Meet the Center Street Pitch Competition Finalists

Thursday, March 28th, from 6-8pm at the Ashland Theatre, Center Street Pitch Competition will be an evening to celebration Ashland and Hanover County’s small business community. 

Admission is free thanks to cohosts Downtown Ashland Association and Dominion Energy Innovation Center. A welcome reception begins at 5:30pm and the show kicks off at 6pm.

Join the fun and cheer on these nine local entrepreneurs to give a five-minute pitch for the next big business idea and a chance at $20,000 in prizes!

Start-Up Business Finalists:

pOATables

For the entrepreneur on the move, pOATables offers a convenient solution with its oat milk creations. As they carve their niche in the market, one can't help but wonder: will they pave the way for a new era of on-the-go beverages?

Bravo Bakeshop

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey with Bravo Bakeshop's artisan pastries and handcrafted espresso drinks. As they set their sights on Ashland, anticipation mounts for the sweet and savory delights soon to grace the community.

Shaken Not Spurred Events & Mobile Bar

With a blend of elegance and expertise, Shaken Not Spurred promises to elevate any event with its luxury mobile bartending services. With over two decades of experience in event planning, this team is poised to shake up the industry and stir excitement.

Business Expansion Finalists:

Center Street Sound Company

From live music to festivals, Center Street Sound Company brings a symphony of excellence to every event. Rooted in Ashland, their commitment to top-tier talent and equipment leaves audiences buzzing with excitement.

DW StudioZ + Ashland Embroidery

Embroidered with excellence, Ashland Embroidery is the go-to destination for logo wear in Virginia. As they expand their footprint, the question lingers: will they stitch their way to success?

RVA Hot Wheelz

Buckle up for an exhilarating ride with RVA Hot Wheelz, Richmond's premier Polaris Slingshot rental company. With a dedication to customer service and safety, they aim to redefine the rental experience. Will they take the wheel to victory?

Agriculture & Forestry Finalists:

Rhythm Ranch Homestead

Nestled in Hanover, Rhythm Ranch Homestead invites visitors to experience the beauty of sustainable living. From dairy goats to small crops, their farm embodies a harmonious blend of education and agriculture. Will their passion strike a chord with the judges?

Meadowgate Alpacas

With a focus on showmanship and fiber quality, Meadowgate Alpacas is a family-driven endeavor aiming to make a mark in the alpaca industry. As they weave together tradition and innovation, could they weave their way to the win?

Studley Farms

Ethical, sustainable, and humanely raised—Studley Farms is on a mission to revolutionize local meat production. From grass-fed beef to pasture-raised poultry, their commitment to quality resonates with conscientious consumers. But will that dedication set them apart from the competition?

Join us in celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels our community. With $5,000 cash prizes and free office space at Dominion Energy Innovation Center on the line, the stakes have never been higher. Who will claim victory in each category? The answer lies in the hands of our esteemed judges, but one thing is certain: the journey to success begins with a single pitch. Don't miss your chance to witness history in the making. Attend the Center Street Pitch Competition free of charge on March 28 at 6 PM in the Ashland Theatre.

Downtown Ashland Association's 2023 Annual Report

Downtown Ashland is the heart of Ashland, Virginia. In the epicenter of local commerce, culture, and community, Downtown Ashland Association catalyzes economic growth and placemaking initiatives.

The Association has just been accredited by Main Street America for its tenth year. On this anniversary, we are proud to release a report of the Association’s achievements, events, and community support in 2023.

Business Initiatives: Empowering Entrepreneurs

We cultivate independent local businesses that support the economic development vision of the community. Our goal is to support entrepreneurs and create a resilient downtown economy.

2023 Highlights

• $100,000 grant for Entrepreneurship Initiatives

• 1,672 Downtown Business Updates utilized by business owners

Expansive Marketing Reach: Putting Ashland on the Map

We promote Downtown Ashland as a day trip destination to customers throughout the Richmond regino. Our goal is to attract new visitors who become repeat customers.

2023 Highlights

• 8 million media impressions earned for Downtown Ashland

• 2.6 million media impressions for the Secretariat Monument

• 2 million media impressions for Ashland Train Day

• 1 million media impressions for Light Up the Tracks

Community-Centric Events: Uniting Ashland's Residents

We work to make our historic downtown the center of community life. We cultivate downtown to be inclusive, authentic, and exciting--just like our community.

Our goal is for residents and customers to be engaged and invested in our shared future.

2023 Highlights

• 271,000 visits to the Downtown Ashland tourism website

• 23,000 visitors to Ashland Train Day

• 18,000 Get Centered newsletters read by email subscribers

Placemaking Projects: Shaping the Future of Downtown

We encourage customers in Downtown Ashland to stay a while with welcoming public spaces and community connection

2023 Highlights

• $75,000 grant for Downtown Design Guidelines

• 5,000 volunteer hours donated by our community

In Conclusion: A Year of Resilience and Progress

As the pages of the annual report turn, one thing becomes abundantly clear: Downtown Ashland Association's unwavering dedication to driving progress and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

Through strategic initiatives, vibrant events, and thoughtful placemaking projects, the Association continues to position Downtown Ashland as a premier destination for commerce, culture, and community.

Sponsors Keep Ashland Train Day Rolling

Ashland Train Day is steaming into town on Saturday, April 27, 2024, marking two decades of railroad revelry and free family-friendly excitement. With over 20,000 folks expected to attend in person and a whopping 1 million dedicated viewers online, April 27 promises a locomotive load of exposure to dedicated donors.

Ashland Tain Day delights crowds of all ages from all over the world with everything from kiddie train rides, to touch-a-truck, model trains, and more. Now in its 20th year, Downtown Ashland Association offers sponsors an opportunity to give their brand serious steam power at Ashland’s signature event.

For just a $250 donation, Stationmaster Sponsors get their business or favorite charity featured in a dedicated Facebook and Instagram post, reaching an audience of over 20,000 engaged viewers and achieving exposure brighter than a train conductor's lantern!

Become a Stationmaster Sponsor

With a $500 contribution, Conductor Sponsor snag a dedicated social media post and a month of ads on the iconic Ashland Theatre big screen. —a surefire way to pull ahead of the competition.

Become a Conductor Sponsor

For esteemed $1,000 Gold Sponsor, Downtown Ashland Association is rolling out the red carpet with a package that includes social media shoutouts, a featured blog article on AshlandVirginia.com, recognition in the Get Centered Newsletter (reaching over 4,000 readers), and a branded photography package to capture your support in all its glory.

Become an Engineer Sponsor

Ashland Train Day is pulling into the station! With such enticing benefits on offer, there's no time to delay. Join the ranks of dedicated supporters, fuel the fun, and ride the rails to success!

Pitch Competition Awards $20K in Prizes

Business meets entertainment as local innovators pitch their ventures in front of a diverse panel of local business executives for a chance to win a total of $20,000 in prizes. The Center Street Pitch Competition, a joint initiative by Dominion Energy Innovation Center and Downtown Ashland Association, is set to ignite Hanover’s entrepreneurial spirit Shark Tank-style.

Three prizes will be awarded to entrepreneurs in Agriculture & Forestry, a Business Expansion, and a Startup Business. Each winner will triumphantly walk away with $5,000 cash, a free year-long coworking membership to the Dominion Energy Innovation Center, and - of course - bragging rights.

Applications from entrepreneurs in all industries are being accepted through March 14. Organizers hope the Center Street Pitch Competition will offer exciting opportunities for local entrepreneurs - especially for small businesses owned by women and minorities in the Town of Ashland and Hanover County. Downtown Ashland Association has employed the talents of Dorian Cunion of Your Path Coaching & Consulting to coach applicants through their five-minute pitch presentation on March 5 at the Gathering Place.

"Through the Center Street Pitch Competition, we're celebrating nine years of empowering local entrepreneurs and igniting their innovative spirit with early-stage capital," said Adam Sledd, Executive Director of the DEIC. "This year, is particularly exciting as we partner with the Downtown Ashland Association to increase the prize pool and focus on a diverse set of mainstreet businesses that make Ashland and Hanover a thriving community."

The Center Street Pitch Competition is sponsored by partners DEIC and Downtown Ashland Association to encourage entrepreneurship in our local community. The community organizations support small business owners year-round with mentorship, networking, and workshops.  

“Ashland and Hanover County are home to many extraordinary entrepreneurs and we are proud to offer prizes that recognize their work,” said Maggie Beal Longest, executive director of Downtown Ashland Association.

Eight practical workshops are currently scheduled to present strategies and tactics small businesses can use immediately. Entrepreneurs of all kinds and at all stages are invited to join these free and accessible gatherings at The Gathering Place (155 Junction Dr, Ashland, VA 23005). Video recordings and Spanish translations of each presentation will be made available at a later date.

More information on the Center Street Pitch Competition and entrepreneurial incentives, meetings, and more can be found at www.AshlandVirginia.com/2024

Women-Owned and Organized in Ashland

Changing Reins co-owner Anne Heflin inside her store in Downtown Ashland

From innovative entrepreneurs to compassionate caregivers, women-owned and operated organizations are forging new tracks in Downtown Ashland. This Women’s History Month, explore the women-led enterprises behind Ashland’s vibrant town center.

Allied Instructional Services
Ashland’s education management company provides schools and government agencies with the professional staff and programs needed to support the growth, development, and life skills of individuals with special needs.

Allstate Insurance
Meet Ellen Ess - a guardian angel of insurance in Ashland since 2014. Ellen's not just about protecting what you have today; she's your guide to preparing for a prosperous tomorrow. Ellen makes it her mission to help clients understand how insurance can be used as the cornerstone of financial well-being.

Artistic Fusion Hair Company
Step into Artistic Fusion Hair Company, where style meets sustainability in the heart of Ashland. Stylist Jane Baker is on a mission to weave magic into every strand, serving up eco-friendly salon experiences that'll leave you feeling like royalty.

Ashland Dance Academy
Dance in the heart of downtown Ashland. From ballet to hip hop, Ashland Dance Academy students are often featured as guest performers at local events and charitable ventures.

Ashland Haunted History Tours
Explore spectral secrets with Ashland Haunted History Tours, where every shadow has a story to tell. Led by ghostly guides, these spine-tingling strolls through downtown Ashland reveal the town's macabre past and spirited present.

Ashland Museum
Step into living history at the Ashland Museum, where the past whispers its tales to eager ears. From artifacts to anecdotes, they're the keepers of Ashland's cultural legacy, preserving the threads that weave the town's rich tapestry.

Ashland Pot Pie Company
Rachel and Sarah serve up more than just comfort food at Ashland Pot Pie Company; they're dishing out love, one savory pie at a time. Their homemade creations are like culinary time machines, transporting taste buds to a simpler, more delicious era.

Ashland Tattoo Company
Ink your story at Ashland Tattoo Company, where art meets authenticity in every design. With a crew of talented artists, they're not just tattooing; they're etching memories and marking milestones skin-deep in Ashland.

Ashland Theatre
At Ashland Theatre, they're curating experiences that transcend the silver screen. As a hub of cultural exploration, they're rewriting the script on American movie house traditions, one reel at a time.

Ban Thai Restaurant
Owner and chef Sura Mollary serves up handcrafted dishes from her home country, Thailand.

Bell Book and Candle
Discover literary treasures at Bell Book and Candle, where every page is an Ashland treasure waiting to be read. From dog-eared classics to hidden gems, this bookstore is a local sanctuary for bookworms and bibliophiles alike.

Caring Hands & Kneads
Unlock the healing power of touch at Caring Hands & Kneads, where relaxation reigns supreme. With skilled hands and compassionate hearts, they're massaging muscles, nurturing spirits, and soothing souls.

Center of the Yarniverse
Knit, purl, and create at the Center of the Yarniverse, where every stitch spins a tale of creativity and connection. From yarn to yearning, they're the thread that binds Ashland's crafting community, weaving dreams into reality, one skein at a time.

Changing Reins
Saddle up for adventure at Changing Reins, where equestrian elegance meets secondhand style. Their gently used items bridge the past and present, offering riders a chance to reinvent themselves, both in and out of the saddle.

Commonwealth Litigation Support Services
Pamela G. Bishop has over thirty years of experience providing litigation support in Federal Court throughout the country. Today, she focuses her efforts in Ashland, specializing in criminal cases.

Everhart Eye Associates
With decades of experience, Dr. Suzanne Everhart’s visionary work as a physician and surgeon is shaping the way we see Ashland, one patient at a time. The capable and experienced staff dedicates themselves to exceptional patient service from eye exams to surgical procedures.

Group Home Management Support Services, LLC
From life skills to community connections, Group Home Management Support Services is empowering individuals to build brighter futures, brick by brick.

Hanover Arts and Activities Center
For over 50 years, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center has been the beating heart of Ashland's cultural landscape. From concerts to classes, they're the pulse of the community, inspiring creativity and connection in every beat.

Hanover County Black Heritage Society
Illuminate the past with the Hanover County Black Heritage Society, where history comes alive in shades of courage and resilience. They've used their archives to gather information to honor citizen legacies and celebrate the diverse tapestry of Ashland's heritage.

Heavenly Clips Pet Grooming Salon
Pamper your furry friends at Heavenly Clips Pet Grooming Salon, where grooming is a heavenly experience. Grooming goes beyond appearances and crosses into holistic health worth barking about.

Henry Clay Inn
Stay overnight within the charming, warm, and hospitable historic Henry Clay Inn. Inspired by the splendor of predecessors, the interior hosts 13 guest rooms, picturesque parlors and a view of downtown from the balcony.

Homemades by Suzanne
Savor the flavor of tradition at Homemades by Suzanne, where every bite is a taste of home. From catered events to bakery delights, they're a culinary cornerstone of the community, serving up memories with every morsel.

Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics
Elevate your beauty game with the Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics. Aspiring estheticians get the education, strategies, tactics, and connections to redefine beauty standards with every treatment.

Jake's Place Restaurant
Indulge in southern comfort at Jake's Place Restaurant, where every bite is sizzling with love and legacy. From smoked barbecue to secret sauces, they're serving Southern Comfortable to the whole community.

Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry
Capture life's moments with Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry. Jessica's reputation for quality and consistency stems from her commitment to a set of core values that are reflected in her imagery: Timeless, Creative, Memorable, Unique, and Storytelling.

Knot Just Hair
They're not only styling hair; they're a full-service operation in the center of the Center of the Universe! From facial waxing to complete care for your crown, Knot Just Hair has all the tools for cutting couture creations.

McArdle & Associates
McArdle & Associates is a multi-line independent insurance agency established in 1992. The agency staff has a combined 45 years of insurance experience, providing personal and business insurance guidance for clients.

Piano Works Studios
Strike a chord at Piano Works Studios, where Mrs. Jodie McDowell-Brill brings over 30 years of experience to every student. Instructors foster creativity and deploy discipline to accelerate advanced musical abilities.

RED VEIN Escape
With mind-bending puzzles, captivating storylines, and intricately designed sets, RED VEIN Escape is your ultimate destination for thrill and excitement! Multi-themed escape games and immersive storytelling make every visit an adventure. 

RefunkIt
Discover RefunkIt’s carefully curated handcrafted items by artisans from Virginia and beyond. These funky finds can only be found in the Center of the Universe.

Root Modern Dentistry
Root Modern Dentistry’s innovative approach to oral health is giving Ashland a lot to smile about. Led by Dr. Chriska Mustafa, the dedicated team is committed to excellence and patient-centric care. 

Salon Valentino
Elevate your style with Stephanie Valentino at Salon Valentino. From classic cuts to avant-garde trends, Stephanie crafts hairstyles that reflect your unique identity and inner confidence.

Stepping Stone Chiropractic
Dr. Tara Bath at Stepping Stone Chiropractic is your partner in holistic wellness. Through personalized care and a whole-person approach, Dr. Bath alleviates pain and restores balance, empowering patients to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

The Shop at 112
Treasures await at every turn when you step into a world of vintage charm at The Shop at 112. Open Saturdays only, this posh antique haven is a sanctuary for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Thrill of the Hunt
Unleash your sense of adventure at Thrill of the Hunt! You don’t have to hunt long for your new favorite piece in their expansive showroom. Their passion for breathing new life into vintage treasures transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary daily downtown.

Tinder Guest House
Experience a piece of history at Tinder Guest House. Originally a pharmacy business built in 1898, this four-room suite offers a blend of heritage charm and contemporary luxury, inviting guests to unwind and create lasting memories.

Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys
Delight in the wonder of childhood at Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys, a haven for the young and young-at-heart. From model trains to family games, the unique toy store sparks joy for ages 0 to 99!

Wagner Jewellers
Journey into the world of bespoke elegance at Wagner Jewellers. Craftsmanship meets creativity under the trained hands of registered British Goldsmiths specializing in custom designs. Their custom jewelry designs reflect a timeless story of reinvention and beauty.

Your Path Counseling Center
Find your path to healing and empowerment at Your Path Counseling Center. Offering counseling services for adults and children, as well as professional support, they guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Yogatown of Ashland
Discover the transformative power of yoga at Yogatown of Ashland, where every practice is a celebration of self-expression and inclusivity. Experienced instructors invite you to embrace your authentic self and find solace in movement inside a warm, welcoming atmosphere.