The initial phase of construction for the Virginia Innovation Accelerator in the former Mundet-Hermetite factory building in Buena Vista is nearing completion. Entrepreneurs interested in leasing space are being sought to submit applications and encouraged to attend an introductory session set to take place in early June.
This phase of construction, according to Nickie Hawkins, director of VIA and Innovation Services for The Advancement Foundation, encompasses “updates to utilities, interior renovations to create flexible retail and manufacturing spaces, a community commercial kitchen and the addition of modern infrastructure to support small business operations.”
VIA, she said, “is poised to launch the Junction 245 Tasting Room, Café & Market – a cooperative marketplace designed to support entrepreneurs and boost economic development in the region.”
Construction is anticipated to be complete by late June, said Hawkins, with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration to follow when new merchants have set up. She is encouraging entrepreneurs and innovators to secure their space in the Junction 245 Marketplace before the official opening, positioning their businesses to benefit from the launch.
“This ambitious project, spearheaded by [TAF] with the support and partnership of the city of Buena Vista and state and federal funders, is converting the historic industrial site into a thriving hub of entrepreneurship, innovation, manufacturing and community engagement. The completion of this phase will include not only retail-ready spaces, and a commercial kitchen but also the Buena Vista Visitor Center as well as co-working, and collaborative areas for mentorship, business operations support, and business acceleration programs – all aimed at boosting economic activity and providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs.”
She explained that “entrepreneurs and innovators in food, beverage, retail and outdoor recreation have an exciting new opportunity to grow their business with the launch of Junction 245 Tasting Room, Cafe & Market. This marketplace, she said, is to “provide a dynamic and collaborative space for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, refine their brands and expand their customer base. By offering affordable spaces, mentorship, and access to essential resources, Junction 245 is poised to become a hub for innovation and growth for Buena Vista and the region.”
Hawkins continued: “This is more than just a retail opportunity. Junction 245 is an immersive accelerator experience designed to help local entrepreneurs scale up their business, refine their brand and connect with a growing customer base in a supportive, collaborative environment.”
Entrepreneurs are being sought in the following sectors: ● Beverages: Brewers, winemakers, mead creators, adaptogen producers, tea and soda makers, tonics, tincture and other innovative beverage creators.
● Food: Fresh food creators, artisan bakers, snack producers, candy makers and other specialty food businesses.
● Retail products: Home décor, unique handmade goods, custom gifts, jams, and other distinctive retail products.
● Outdoor recreation: Gear, tents, camping supplies, kayak/ tube rentals, bike rentals.
● Commercial kitchen: food/ beverage production, catering businesses, culinary workshops, cold storage, dry storage and much more.
“Entrepreneurs and businesses who apply and are selected to join Junction 245 will enjoy significant benefits,” said Hawkins. “They will have access to affordable, customizable retail, manufacturing and packaging spaces designed to meet their unique needs. In addition, they will receive valuable mentorship from industry experts to help refine their branding, packaging, marketing, and distribution strategies. Participants will also have the option to utilize a fully equipped commercial kitchen and production facilities to support food production and preparation.”
Those who are interested are encouraged to join one of the upcoming information sessions. Session I will be held Wednesday, June 4, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the VIA, 245 W. 21st. St. in Buena Vista. Session 2 will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 5, from noon to 1 p.m.
To apply, visit the website https://acceleratevirginia. com/2025/03/12/explore-junction- 245/, where there are interest forms for Junction 245 food, beverage and retail businesses. The application process is simple and straightforward, but space is limited, so entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply early.
