicycles — two middle school-aged pals ventured roughly a mile from their Baker Lane neighborhood to their most frequented destination: Hit List video store. Decades later, they're attempting to track down artifacts from the store. | Shihadeh Innovation Center Spring Showcase | Winchester Public Schools and the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center invite members of the community to attend the annual Spring Showcase at the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center on April 24th from 4 to 7 PM so you can see firsthand how students prepare to join the workforce. | George Washington Hotel 100th Anniversary Concert Series Continues with John Ford Coley | The George Washington Hotel, a steadfast emblem of tradition is delighted to continue their remarkable concert series in celebration of its centennial milestone. Sponsored by iHeart Media and Shenandoah Country Q102, the next concert is scheduled for July 13 featuring John Ford Coley. | |
GRANTS, LOANS & OTHER RESOURCES | |
Cadence Cash Thrive Grant | This grant is awarded quarterly, and applications are reviewed rigorously to ensure funding goes to businesses making a tangible difference in their communities. Winners will receive a $5,000 grant to boost their business growth and enhance their community impact! | Apply today for a $25,000 grant for women! Submitting one application makes you instantly eligible for all grants related to your business. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and winners are announced by the 23rd of the following month. | The HerRise Micro-Grant provides financial assistance to women of color creating innovative solutions that impact their community and that are often unable to secure funding for their small business | The Tory Burch Foundation partners with the Fearless Fund to offer 75 annual Women of Color Grants. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $20,000; winners can also access a learning portal and small-group networking opportunities. | Grant Writing 101 - How to Create a Grant Proposal | Applying for a grant involves the art of "grant writing," a task that can be just as challenging as finding the grant itself. In this webinar, we'll teach you the grant writing skills you'll need to craft compelling grant proposals to help increase your chances of securing funding. | |
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant | Small businesses are the backbones of our communities. Through programs like Small Business Digital Ready, Verizon is committed to providing them with the tools, resources and funding they need to dream big. Register to learn more and have a chance at receiving $10,000 in grant funding for small businesses. Deadline is June 1, 2024. | Click here for more info about Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) grants and other programs. | Do you need funding to grow your small business? A 7(a) loan, SBA's primary business loan option, can help. A 7(a) loan can be used for working capital, purchasing real estate, buying equipment, and much more. Learn how to apply and find an SBA approved lender. | |
How Can A 504 Loan
Help You In 2024?
| Whether you're a small business owner, a lender, or an existing borrower with Business Finance Group, a 504 loan may be just the thing you need to reach your growth goals in 2024! | Fast Break for Small Business Grant | Accion Opportunity Fund, LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League have joined forces to provide entrepreneurs across the country with grants and LegalZoom services to support their small businesses. 150 small businesses will receive $10,000 grants and a LegalZoom product of their choosing, valued up to $500 | |
As a mission-based lender, SCCF can assist entrepreneurs who are unable to attain capital through commercial lending. Small business microloans range from $1,000 to $50,000, and can fund various expenses, including equipment, inventory, and working capital for small businesses that do not qualify for commercial business loans. | This organization awards Growth Grants to four member businesses each quarter worth $4,000 each. Grant funds can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees or expanding facilities — anything that helps your business grow — but can’t be put toward debt, mortgage or rent payments. | Attention COVID EIDL borrowers: You may qualify to lower your COVID EIDL payments. Apply for hardship assistance today. Log in to MySBA to apply for COVID EIDL hardship and get additional help. | Click HERE for a list of 40 small business grants for minority entrepreneurs. | 67 Grants, Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business | |
WEBINARS, CLASSES, EVENTS & MORE | |
In 2023, more than 500 individuals seeking employment attended The Employer Expo! Don't miss this unique opportunity to recruit on-site and spark interest in your business. We are ramping up our regional marketing for the event to include newspaper ads, radio ads, social media, TV, rotating signage in front of participating businesses and more! | Disability Etiquette & Inclusion Workshop | Local employers: Optimize your hiring with the support of the Virginia Division of Rehabilitative Services & The Choice Group! Join them Wednesday, May 1st from 2:00 to 3:30 PM for a free information session, workshops, and more. | |
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Upcoming SBDC Webinars
| Are you an established business looking to fund a new project? Are you a current business looking to acquire an additional business? Are you thinking of selling your current business? If you answered yes to any of these questions you need to join the Laurel Ridge SBDC and First Citizens Bank to demystify the process of finances and loan application processes! | |
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Tune in and discover the power of brand assessment!
You will take the first steps in transforming your message to elevate marketing strategies that align with your brand!
| Capacitor Rolling Applications are Open | The Capacitor Incubator Program is a hybrid incubation model for entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas, to help you create your first proof of concept, identify the appropriate target market, and build the systems and financing for the successful launch of your business. | |
First Fridays are back! Every first Friday of the month [weather permitting], we host local artists, live music, sip & stroll, special events, and more in the heart of Old Town Winchester. Visit our website for more info! | |  |
Join us in Old Town Winchester on Saturday, June 8 between 12-5 PM to experience a fun, free day out for the whole family as we partner with our friends and neighbors from all across the community to provide hands-on entertainment, arts & crafts activities, educational opportunities, musical performances, fun games, engaging workshops, and so much more! | | |
We had the privilege to serve on the planning committee and to be a sponsor of the Widget Cup, an annual competition for high school teams drawn from students attending public schools in Frederick County, Clarke County, and Winchester City. Kudos to Frederick County EDA for putting together such an awesome event, and congratulations to the students at Clarke County High School for taking home the Widget Cup this year and all the other students who worked so hard to create some incredible designs. | |
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Exterior Improvement Grants were recently awarded to properties located at 30, 31 & 39 E. Piccadilly Street and 45 Featherbed Lane. These grants provide financial relief to business and property owners while helping to preserve and beautify Winchester's commercial building stock. Contact us for more information about Exterior Improvement Grants or other incentives. | |
Featured: Paladin Downtown, Exterior Improvement Grant recipient | |
EDA staff recently paid a visit to CRUSH Wine Bar Ltd. where we got a chance to meet their amazing chefs and sample some seriously delicious cuisine. In addition to an award-winning wine selection from around the globe, Prohibition-era cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic options, CRUSH offers a fresh, seasonal menu featuring unique tapas and small plates in a relaxed, jazz-filled atmosphere. | |
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If you're a local business and would like to invite members of the EDA for a tour/visit, please let us know! Send us an email at: econ.dev@winchesterva.gov. | |
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Economic Development Authority Meetings
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