Startup Shenandoah Valley (S2V)

A regional business mentorship program providing customized coaching, tailored mentoring, and support on all aspects of running a successful business for entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas.

Program Details

• Duration: 8 weeks per cohort (most recent: Sept 5 - Oct 27)
• Time Commitment: 5-10 hours per week during program; ongoing support expected 9 months to 3 years
• Cost: Free to participants
• Geographic Scope: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia (Northern Shenandoah Valley focus)
• Cohort Size: 7-10 entrepreneurs accepted per cohort from approximately 20 applications
• Funding: Launched 2020 with $1.2M from GO Virginia economic development initiative; expanded with $1.5M from U.S. Economic Development Administration

Program Focus

• One-on-one virtual coaching
• Tailored mentoring by industry experts
• Support on: raising capital, recruiting/retaining talent, marketing, legal issues, business fundamentals
• Problem-solving and strategic planning
• Peer learning and accountability

What's Included

• Customized Assessment: Business risk assessment to identify problem areas
• Mentor Matching: Coaches matched based on specific business needs
• Peer Meetings: Group learning sessions
• Coaching Sessions: Individual guidance
• Alumni Network: Access to network of successful Shenandoah Valley companies
• Ongoing Support: Extended mentorship beyond program duration

Eligibility

• Target: Entrepreneurs with scalable businesses (ability to grow)
• Stage: Any stage—from pre-launch ideas to established businesses seeking expansion
• Focus: Traded sector businesses (economic export focus)
• Industry Focus: Can include technology-based startups, organic agriculture, software, drone operations, and other scalable ventures

Impact

• 35+ entrepreneurs supported to date (as of 2022)
• Participants have created hundreds of jobs
• Multiple successful companies launched and scaled

Contact Information

• Website: sccfva.org/s2v/
• Email: hello@sccfva.org
• Phone: (540) 213-0333
• Address: 11 N. Central Ave. Suite 210, Staunton, VA 24401

How to Apply

1. Submit an Application through SCCF website
2. Selection Process: Applications reviewed for:
   • Business scalability potential
   • Entrepreneur's readiness and commitment
   • Business sector and industry fit
   • Approximately 7-10 selected from 20 applications per cohort

Key Application Tips

• Do not second-guess your application—submit it
• Even unsuccessful applicants benefit from the application process
• Applications accepted on rolling basis

Information Gathering

• Business description and stage
• Scalability plan
• Support needs identification
• Traded sector focus (businesses that export or generate regional economic growth)