Who Can Apply?

To qualify, your business must meet three basic criteria: core focus, program commitment, and geographic location.

• Core Focus: You are developing an innovative product, technology, service, process, or scalable business model in agriculture, forestry, food systems, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, sustainability, rural technology, or a related industry.
• Commitment: You can actively participate in all program sessions.
• Location: Your business is located within one of the eligible Virginia geographic zones.

Company Stages

We welcome businesses at almost any point in their growth journey. You can apply if your company is at any of these stages:

• Early Idea: Concept phase, prototype development, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Market Entry: Market-ready product, active customers, or growth stage.
• Established Innovation: Existing business launching a new innovation, or a spinout from a business, university, or research institution.

Geographic Regions

Your business must be located within one of the following Virginia cities or counties to apply. Businesses located within any towns inside these regions are also fully eligible.

Eligible Counties: Alleghany, Amelia, Appomattox, Bedford, Botetourt, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Craig, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Sussex

Eligible Cities: Danville, Emporia, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Roanoke, Salem