Waynesboro Stands Along with Virginia Beach, Richmond, Fredericksburg and More Cities in Virginia Getting Tourism Marketing Leverage Program, Virginia Special Events & Festivals Program and Promotion Funding to Boost Travel Sector: Now The Race Is Officially On

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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July 1, 2026 5:02 AM

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Waynesboro stands along with Virginia Beach, Richmond, Fredericksburg and more Virginia cities receiving Tourism Marketing Leverage Program, Virginia Special Events & Festivals Program and promotion funding. Now the race is officially on to boost the travel sector, attract more visitors and accelerate local economic growth.

The City of Waynesboro is expanding its efforts to strengthen the local economy and attract more visitors by introducing two new competitive grant programmes aimed at supporting businesses, improving commercial districts and encouraging tourism-driven development.

Applications have officially opened for the Building Improvement Grant Program and the Building Opportunities to Support Tourism (BOOST) Grant Program, both managed by the City of Waynesboro Economic Development and Tourism Department. Together, the initiatives are designed to stimulate private investment, improve the city’s appearance and help local organisations create stronger tourism experiences that contribute to long-term economic growth.

City officials believe the programmes will encourage business owners to invest in their properties while also supporting events and attractions capable of drawing more visitors to Waynesboro throughout the year.

Building Improvement Grant Programme Supports Commercial Revitalisation

The Building Improvement Grant Program has been created to help revitalise key commercial areas by providing financial assistance for exterior upgrades and landscaping improvements.

The programme is open to property owners, tenants and prospective tenants operating within eligible sections of Downtown Waynesboro and the Rockfish Gateway corridor. Through reimbursable grants, qualifying applicants can receive up to 5,000 US dollars for approved façade improvements and up to 4,000 US dollars for landscaping enhancements.

Eligible façade improvements include projects such as exterior painting, the installation or replacement of awnings, upgraded business signage and other improvements that enhance a property’s visual appeal. Landscaping grants can be used for hardscaping, paving, planting new greenery and other exterior enhancements that contribute to an attractive streetscape.

The city expects these improvements to create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and potential investors while helping businesses increase their visibility and strengthen their presence within important commercial districts.

Investment Intended to Create Wider Economic Benefits

City officials believe that improving the appearance of commercial properties generates benefits beyond individual businesses by encouraging further investment across neighbouring areas.

Greg Hitchin, Director of the Economic Development and Tourism Department, said the programme is intended to stimulate reinvestment in some of Waynesboro’s most significant business corridors.

According to Hitchin, when businesses invest in their storefronts, the positive effects often extend throughout the surrounding community. Improved buildings can encourage neighbouring property owners to upgrade their own premises, strengthen the overall business environment and create a more attractive destination for shoppers and visitors alike.

Such improvements also contribute to building confidence among investors and entrepreneurs considering future opportunities within the city.

The City of Waynesboro has introduced two new competitive grant programmes aimed at strengthening local businesses, improving commercial districts and increasing tourism, joining a growing number of Virginia cities that are investing in façade improvements, downtown revitalisation and destination marketing to support long-term economic growth. The new initiatives reflect a broader trend across the Commonwealth, where municipalities are using targeted financial assistance to encourage private investment, enhance visitor experiences and create more vibrant commercial centres.

Waynesboro Launches Two New Grant Programmes for Businesses and Tourism

Applications are now open for the Building Improvement Grant Program and the Building Opportunities to Support Tourism (BOOST) Grant Program, both administered by Waynesboro’s Economic Development and Tourism Department. The city has positioned the two initiatives as complementary programmes designed to encourage investment in commercial properties while supporting marketing efforts that increase tourism and visitor spending.

The Building Improvement Grant Program offers reimbursable funding to eligible property owners, tenants and prospective tenants operating within qualifying areas of Downtown Waynesboro and the Rockfish Gateway corridor. Businesses can receive up to US$5,000 for exterior façade improvements and as much as US$4,000 for landscaping projects that improve the appearance of commercial properties.

Eligible façade projects include painting, awnings, signage and similar exterior enhancements, while landscaping grants support hardscaping, paving, planting and other improvements that create more attractive streetscapes. By helping businesses modernise their premises, the city hopes to encourage additional investment throughout neighbouring commercial districts.

BOOST Grant Programme Aims to Increase Visitor Numbers

Alongside physical improvements, Waynesboro is investing directly in tourism promotion through its BOOST Grant Program. The initiative provides grants of up to US$3,000 to businesses and organisations that market tourism-related festivals, attractions, events and initiatives designed to attract more visitors to the city.

Funding is available for eligible projects taking place within Waynesboro during the current grant cycle. Officials believe stronger marketing campaigns will help introduce new audiences to the city’s attractions while generating additional spending across hotels, restaurants, retail businesses and entertainment venues.

According to city leaders, combining commercial improvements with destination marketing creates a stronger foundation for sustainable economic development. Attractive business districts encourage visitors to spend more time exploring local communities, while effective tourism promotion increases awareness of what the city has to offer.

Waynesboro Becomes Part of a Growing Statewide Movement

Waynesboro is not alone in adopting grant programmes that combine economic development with tourism growth. Across Virginia, cities of different sizes have introduced similar initiatives to revitalise downtown districts, support local businesses and improve the visitor experience.

The expansion of these programmes demonstrates how local governments are increasingly viewing commercial revitalisation as an important component of broader economic development strategies. Rather than relying solely on large-scale infrastructure investments, many communities are providing direct financial support that enables small businesses to improve properties and strengthen local tourism.

Virginia Beach Offers One of the Commonwealth’s Largest Façade Grant Programmes

Virginia Beach operates one of Virginia’s most extensive façade improvement initiatives through its Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) programme. The city provides matching grants of up to US$10,000 for eligible commercial exterior improvements, including windows, doors, lighting, signage, landscaping, fencing, outdoor dining spaces and parking enhancements.

The programme encourages businesses to modernise their buildings while creating more attractive commercial corridors that appeal to both residents and visitors. By improving the visual quality of business districts, Virginia Beach aims to stimulate further private investment and strengthen its local economy.

Roanoke Encourages Commercial Revitalisation Through Enterprise Zone Grants

Roanoke has adopted a similar approach through its Enterprise Zone Façade Grant Program, which supports renovation projects within designated commercial areas. Eligible businesses can receive reimbursement covering a portion of approved project costs, with grants reaching up to US$25,000 for qualifying developments.

The programme focuses on improving building exteriors facing public streets, encouraging property owners to invest in older commercial buildings while supporting wider urban regeneration efforts. Officials view these improvements as an effective way to strengthen local business districts and create more welcoming environments for customers and visitors.

Buena Vista and Other Virginia Communities Continue Investing in Downtowns

Smaller Virginia communities are also embracing commercial improvement grants as part of their local development strategies. Buena Vista recently reopened its façade improvement programme, offering businesses financial assistance for exterior renovations that enhance the city’s downtown appearance and encourage continued private investment.

Other communities, including Manassas, Danville, Lynchburg, Winchester and several Virginia Main Street towns, continue supporting commercial revitalisation through façade improvement initiatives, historic preservation incentives and downtown enhancement programmes. Although funding levels and eligibility requirements differ between cities, the common objective remains the same: creating stronger business districts capable of supporting economic growth and tourism.

Statewide Tourism Support Strengthens Local Initiatives

Local grant programmes are complemented by statewide funding opportunities available through the Virginia Tourism Corporation. These programmes provide financial assistance for tourism marketing, destination promotion, festivals and visitor attractions, allowing local communities to build upon their own economic development initiatives.

The combination of municipal grants and statewide tourism funding creates a layered approach that supports both physical improvements and promotional activities. As more communities participate, Virginia continues strengthening its position as a destination that values local entrepreneurship, heritage preservation and sustainable tourism development.

Commercial Improvements Deliver Benefits Beyond Individual Businesses

Economic development specialists widely recognise that attractive commercial districts generate benefits extending beyond individual property owners. Well-maintained storefronts improve customer confidence, encourage longer visitor stays and often inspire neighbouring businesses to undertake similar improvements.

Tourism marketing delivers additional economic value by increasing awareness of local attractions, encouraging overnight stays and supporting businesses throughout the hospitality sector. Restaurants, accommodation providers, retailers and entertainment venues all benefit when more visitors choose to spend time within a destination.

Waynesboro Strengthens Its Long-Term Economic Development Strategy

By launching both the Building Improvement Grant Program and the BOOST Grant Program, Waynesboro has aligned itself with a growing group of Virginia cities using targeted financial incentives to support economic development. The city is combining commercial revitalisation with tourism promotion to create stronger business districts while expanding opportunities for local enterprises.

As applications move forward, the programmes offer businesses and community organisations an opportunity to invest in projects that enhance the city’s appearance, improve visitor experiences and contribute to long-term economic resilience. Together with similar initiatives across Virginia, Waynesboro’s latest investment reflects an increasing commitment to sustainable growth driven by vibrant downtowns, thriving local businesses and a stronger tourism economy.

BOOST Grant Programme Focuses on Tourism Promotion

Alongside physical improvements to commercial areas, Waynesboro is also investing directly in tourism marketing through its new Building Opportunities to Support Tourism (BOOST) Grant Program.

The programme provides grants of up to 3,000 US dollars to eligible businesses and organisations for marketing activities that promote tourism-related events, festivals, attractions and other initiatives designed to increase visitor numbers.

Funding is available for projects taking place within the City of Waynesboro during the current grant cycle.

Unlike the Building Improvement Grant Program, which concentrates on property enhancements, the BOOST initiative focuses specifically on increasing awareness of local tourism experiences through effective marketing and promotional campaigns.

Eligible organisations can use the funding to expand advertising efforts, improve promotional materials and reach wider audiences capable of generating increased visitor spending within the local economy.

Tourism Marketing Seen as a Driver of Local Growth

Tourism continues to play an increasingly important role in supporting local economies, particularly in smaller cities seeking to diversify revenue sources and attract new visitors throughout the year.

Stephanie Duffy, Assistant Director of the Economic Development and Tourism Department, said the BOOST programme represents an investment in experiences that encourage travellers to explore everything Waynesboro has to offer.

She explained that supporting local businesses and organisations in expanding their marketing efforts helps strengthen the city’s tourism economy while introducing new audiences to local attractions, festivals and community experiences.

By increasing promotional activity, the city hopes to encourage repeat visits, support hospitality businesses and create additional opportunities for local retailers, restaurants and service providers.

Funding Designed to Encourage Early Applications

The City of Waynesboro has confirmed that applications for both programmes are now open, with funding available on a competitive basis.

Officials are encouraging interested applicants to submit their proposals as early as possible because available funding is limited. Successful applications will need to meet programme eligibility requirements and comply with the published guidelines before reimbursement can be approved.

Application forms, programme information and detailed eligibility criteria are available through the city’s economic development resources. Businesses seeking additional information can also contact the Economic Development and Tourism Department directly for guidance throughout the application process.

Commercial Improvements and Tourism Promotion Work Together

The simultaneous launch of both grant programmes reflects a broader economic strategy that combines physical improvements with destination marketing.

Enhancing commercial buildings can create stronger first impressions for visitors, while expanded tourism promotion increases awareness of the city’s attractions and encourages more people to experience them. Together, these complementary investments help create an environment where businesses, residents and visitors all benefit.

Improved streetscapes can encourage longer visitor stays, greater customer confidence and increased spending within local businesses. At the same time, stronger marketing campaigns can introduce new events and attractions to regional and national audiences, supporting continued tourism growth.

Waynesboro Positions Itself for Long-Term Economic Development

The introduction of the Building Improvement Grant Program and the BOOST Grant Program demonstrates Waynesboro’s commitment to combining business development with tourism investment as part of its long-term economic strategy.

By supporting façade enhancements, landscaping projects and tourism marketing initiatives, the city aims to create more vibrant commercial districts while strengthening its position as an attractive destination for visitors.

As applications begin, local businesses, property owners and community organisations now have an opportunity to secure financial support that can improve properties, promote events and contribute to sustained economic growth across Waynesboro.

With limited funding available and growing interest expected, the programmes represent an important opportunity for eligible applicants to invest in projects that enhance both the city’s business environment and its tourism appeal for years to come.

Vidwat Kumar Keshan, Associate Editor, Travel And Tour World says “Waynesboro’s latest grant programmes demonstrate how thoughtful local investment can create meaningful economic transformation without relying solely on large-scale infrastructure projects. Supporting storefront improvements alongside tourism marketing allows communities to enhance visitor experiences while strengthening local entrepreneurship. Similar initiatives across Virginia show that cities are increasingly recognising the value of attractive commercial districts and destination promotion as long-term economic drivers. When businesses, tourism organisations and local governments work together through targeted financial incentives, they create stronger communities, encourage sustainable visitor growth and build resilient local economies that benefit residents and travellers alike.”

Waynesboro stands along with Virginia Beach, Richmond, Fredericksburg and more cities in Virginia as communities receive support through the Tourism Marketing Leverage Program, Virginia Special Events & Festivals Program and promotion funding. Now, the race is officially on to boost the travel sector and attract more domestic and international visitors. As a result, destinations are accelerating tourism campaigns, strengthening local events and enhancing visitor experiences. Moreover, city leaders are investing in marketing that showcases unique attractions, festivals and businesses. Consequently, Virginia is positioning itself for stronger tourism growth while creating fresh economic opportunities for communities across the Commonwealth.

The primary cause behind these funding programmes is Virginia’s commitment to strengthening tourism-led economic development across both large and small communities. The answer lies in targeted financial support that enables destinations to market attractions, organise festivals and increase visitor awareness without placing the full financial burden on local organisations. The reason these initiatives matter is that tourism spending supports hotels, restaurants, retailers, transport providers and local attractions while creating employment and encouraging private investment. By combining strategic marketing with community partnerships, Virginia aims to increase visitor numbers, extend traveller stays and improve the long-term competitiveness of destinations throughout the state.

Waynesboro’s participation alongside Virginia Beach, Richmond, Fredericksburg and numerous other Virginia cities demonstrates how tourism promotion has become a statewide priority rather than an isolated local initiative. Through the Tourism Marketing Leverage Program, the Virginia Special Events & Festivals Program and additional promotion funding, communities now have greater opportunities to showcase their cultural attractions, outdoor experiences, historic landmarks and signature events to broader audiences.

The coordinated investment reflects a growing understanding that successful tourism depends not only on having attractive destinations but also on ensuring potential visitors know what each community offers. Stronger marketing campaigns can generate increased visitor confidence, encourage overnight stays and support businesses that depend on tourism throughout the year. Hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, retailers and local service providers all stand to benefit when destinations attract more travellers and create memorable visitor experiences.

Equally important, these funding programmes encourage collaboration between local governments, destination marketing organisations, tourism businesses and community groups. Such partnerships help maximise promotional impact while strengthening regional tourism networks that benefit neighbouring cities as well as individual destinations.

As competition for travellers continues to increase across the United States, Virginia’s investment strategy places its cities in a stronger position to compete for leisure visitors, family holidays, cultural tourism and special event travel. With Waynesboro now joining Virginia Beach, Richmond, Fredericksburg and other communities benefiting from tourism marketing support, the race is officially on. The communities that successfully combine innovative promotion, compelling visitor experiences and sustained collaboration are likely to strengthen their tourism economies, attract new investment and build lasting momentum for the travel sector in the years ahead.