City of Winchester Economic Development Authority

09/01/2026

Wi******er Small Businesses: A Free Compliance Resource Is Available Tomorrow

Running a small business comes with a lot of responsibilities, including staying up to date on workplace and employment requirements.

Tomorrow, September 2, the U.S. EEOC, Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, and U.S. Small Business Administration are hosting a free Small Business Compliance Toolbox webinar.

📅 Wednesday, September 2
🕙 10:00 a.m. ET
💻 Microsoft Teams

The webinar is geared toward the food service industry, but many of the topics and resources are relevant to small businesses across industries.

Topics include:
• Employee classification & recordkeeping
• Minimum wage & overtime requirements
• Tip credit compliance
• Federal EEO laws
• Preventing discrimination, harassment & retaliation
• Employer responsibilities & best practices
• EEOC charge filing process
• SBA resources for small businesses

The Wi******er EDA is always looking to connect our local business community with resources that can help businesses start, grow and succeed.

👉 Register for the free webinar: 85f3d72e-2703-4e98-a7a9-0c489c161716@3ba5b943-4e56-4a2f-9b91-b1f1c37d645b" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/85f3d72e-2703-4e98-a7a9-0c489c161716@3ba5b943-4e56-4a2f-9b91-b1f1c37d645b

09/01/2026

Small business owners: You don’t have to be “loan ready” to ask for help!

People Incorporated Financial Services (PIFS) is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) offering financing, one-on-one advising, technical assistance, and connections to community resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses at every stage.

Whether you’re exploring an idea, just getting started, looking to grow, trying to understand your numbers, or simply not sure what your next step should be, PIFS can help you figure it out.

👉 For more information: https://www.peopleinc.net/financial-services/

08/28/2026

Proposed Changes to Wi******er’s Enterprise Zone Boundaries

The City of Wi******er is proposing amendments to its Enterprise Zone boundaries for Calendar Year 2026. The City may request an Enterprise Zone boundary amendment once each year through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

Businesses and property owners are encouraged to review the proposed amended boundaries and provide feedback ahead of the public hearing.

📅 Public Hearing: September 22, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Wi******er City Council Meeting

The public hearing will take place prior to the City’s submission of the proposed amendment application to DHCD.

Questions or comments? Contact [email protected]

View the proposed CY26 Enterprise Zone boundaries: https://winchestercity.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/fc8ec38fbfcf426697735dfec4c53ae5 #

08/27/2026

Did You Know? 🎬

Your property could have a starring role.

If you own or manage a unique, historic, commercial, residential, industrial, or otherwise interesting property in Wi******er, you can submit it to the Virginia Film Office’s location library at no cost.

Once approved, your property can be viewed by location professionals searching for filming locations across Virginia and around the world. The Virginia Film Office says its location library connects property owners with filmmakers, and its database includes thousands of locations across the Commonwealth.

For property and business owners, this can create an opportunity for potential location rental income and increased exposure for your property, while also bringing film production activity—and the spending that comes with it—to Virginia communities. Location fees, facility rentals and other production-related purchases can qualify as film production expenses under Virginia's incentive program.

And there’s no obligation to say yes to a production. Filming is handled case by case, and your contact information remains private until there is interest in your property.

Have a property that could make a great backdrop? Put it on the map.

👉 Submit your property to the Virginia Film Office-https://www.film.virginia.org/virginians/submit-your-location/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

******erVA

Send a message to learn more

08/26/2026

Local businesses can play a big role in building the next generation of our workforce.

Blue Ridge Agents Insurance is a great example of how internships can give students meaningful, hands-on experience while helping businesses develop future professionals. Their interns are gaining experience in sales, client communication, administration, marketing, and design, with the long-term goal of creating pathways to full-time employment.

Could your business offer an internship or provide a student with hands-on experience? Whether you’re able to offer an internship, provide mentorship, or simply want to learn more about getting involved, we’d love to connect with you.

👉 Learn more about Blue Ridge Agents Insurance’s internship experience and explore resources for businesses through JMU’s Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership Virginia TOP (-TOP) program: https://www.jmu.edu/economicdevelopment/view/index.shtml

Let’s work together to create more opportunities for students to learn, grow, and build their careers right here in our community.

Read the full spotlight on Blue Ridge Agents Insurance from James Madison University: https://www.jmu.edu/news/economicdevelopment/2026/08-26-spotlight-on-blue-ridge-agents-insurance.shtml

Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership ~ Valley Internship Experience Workgroup (VIEW)

08/26/2026

Building the workforce of tomorrow starts with giving students the opportunity to see what’s possible today.

On October 2, 2026, Worlds of Work will bring more than 2,900 eighth-grade students and 70+ businesses together at Laurel Ridge Community College’s Middletown Campus for an immersive career exploration experience.

Students will rotate through 10 industry sectors, participating in hands-on activities that introduce them to the skills, careers, and opportunities available throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Worlds of Work gives local employers a valuable opportunity to connect with students, showcase their industries, and help young people begin thinking about their future careers.

📅 Friday, October 2, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 Laurel Ridge Community College – Middletown Campus

Businesses interested in participating and community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to get involved.

🔗More information or want to get involved?: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Worlds-of-Work-Ignite-Curiosity--Inspire-Possibilities-.html?soid=1140807798514&aid=rQWwDLlW9Y0

When we connect students with real-world career experiences, we help strengthen the workforce and the communities they’ll build their futures in.

08/24/2026

Our monthly newsletter is out now!

Stay up to date on the latest economic development news, local business updates, upcoming events, resources, and opportunities in Wi******er.

https://loom.ly/3WqiY0c

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update from the City of Wi******er Economic Development Authority.

******erVA

08/21/2026

Grant Opportunity: Virginia AFID Infrastructure Grant

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced that the Fall 2026 Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Infrastructure Grant round will open September 14, 2026.

The competitive program provides reimbursable grants of up to $50,000 for capital projects that strengthen Virginia’s local food and agricultural infrastructure. Eligible projects may include food hubs, farmers’ markets, commercial kitchens, and value-added facilities for processing and packaging Virginia-grown agricultural products.

Applications must be made by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth: cities, counties, towns, economic development authorities, and planning district commissions. The program requires a 1:1 cash match, with a reduced match available for economically distressed localities.

Key Dates:
📅 Applications open: September 14, 2026
⏰ Deadline: October 30, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Localities are encouraged to work with farmers, food producers, and local food system partners to identify projects that can strengthen their community’s agricultural infrastructure.

🔗 Learn more: https://loom.ly/ELI-maE

08/19/2026

📣Free AI Training for Small Businesses!

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to a free, beginner-friendly Small Business B(AI)sics training session at the City of Wi******er Economic Development Authority.

This national initiative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation , supported by Google, provides practical guidance on using AI to:

• Improve marketing and customer engagement
• Streamline operations and workflows
• Enhance productivity and decision-making

📅 Monday, August 24, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 Wi******er Economic Development Authority
2 N. Cameron Street, Wi******er, VA
🔗Register Here: https://loom.ly/is8-YN4

The session is designed for those in the early stages of their AI journey. No advanced AI experience is required, and the training is free.

Space is first-come, first-served. A waiting list is available, and additional sessions will be offered throughout the year.

Hosted by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

08/17/2026

Happening Next Monday, August 24th!

ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESSES-FREE AI Training for Small Businesses!

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to a free, beginner-friendly Small Business B(AI)sics training session at the City of Wi******er Economic Development Authority.

This national initiative from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation , supported by Google, provides practical guidance on using AI to:

• Improve marketing and customer engagement
• Streamline operations and workflows
• Enhance productivity and decision-making

📅 Monday, August 24, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 Wi******er Economic Development Authority
2 N. Cameron Street, Wi******er, VA
🔗Register Here: https://loom.ly/is8-YN4

The session is designed for those in the early stages of their AI journey. No advanced AI experience is required, and the training is free.

Space is first-come, first-served. A waiting list is available, and additional sessions will be offered throughout the year.

Hosted by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.