HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Community Economic Development Awards (CEDA), recognizing five communities across the Commonwealth for initiatives that reportedly advance economic vitality through innovative, collaborative economic and community development programs.

Harrisonburg Economic Development won the award for the Harrisonburg Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (HEDI).

According to a release, HEDI fills a gap in support for early-stage businesses by providing customized technical assistance and performance-based grants.

“Through strategic partnerships and a scalable virtual coaching model, the program has helped retain dozens of businesses and jobs while expanding access to underserved entrepreneurs. HEDI demonstrates how targeted, data-driven interventions can strengthen local economies and foster inclusive growth,” said VEDA.

Awards were presented during VEDA’s 2026 Spring Conference, held last week at the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia.