Henrico EDA's Pop-Up Mentoring Program honored by VEDA
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The Virginia Economic Developers Association has selected six communities, including Henrico County, for the 2024 Community Economic Development Awards in recognition of their efforts to advance economic viability through community development and business retention and expansion. The awards were announced at the VEDA's 2024 Spring Conference in Charlottesville.
The winning entries were selected based on innovation, transferability, community commitment and overall benefits, according to VEDA officials. In Henrico, the Henrico Economic Development Authority's Pop-Up Mentoring Program, or PUMP, was recognized for its "groundbreaking approaches to distributing business support resources, providing business mentorship and engaging with the community. PUMP’s core innovation is its ability to provide hands-on, one-on-one mentoring in a 'pop-up' format without the need for formal meetings or the intimidation of a corporate office space.
"The lack of registration requirements eliminates barriers to attendance, particularly for those who struggle with technology and prefer in-person coaching. Participants in PUMP gained access to a comprehensive network of support. The success and adaptability of PUMP showcases its capacity to be a transformative force in economic and community development."
Other winning entries honored the Lyric Theater in St. Paul; the Southwest Virginia Regional Housing Summit; the Grow Waynesboro Main & Wayne program; the Harrisonburg Downtown 2040 project; and the Arlington Innovation Fund.
VEDA will submit the winning entries to the Southern Economic Development Council for consideration under its award program that takes place later this year.
“We selected winners in every demographic category that reflect the collective strength we share in Virginia,” said Rebekah Castle, director of economic development and marketing in Augusta County and chair of the CEDA committee. “The award-winning projects raise the bar for collaboration and vision in economic development, and I congratulate all the recipients.”
