30 Best Startup Accelerators & Incubators In Virginia [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: January 20th, 2022

Are you looking for an accelerator program in Virginia?

Did you know that Virginia is recognized as America’s Top State for Business in the year 2021?

If you're starting a startup in Virginia, you might be wondering what startup accelerators or incubators exist in the area. Here's the full list:

Startup Accelerators & Business Incubators In Virginia

#	Accelerator/Incubator	Funding	Location	Apply
1	Lighthouse Labs	$20K	Richmond, VA	Apply
2	Ignition	$200K	Williamsb...	Apply
3	VP(x)2 -Venturing Project Squad	$10K	Arlington...	Apply
4	The Launch Place	$100K-$250K	Danville ...	Apply
5	Shenandoah Community Capital Fund	$1K-$50K	Staunton, VA	Apply
6	Community Business Partnership	Upto $30K	Springfie...	Apply
7	Catalyst	$20K	Charlotte...	Apply
8	Mach 37	Not Disclosed	Tysons, VA	Apply
9	Startup Virginia	Not Disclosed	Richmond, VA	Apply
10	Startups Ignite	Not Disclosed	Reston, VA	Apply
11	The Village Project	Not Disclosed	Richmond, VA	Apply
12	Dominion Energy Innovation Center	Not Disclosed	Ashland, VA	Apply
13	The Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center	Not Disclosed	Williamsb...	Apply
14	Franklin Business Center	Not Disclosed	Franklin, VA	Apply
15	Business Development Center	Not Disclosed	Lynchburg...	Apply
16	Mason Enterprise Center	Not Disclosed	Fairfax, VA	Apply
17	The Highland Center	Not Disclosed	Monterey, VA	Apply
18	West Piedmont Business Development Center	Not Disclosed	Martinsvi...	Apply
19	Entrepreneur's Organization	Not Disclosed	Global	Apply
20	UMW EagleWorks Business Incubation Center	Not Disclosed	Frederick...	Apply
21	Galant Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship	Not Disclosed	Charlotte...	Apply
22	BizLaunch	Not Disclosed	Arlington...	Apply
23	Fairfax County Economic Development Authority	Not Disclosed	Tysons, VA	Apply
24	Martinsville Henry County Economic Development Corporation	Not Disclosed	Martinsvi...	Apply
25	REaKTOR	Not Disclosed	Hampton, VA	Apply
26	Da Vinci Center for Innovation	Not Disclosed	Richmond, VA	Apply
27	Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator	Not Disclosed	Abingdon, VA	Apply
28	Virginia Talent Accelerator Program	Not Disclosed	Richmond, VA	Apply
29	Score	Not Disclosed	Global	Apply
30	SBDC	Not Disclosed	Global	Apply

30 Best Startup Accelerators & Incubators In Virginia [2024]

1. Lighthouse Labs

Location: Richmond, VA
Industry: Broad Technology and Product Portfolio Businesses
Investment Size: $20K
Program Length: 3 Months
Equity Taken: No Equity Taken

Lighthouse Labs runs a 3-month long business accelerator program that assists early-stage founders to build scalable business ventures in the industrial ecosystem. This program helps startups and innovative entrepreneurs to convert their business ideas into reality by providing them with tailored mentorship & business support, funding of $200K, legal & accounting assistance, business education, networking opportunities with industry experts, and lifetime alumni support. They help businesses in the niche of technology and product portfolio, and some of its portfolio companies are Bloom Rail, Spellbound, Tribaja, Work Ceo, No Limits, and many more.

Apply to Lighthouse Labs, or learn more ➜

2. Ignition

Location: Williamsburg, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $200K
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Ignition hosts a business program that assists startups and entrepreneurs build scalable business firms. This program aims to build a successful business community by supporting entrepreneurs and providing them with mentorship, growth resources, office space, networking opportunities with investors, tools, tailored business curriculum, fundraising opportunities, business experiences & knowledge to launch a business program from scratch, and access to participate in the Shark Tank VA program. Some of its portfolio companies include Jaunt, Drink Williamsburg, Fubar, and many more.

Apply to Ignition, or learn more ➜

3. VP(x)2 -Venturing Project Squad

Location: Arlington and Charlottesville, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $10K
Program Length: 9 Months
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

VP(x)2-Venturing Project Squad program initiated by the Batten Institute and hosted by the University of Virginia Darden School of Business is a goal-oriented business program that helps early-stage business entrepreneurs to succeed in the industry. This program provides participants with mentorship & guidance, workshops, funding of $10K, legal & technical assistance, connection-building & networking opportunities, and guidance to build an MVP.

Apply to VP(x)2 -Venturing Project Squad, or learn more ➜

4. The Launch Place

Location: Danville & Pittsylvania County, VA and Caswell County, NC
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $100K-$250K
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

The Launch Place runs a business program that fosters a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs and offers them support and fund-raising opportunities to take their business products and services to a new level in the market. They provide them with seed-funding of $100K-$250K, and in some cases, they can also get a chance to earn an investment of $500K. This program is run by a team of skilled and experienced international staff that provides business entrepreneurs with mentoring, training, business knowledge, and professional assistance in developing the business.

Apply to The Launch Place, or learn more ➜

5. Shenandoah Community Capital Fund

Location: Staunton, VA
Industry: Agriculture, Technology, Light Manufacturing, Food Processing, and Professional Services
Investment Size: $1K-$50K
Program Length: 8 Weeks
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Shenandoah Community Capital Fund operates a business program to provide business support to launch and grow a business firm successfully in the industrial ecosystem of Staunton, VA. They host an 8-week Startup Shenandoah Valley (S2V) program that provides participants with mentorship, business support, one-on-one coaching, valuable business insights, tailored business-growth strategies, acceleration and incubation services, loans ranging from $1K-$50K, and networking opportunities with alumni and business experts. They help businesses in the niche of agriculture, technology, light manufacturing, food processing, and professional services.

Apply to Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, or learn more ➜

6. Community Business Partnership

Location: Springfield, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Upto $30K
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Community Business Partnership hosts a business incubator program that helps small business firms and women-owned businesses in the industry. They provide them with support and business education to build vibrant business firms and make a contribution to the growth of the industrial economy. This program also offers growth-enabled & financial resources, counseling & mentorship, and access to various classes and business programs for the members.

Apply to Community Business Partnership, or learn more ➜

7. Catalyst

Location: Charlottesville, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $20K
Program Length: 9 Months
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Catalyst runs a 9-month accelerator program that helps early-stage startups to grow and succeed in the industry. This program caters to businesses with funding of $20K, collaborative workspace, mentorship from experienced business experts, access to various programs, networking opportunities with industry experts, and business resources worth $50K. Some of its portfolio companies are; Hava, In Memory Of, Liquet, MetaCTF, Sergo Med, and many more.

Apply to Catalyst, or learn more ➜

8. Mach 37

Location: Tysons, VA
Industry: Cyber Startups
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 12 Weeks
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Mach 37 hosts a business accelerator program that serves cyber startups of the industry. They organize a 12-week cyber accelerator program to assist early-stage startup companies in the niche of cyber security, artificial intelligence, machine learnings, quantum computing, neural networks, encryption, IoT, space cyber-physical systems, industrial controls, and other cyber-related verticals. They provide startups with mentorship, resources, business education, and other services essential to grow and scale businesses in the industrial ecosystem.

Apply to Mach 37, or learn more ➜

9. Startup Virginia

Location: Richmond, VA
Industry: Innovative Businesses
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 6 Weeks
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Startup Virginia offers a business program to support the entrepreneurs, innovators, and founders of the region. This program provides members with tools & resources, access to various programs, mentorship & guidance, workspace, educational business events, training, and networking opportunities essential to reach their potential and create a positive impact on the economy of Virginia.

Apply to Startup Virginia, or learn more ➜

10. Startups Ignite

Location: Reston, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 90 Days
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Startups Ignite organizes a business program that helps startups accelerate and grow their businesses in the industry. Their 90-day Startup Venture Accelerator program provides entrepreneurs with mentorship, proven business methodologies & practices, hands-on business experience, networking opportunities with industry experts, peers & mentors, business strategies, ideas testing opportunities, revenue models, and workshops essential for building a scalable and successful business firm.

Apply to Startups Ignite, or learn more ➜

11. The Village Project

Location: Richmond, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 12 Months
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

The Village Project runs a hybrid business program that provides entrepreneurs with various services and collaborative business opportunities. They also offer strategies related to work-life balance and professional business techniques to the entrepreneurs for longevity and success in the industry. The 12-month Skill Up Entrepreneurial Program provides business coaching and assistance in the niche of business development, marketing, health & wellness to entrepreneurs of all business stages.

Apply to The Village Project, or learn more ➜

12. Dominion Energy Innovation Center

Location: Ashland, VA
Industry: Environment, Social Innovations, Digital Data, Transportation, Distributed Resources, and more.
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 18 Weeks
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Dominion Energy Innovation Center runs a startup incubator program that accelerates business companies under verticals of sustainable environment, decarbonization, social innovations, circular economy, smart cities, IoT, digital data, robotics, mobility platforms, charging infrastructure, V2G & V2B businesses, autonomous systems, smart homes, and energy storage. This 18-week program provides startups with mentorship, coworking space, business education on marketing, finance & pricing, technical assistance, training, and resources essential for the growth of startups.

Apply to Dominion Energy Innovation Center, or learn more ➜

13. The Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center

Location: Williamsburg, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Launchpad is a regional incubator program by The Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship center that provides entrepreneurs with business support and infrastructure to build scalable and profitable business ventures. They also offer access to meeting space, mentorship, resources to expand the business, educational programs, hands-on experience, networking opportunities with experts & faculty, one-on-one training & counseling sessions, workshops, and support services to the participants.

Apply to The Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center, or learn more ➜

14. Franklin Business Center

Location: Franklin, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Franklin Business Center, operated by Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc., offers a business incubator program that provides businesses with hands-on business experience, management assistance, technical support, business equipment, and access to critical business opportunities. They also offer fully renovated and equipped office space to help startup firms grow and expand their businesses.

Apply to Franklin Business Center, or learn more ➜

15. Business Development Center

Location: Lynchburg, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Business Development Center in Lynchburg runs an incubator program that provides business firms and entrepreneurs with business advice, mentorship, funding & training opportunities, coworking space, collaborative growth environment, professional & administrative services, and technical assistance. Participants can also get a growth-enabled business toolkit, guidance in operational & organizational business planning, business strategies, and market research essential for scaling and succeeding in the industry.

Apply to Business Development Center, or learn more ➜

16. Mason Enterprise Center

Location: Fairfax, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Mason Enterprise Center organizes a business program that offers entrepreneurs and startups services, resources, access to programs, incubation & acceleration services, technical assistance, business education, and networking opportunities to grow and succeed in the industry. They have a dedicated staff who provide startups with professional expertise and help businesses achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

Apply to Mason Enterprise Center, or learn more ➜

17. The Highland Center

Location: Monterey, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

The Highland Center runs a business program that acts as a catalyst for the economic growth and development of the region. This program accelerates small businesses and provides them with growth services, development opportunities, support programs, affordable working space, and networking opportunities. The mission of this program is to support local business firms and improve the quality of life of entrepreneurs.

Apply to The Highland Center, or learn more ➜

18. West Piedmont Business Development Center

Location: Martinsville VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

West Piedmont Business Development Center operates a business program that encourages, empowers, and assists business entrepreneurs by providing them resources and nurturing environment to grow and succeed in the industry. This program also offers financial assistance, managerial support, guidance in business planning, working space, training, support services, and various amenities to the participating entrepreneurs.

Apply to West Piedmont Business Development Center, or learn more ➜

19. Entrepreneur's Organization

Location: Global
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Entrepreneur's Organization organizes a business program that provides a peer-to-peer network, educational, and learning opportunities for the growth of entrepreneurs globally. This innovative program also helps entrepreneurs develop business strategies, sales, finance, marketing skills, and other aspects of the business. They support and encourage the achievements of early-stage entrepreneurs and drive necessary resources and skills to make them a better leader and an entrepreneur.

Apply to Entrepreneur's Organization, or learn more ➜

20. UMW EagleWorks Business Incubation Center

Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

UMW EagleWorks Business Incubation Center, managed by the University of Mary Washington, hosts a business program that provides developmental services to early-stage startups and local business companies who want to grow their business enterprises. Moreover, this incubator program offers office space, professional business services, mentorship & consultation services, networking opportunities with peers, training, and other business resources to the participating entrepreneurs essential to move forward in the industry.

Apply to UMW EagleWorks Business Incubation Center, or learn more ➜

21. Galant Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Location: Charlottesville, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Galant Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at UVA McINTIRE empowers and encourages student entrepreneurs to build a scalable and successful startup business firm. This program provides participants with business education, training, mentorship, growth-enabled business concepts, tools & resources, launch strategies, assistance in business innovation, hands-on training, and networking opportunities with industry experts.

Apply to Galant Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or learn more ➜

22. BizLaunch

Location: Arlington, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Biz Launch, run by Arlington's Economic Development, is a small business and entrepreneurial assistance network. They act as a one-stop-shop for starting and growing a successful business firm in Arlington. They provide participants with tax assistance, business plans, guidance & counseling, and education on business topics such as marketing toolkit, financing, licensing & business plans, and research opportunities.

Apply to BizLaunch, or learn more ➜

23. Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

Location: Tysons, VA
Industry: Technology Industry
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority runs a business program that helps thriving technology innovators and leaders to succeed in the industry. They assist technical businesses in the niche of defense, aerospace, financial services, emerging technologies, information technology, health, and life science. This program provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with workforce training, economic advantage, various utilities, business education, workshop, counseling, and office space.

Apply to Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, or learn more ➜

24. Martinsville Henry County Economic Development Corporation

Location: Martinsville VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Martinsville Henry County Economic Development Corporation hosts a business program to provide entrepreneurs and businesses with counseling & mentorship, workforce training, business incentives, and tax advantages. They also help business firms to develop in the Martinsville Henry County by offering them various business growth strategies, developmental services, and procurement assistance.

Apply to Martinsville Henry County Economic Development Corporation, or learn more ➜

25. REaKTOR

Location: Hampton, VA
Industry: Technology Industry
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

REaKTOR runs a technology innovation center where technology-based business ideas are transformed into real businesses. They host programs that bring together technology innovations, entrepreneurs, and investors to build successful and scalable technology business ventures that can bring a change in the world. They provide resources, creative space, and assistance to the participating business companies. Some of its portfolio companies are Frog-Skin, Advanced Aircraft Company, UTS, and Laser & Plasma Technologies.

Apply to REaKTOR, or learn more ➜

26. Da Vinci Center for Innovation

Location: Richmond, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Da Vinci Center for Innovation, operated by Virginia Commonwealth University, hosts a unique business program that empowers students with innovation and entrepreneurship in various disciplines. They provide participants with business models, technical assistance, inclusive entrepreneurship, tools, resources, and skills to engage in the global industrial ecosystem. This program also provides participants with resources to master product innovation & certificate for the same, a graduate certificate in health care innovation, and a certificate in venture creation.

Apply to Da Vinci Center for Innovation, or learn more ➜

27. Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator

Location: Abingdon, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator offers Residential Program and Affiliate Program. They serve startup businesses, expanding businesses, and transitioning businesses with coworking, office & manufacturing space, business equipment, growth strategies, shared services, and assistance to move forward in the industry.

Apply to Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, or learn more ➜

28. Virginia Talent Accelerator Program

Location: Richmond, VA
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, managed by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, is a business program that provides hands-on business training, work instructions, mentorship, e-learning modules, job-specific services & methodologies, and business consultancy services. Business sectors in the niche of manufacturing operations, information technology, distribution centers, shared service centers, and research & development can be a part of this accelerator program.

Apply to Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, or learn more ➜

29. Score

Location: Global
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Score operates a global business program that provides entrepreneurs and new emerging businesses with low-cost business workshops, mentorship, training, skills, business plans, and resources. This program helps thousands of business firms to grow, start, and reach new heights of success every year. They also assist businesses in achieving their business goals by offering them business education on various topics.

Apply to Score, or learn more ➜

30. SBDC

Location: Global
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

SBDC or Small Business Development Center runs programs worldwide to help existing small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to grow and succeed in the industry. Their business program provides participants with free-of-cost training, business consultation, mentorship & guidance, resources for starting a new business and growing an existing one, assistance in international trade, funding opportunities, and various other resources essential to take business firms to new heights.

Apply to SBDC, or learn more ➜

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meet the author

Pat Walls