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UVA Wise and Dickenson County Partner on Startup Bootcamp Cohort at Dickenson County Business Incubator

Hatch participants

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Office of Community and Economic Development, in collaboration with Dickenson County Economic Development, is proud to announce the expansion of the Hatch startup accelerator program to the new Dickenson County Business Incubator this spring.

The new startup bootcamp cohort reflects a shared commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship, small business growth and local economic opportunity across Southwest Virginia. The in-person bootcamp will provide aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with hands-on instruction, peer collaboration and direct access to regional resources designed to help founders turn ideas into action.

The program, delivered through the UVA Wise Hatch Accelerator, will focus on practical skill-building, customer discovery, business model development and founder readiness. Participants will progress through a newly adopted curriculum together, benefiting from structured facilitation, local mentorship and the energy of learning alongside fellow Dickenson County entrepreneurs.

Leaders from both organizations emphasized the importance of place-based entrepreneurship support and the value of delivering programming directly in the community.

“This partnership represents exactly the kind of collaboration needed to meet communities where they are to strengthen the overall startup ecosystem in the region,” said Blake Salyer, innovation & ecosystem manager at UVA Wise. “The new Avante curriculum is a fresh take on startup development training launched by FoundersForge in 2025. Our office has partnered with FoundersForge on a handful of events and initiatives over the last three years, and we’re thrilled to be an early adopter of this new resource they have built.”

Dickenson County Economic Development echoed that excitement, noting that the cohort aligns with broader efforts to activate local talent, support small businesses and create long-term economic resilience. Hosting the cohort at the Dickenson County Business Incubator reinforces the county’s commitment to providing entrepreneurs with space and support as they grow.

“The Dickenson County Department of Economic Development is excited to partner with UVA Wise on this critical project for our community,” said Sabrina Stanley, communications and community engagement specialist for Dickenson County. “Small businesses are one of the backbones of our local economy, and we are thrilled to offer this support at no cost to the community.”

The in-person cohort is open to Dickenson County residents and entrepreneurs with a business idea or early-stage venture who are ready to participate in a structured, collaborative learning experience. The county has also sourced cash and in-kind awards that participants may compete for during the final week of the program. The Dickenson County cohort is one of two options to participate in Hatch’s upcoming spring programming. A separate virtual cohort open to entrepreneurs across the region, with separate awards and incentives based on location.

Program details:

  • Spring cohorts: Dickenson County Business Incubator or virtual region-wide cohort
  • Start date: March 16
  • Application deadline: February 28

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.hatchaccelerator.com/launch.