HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – Harrisonburg Economic Development is currently accepting applications for the second offering of the Harrisonburg Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (HEDI). HEDI seeks to help nurture and develop early-stage business owners that operate in Harrisonburg.

According to a release, the HEDI program begins with participants meeting one-on-one with a business coach to discuss their business in general and to identify an area in which they’d like to enhance their skills. These areas may include subject matters such as marketing, sales, bookkeeping, etc. Participants will then engage with a dedicated subject matter expert, set goals and track their growth. Participants are eligible for a one-time grant of $2,500 once they complete their training.

Businesses eligible for the initiative must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Must be a for-profit business entity with a place of business located in Harrisonburg (home-based businesses are eligible)
  2. Must have a city business license
  3. Must have at least $5,000, but no more than $200,000, in annual gross revenues
  4. Must be able to provide proof of revenue through a 2024 federal tax return or 2025 income statements
  5. The business is locally owned, or locally operated with headquarters in Virginia
  6. All taxes and fees to the City of Harrisonburg are current

“This entrepreneurship initiative will help unlock the potential of our local business owners and ensure that Harrisonburg remains a vibrant and dynamic place for businesses to grow, and succeed,” Harrisonburg Deputy Director of Economic Development Peirce Macgill said.

Twenty businesses will be accepted into the program. Applications are due by December 10. Find more information and apply at Harrisonburg Entrepreneurship Development Initiative – Harrisonburg Economic Development.