Hatch Accelerator

05/15/2026

Help us congratulate Cohort 06 of the Startup Bootcamp program! 👏

19 ventures completed the newly implemented Avante Startup Bootcamp with 16 pitching for $57,500 in cash and other awards at the Celebration + Pitch Nights. 🚀

Thank you to partners and sponsors: Dickenson County Economic Development, City of Norton, Virginia IDA, Town of Wise, and Opportunity SWVA

Additional thanks to all of the support organizations, local professionals, guest speakers, and pitch judges that support these efforts. 💛

03/26/2026

Congrats to these two groups who began their journey with the startup bootcamp!⚡️💡

🤝 Thank you Dickenson County Economic Development, City of Norton, Virginia, and the Town of Wise for being cohort partners.

03/05/2026

FINAL WEEK TO APPLY

The startup bootcamp is a hands-on, cohort-based program designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs who are ready to move from idea to action.

Over this guided bootcamp, participants will gain practical tools, expert support, and meaningful peer connections—helping them validate ideas, understand customers, and build a clear path forward for their business.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand and grow your current venture, this program provides the structure and momentum to help you take the next step.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.hatchaccelerator.com/launch

The Hatch Accelerator exists to remove barriers to growth for entrepreneurs in the region with robust and innovative programming.

02/18/2026

We are excited to partner with Dickenson County Economic Development to facilitate a fully in-person startup bootcamp cohort at the new business incubator site!

Come alongside other founders to take you from idea to launch in a 7-week period with startup capital, office space, and other awards to pitch for upon completion.

Startups and expanding businesses in Dickenson County should apply and there is no cost to participate.

👉 Apply Here: https://forms.gle/6rdgGKWTGchi88iJ9

Move from idea to action. Walk with other starters as you begin your entrepreneurial journey.

02/13/2026

We can’t wait! 🙌🚀

If you or someone you know has ever had an idea and didn’t know where to start, this is the place.

Get ready to turn ideas into action 💡

Link in our bio and more info at hatchaccelerator.com

01/27/2026

💡Looking to turn your idea into a business? Look no further, cohort 06 registration is now open ⚡️⚡️

https://www.hatchaccelerator.com/launch

01/19/2026

FOUNDER SPOTLIGHTS

Cohort 05 had many standout participants. Top three winners of our pitch competition were Stephanie Strouth, Tara Greear, & Andrea Hicks.

Read more about their story in the photos.

Want to join in for Cohort 06? Follow the link here & in the bio to apply. https://www.hatchaccelerator.com/launch

01/12/2026

“I think of the program as the lifeline I didn’t know I needed.”

Excitement and passion during the startup process ebbs and flows, but with the startup bootcamp you can find structure and guidance to help launch or grow your business and stay the course. 💫💪🏼

Check out Tara’s business Healthy 360 and show them some love! 💆‍♀️

Start Here: https://www.hatchaccelerator.com/launch

08/25/2025

Looking for an opportunity to break into the entrepreneurship space?

This is your chance to use your skills and creativity to solve a real problem for a potential customer.

All expenses covered! 💡🚀⛰️

06/10/2025

In May, we wrapped up 10 weeks of learning, growing, and building with our incredible Cohort 05 entrepreneurs.

These 11 founders dedicated the past 10 weeks to sharpening their business ideas, connecting with customers, and laying the groundwork for what’s next. We are so proud of every single one of them!

✨ Pitch Battle Winners:
🥇 $2500 — Stephanie Strouth, Anchoring Hope Counseling
🥈 $1250 — Tara Greear, Healthy 360
🥉 $500 — Andrea Hicks, The Coffee Station

🚀 Marketing Competition Winners:
Stephanie Strouth (Anchoring Hope Counseling), Brenna Harden (Cafe Paloma), Ari Fey (FeyCraft Creations)

🚀Customer Discovery Champion:
Ari Fey (FeyCraft Creations)

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made the night so special:
Venue: Gather at 411 East Main
Food: The Shack, Wise Va.
Photos: Hannah Sowards HFotos
Facilitators: Annie Jordan, Blake Salyer, Jack Flanary
Judges: Molly Land (All My Friends Are Hoopers), Kathy Deacon (SBSD), Ryan Shipley (Sync.Space)
Guest Speakers & Mentors: Thank you for pouring into our cohort with your wisdom and experience throughout the program!

👏 And most importantly, cheers to our Cohort 05 entrepreneurs:

Cassandra Brickey — Cassandra Brickey, IBCLC, RLC
Sarah Lucas — Guest River Coffee
Tara Greear — Healthy 360
Stephanie Strouth — Anchoring Hope Counseling, LLC
Tucker Jett — Wildlife Conservation Consulting
Brenna Harden — Cafe Paloma
Laura Allen — Positivity Keys
Ramona Aistrop — Salt & Light Wellness LLC
Ari Fey — FeyCraft Creations
Andrea Hicks — The Coffee Station St. Paul VA
Austin Counts — Hill and Holler Media

You inspire us with your courage, creativity, and commitment. We can’t wait to see what you build next. 🚀