HEDI Expands Support for Local Entrepreneurs

Harrisonburg is continuing to invest in the people who turn an idea, a skill, or a neighborhood need into a local business. The Harrisonburg Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, known as HEDI, is a City-supported effort focused on helping early-stage entrepreneurs build stronger foundations for the work ahead.

Building a local entrepreneurship program

HEDI is funded through the National League of Cities Southern Cities Economic Initiative and operates through Harrisonburg Economic Development. Its purpose is to align outside grant resources with the City’s economic-development goals while creating practical opportunities for business owners who are building within Harrisonburg city limits.

The effort began with a $15,000 planning-phase grant and grew into a $52,500 secondary award. That progression gives the program more capacity to connect local entrepreneurs with training, resources, and direct assistance as they develop and grow their businesses.

City Council’s role

Harrisonburg City Council has played a direct role in securing and implementing the HEDI funding. Vice Mayor Dany Fleming has participated in planning and strategy meetings with the National League of Cities Southern Cities Economic Initiative support team, helping align program resources with local priorities.

Mayor Deanna Reed and the broader City Council provide public backing for the initiative as part of a wider vision for a thriving local economy—one that includes restaurants, shops, and distinctive startups. Because Council holds authority over the City’s annual fiscal plans, it also oversees the local incentives, mini-grants, and municipal compliance measures connected to HEDI funding.

Practical support for business owners

HEDI is designed for early-stage business owners operating in Harrisonburg. Participants can receive expert-led training in the operational skills that help a business last, including accounting, marketing, and human resources. These are the building blocks entrepreneurs use every day to make sound decisions, reach customers, and manage growth.

After completing the training module and meeting program growth benchmarks, participating businesses can qualify for a one-time $2,500 performance mini-grant. The mini-grants are intended to help turn preparation into forward motion, whether a business is strengthening its operations, expanding its customer reach, or taking its next practical step.

An inclusive local economy

The initiative also prioritizes support for minority-, women-, and Latino-owned businesses. Harrisonburg’s economy is strongest when more residents have a meaningful opportunity to build, own, and grow a business. By pairing skills training with direct resources, HEDI aims to lower barriers and help more entrepreneurs participate in the city’s economic future.

This work reflects a shared commitment from City leadership, Harrisonburg Economic Development, National League of Cities partners, and the entrepreneurs who are investing their time and talent here. As the program continues, HEDI offers a focused way to help local businesses build confidence, capacity, and connections.

Learn more

For additional program updates, read the Harrisonburg Development HEDI Spring 2026 impact update and Rocktown Now’s report on the next round of the entrepreneurship program.