Roanoke County Business Community Newsletter | | |
October 2026: Volume 26, No. 10
Where Mountains Meet Momentum!
| | Celebrating National Manufacturing Day | | |
Applications are now open for the Roanoke County Economic Development Authority’s Business Equipment Acquisition Program (BEAP) Grant. This reimbursement program helps eligible businesses purchase qualifying capital equipment that improves productivity, efficiency, capacity, safety, and competitiveness. For-profit businesses in Roanoke County or the Town of Vinton with 2–49 full-time equivalent employees may qualify for up to $15,000, while those with 50 or more may qualify for up to $20,000. Grants reimburse up to 50% of qualifying equipment costs. Applications are open through Sunday, November 15.
Learn more about the BEAP Grant and apply here.
| | Tanglewood Crossing Details Announced | | |
ABoone Real Estate has announced the tenant lineup for the first phase of Tanglewood Crossing, a new mixed-use center-style development at 4502 Starkey Road in Southwest Roanoke County. Opening in March 2027, the 13,270-square-foot retail center will feature Bubbakoo's Burritos, Dave's Hot Chicken, Biscuit Belly, European Wax Center, and Mattress Warehouse.
Developed by ABoone Real Estate and the Boxley Family on 3.74 acres at the intersection of Route 419/Electric Road and Starkey Road, Tanglewood Crossing will also include a four-story mixed-use building with 42 residential units and 10,410 square feet of retail and restaurant space, plus a third building with 56 residential units.
Learn more about the announcement here.
| | New Freestanding ER Announced in Hollins | | |
HCA Virginia Health System announced a new investment in emergency care access in Roanoke County, with plans for a new freestanding emergency room in the Hollins area. The investment is designed to bring emergency resources closer to patients and help reduce the time it takes people with serious injuries or medical emergencies to reach the appropriate level of care.
The new freestanding emergency room, an extension of LewisGale Medical Center, will be located at 7651 Williamson Road and is expected in 2028.
The approximately 11,000-square-foot facility will mark LewisGale Medical Center’s third freestanding emergency room in Roanoke County, along with Cave Spring ER and Blue Hills ER, and reflect HCA Virginia’s continued commitment to expanding convenient access to high-quality emergency care.
Learn more about the announcement here.
| | La Quinta Inn & Suites Now Open in Hollins | | |
Roanoke County joined the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber for a ribbon cutting celebration at the new La Quinta by Wyndham at 8151 Gander Way in Roanoke County. Located just off Interstate 81 and close to Hollins University and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, this hotel is well positioned to serve business travelers and visitors coming to our region. This investment strengthens the Hollins area and builds on the recent momentum along the Plantation Road corridor.
Watch our video from the grand opening ceremony here.
| | Record-Breaking Tourism in Roanoke County | | |
Visitors spent $141.7 million in Roanoke County in 2025. The Virginia Tourism Corporation recently shared their annual Economic Impact of Travel study which showed tourism spending in 2025 increased 7.1% to $141.7 million in Roanoke County. Tourism also supported 1,365 jobs, generated $40.8 million in labor income, and produced $7.7 million in local tax revenue.
From Explore Park and outdoor recreation amenities to sports marketing efforts and partnership with Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Roanoke County’s tourism strategy has been geared to drive continued visitor growth and impact in our community while simultaneously creating amenities and experiences that benefit residents year-round.
| | Industrial Property Spotlight | | Business Events & Partner Opportunities | |
GO Outside Festival | October 16-18
Three days of outdoor community and adventure return to Explore Park and Downtown Roanoke. The Roanoke GO Outside Festival is an annual event to encourage healthy, active outside recreation. By combining the things outdoor enthusiasts love – camping, music, gear, races, and demos all in a beautiful outdoor setting – GO Fest is a celebration of everything outdoors.
Learn more about this year's GO Outside Festival here.
| |
Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Business Advocacy Breakfast | October 21
Join the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber for their annual Economic Forecast with renowned economist Dr. Alice Kassens, as she shares insights and projections for 2027. This highly anticipated event provides an in-depth look at national, regional, and local economic trends, including employment, inflation, interest rates, consumer confidence, and the overall business climate. Dr. Kassens will break down complex data into actionable information that business owners, community leaders, and professionals can use to plan for the year ahead.
For more information and to register - visit here.
| | The E-newsletter of the Roanoke County Economic Development Department is designed to showcase the investments and achievements of our existing business partners. For additional information about doing business in Roanoke County, visit our website. | | | | |
