MOUNT JACKSON, VA – The Town of Mount Jackson is excited to announce the official kickoff of the 2025 session of the Mount Jackson 5 (MJ5) Entrepreneur Program, a key initiative in the town’s “MJ5: The Nest” community business launch program. This year's cohort of aspiring entrepreneurs is already at work, refining their business dreams with the goal of opening new ventures and contributing to the local economy.
Building on the success of last year's program, which launched four new businesses, the 2025 session is supported by a $75,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This funding not only provides crucial seed money but also powers a comprehensive eight-week training program designed to equip participants with the skills they need to succeed. The cohort will meet weekly for workshops and one-on-one mentoring, covering everything from financial planning to marketing strategies.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will pitch their business plans to a guest panel for a chance to receive grant funding from both DHCD and the Town of Mount Jackson to help bring their ideas to life.
"The Mount Jackson 5 program is more than just a grant; it's a testament to the incredible entrepreneurial spirit in our community," said Olivia Hilton, Town Manager. "By providing these emerging business owners with the resources, mentorship, and financial support they need, we're not only helping them achieve their dreams but also strengthening our local economy and creating a more vibrant, dynamic community for everyone."
This year’s participants represent a diverse range of business concepts, each with the potential to add a unique flavor to Mount Jackson’s Main Street:
- Hannah Bulatko, The Little Lantern Co.: A faith-centered bookstore and creative hub, offering a curated selection of Christian, homeschooling, and family-oriented books, along with stationery.
- Michael Cain, Poppy’s Dust: An artisan and retail business specializing in woodworking and limited-run artisan merchandise.
- Toni Dinges, Valley Soaps: Artisan Retail: A space for natural soaps, lotions, and art, including quilts, crochet, and ceramics, with plans for classes and workshops.
- Alex Sejas and Abby Dagne, Sunbliss: A healthy meal prep business that will also feature handcrafted teas, herbs, small-batch coffee, and fine art.
- Ed Frank, Retail: A store focused on high-quality food, wine, and agricultural products sourced directly from the Shenandoah Valley.
- Joyce Kelley, Two Turtle Doves: A retail venture centered on refurbished furniture and unique home décor.
- Ryan Peters, Home Revival Décor: Artisan/Retail: A business offering woodworking, décor, small furniture, resin pieces, floral preservation, and custom laser engraving services.
- Brody Williams, Nocturne Tattoo Parlor: A tattoo studio that will bring a new form of creative expression to the community.
The program participants will be working over the coming weeks to finalize their business plans with the goal of opening their doors within the community in 2025. Several of these entrepreneurs will open as independent brick and mortar businesses, however a few are prospective tenants for "The Nest," a multi-business incubator being developed at the former hardware store at 5986 Main Street, which will offer affordable micro-retail spaces and shared amenities.
The town is committed to fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive, and the MJ5 program is a cornerstone of that vision.
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).
About Mount Jackson: 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.