MOUNT JACKSON, VA – The Town of Mount Jackson is thrilled to announce the successful culmination of the second MOUNT JACKSON 5 Entrepreneurial Community Business Launch Program (MJ5). This innovative initiative was made possible by a generous Community Business Launch (CBL) grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), supported by the Town of Mount Jackson is powering a vibrant wave of new businesses and revitalization efforts on Main Street.
Pitch Night Fuels Seven New Ventures
A recent, highly successful pitch night showcased the talents and innovative business concepts of seven dynamic entrepreneurs. After a rigorous 8-week business bootcamp, participants were awarded a portion of the $75,000 prize pool to bring their dreams to reality:
- Brody Williams, Nocturne Tattoo Parlor: Bringing a new form of creative expression to the community with a unique tattoo studio.
- Toni Dinges, Valley Soaps: An artisan space for natural soaps, lotions, and art (quilts, crochet, ceramics), with future plans for classes and workshops.
- Hannah Bulatko, The Little Lantern Co.: A faith-centered bookstore and creative hub, featuring Christian, homeschooling, and family-oriented books, along with stationery.
- Joyce Kelley, Two Turtle Doves: A retail venture specializing in refurbished furniture and unique home décor.
- Michael Cain, Poppy’s Dust: An artisan and retail business focused on woodworking and limited-run artisan merchandise.
- Alex Sejas and Abby Dagne, SunBliss: A healthy meal prep business that will also offer handcrafted teas, herbs, small-batch coffee, and fine art.
- Ryan Peters, Home Revival Décor: Offering woodworking, décor, resin pieces, floral preservation, and custom laser engraving services.
The Nest: A New Economic Hub Takes Flight
With funding support through the DHCD funding, the Town is creating "The Nest" (located at 5986 Main Street), an incubator storefront space designed to be a collaborative launching pad for several of the 2025 MJ5 graduates. This new cohort model will foster collaboration, shared success, and a powerful synergy that promises to attract new customers and create significant buzz in Shenandoah County.
The Nest will become the shared home for FOUR of the MJ5 participants: Poppy’s Dust, Sunbliss, Home Revival Décor, and Two Turtle Doves. This group will continue to work in their space in the coming months with a plan to open in late Spring 2026.
THREE MJ5 entrepreneurs will be moving forward independently in brick-and-mortar spaces in downtown Mount Jackson: Valley Soaps has already opened its doors at 5928 Main Street. Nocturne Tattoo Parlor will be opening soon at 5934 Main St. and The Little Lantern Co. is currently exploring potential commercial spaces.
A Commitment to Community and Collaboration
"Mount Jackson is truly on the rise, and it’s because of the passion and dedication of our local entrepreneurs," said Olivia Hilton, Town Manager of Mount Jackson. "The MOUNT JACKSON 5 program is so much more than just a grant: it’s an investment in people. It’s about building a supportive, thriving ecosystem where innovative ideas can take root and flourish, revitalizing our Main Street block by block. We are incredibly proud of this new cohort and excited to watch them transform our downtown."
The 8-week Community Business Launch (CBL) program offered weekly group meetings and 1:1 mentoring which covered vital aspects of business planning, market research, financial management, and marketing strategies. Beyond financial support, participants will continue to receive ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, a one-year free membership to the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, promotional features, and direct access to free consultations with local industry experts.
Ryan Peters, owner of Home Revival Décor, shared his enthusiastic experience: "Participating in the MJ5 program has been truly enjoyable and a time that I looked forward to every Wednesday evening. I have made multiple new connections professionally and would venture to say even several friends along the way. I enjoyed the food, conversations, and insight into the town of Mount Jackson itself. I would recommend this program to anyone who is thinking about starting a business of any kind. Olivia (Town Manager) and Greg (Assistant Town Manager) truly put great effort into this, and the resources provided are very valuable. The grant money is truly a bonus or 'cherry on top' that will help propel all of us to reach our next goal. Thank you MJ5!"
The Town of Mount Jackson expresses its sincere appreciation to the DHCD for this second round of Community Business Launch funding and to the invaluable community mentors and supporters who continue to generously dedicate their time and expertise to nurture the dreams of those opening businesses in Mount Jackson.
The 2024/2025 program was a huge success, supporting the launch of four incredible new businesses that are already contributing to the local economy: Valley Trail Bike and Run, Jillian's Farmstead Kitchen, Wild Child Museum and Menagerie, and Hero's Journey.
Meet the Entrepreneurs on Small Business Saturday
The community is invited to celebrate the new cohort as they participate in a special holiday pop-up during the annual MERRY ON MAIN event in Mount Jackson on Saturday, November 29th, from 12 noon – 4:00 PM. Plan to SHOP & STROLL Main Street to support all of Mount Jackson's small businesses during SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY—and say hello to the inspiring entrepreneurs of the Mount Jackson 5!
For additional information: The Town of Mount Jackson, Virginia, is a vibrant and historic community nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Dedicated to fostering a high quality of life for its residents, the Town continually seeks innovative ways to enhance community engagement, transparency, and access to services. Contact: To learn more about this and other Town of Mount Jackson initiatives please contact the Town of Mount Jackson at 540-477-2121 or info [at] mountjackson.com (info[at]mountjackson[dot]com).