Better Together in Mount Jackson

Two Mount Jackson businesses, one new idea, and up to $1,000 to get it off the ground: that's the pitch behind the town's new Better Together program. Janet Michael heads south to Mount Jackson to catch up with Town Manager Olivia Hilton and Assistant Town Manager Greg Beam about the new grant, which rewards local businesses for teaming up to create a new product, service, or event.

Greg shares how the idea started in downtown Staunton during the pandemic, when a soap maker and a brewer made a beer soap that kept selling out. Olivia explains how Better Together helps the town keep the businesses it has worked so hard to bring in, and why nonprofits can join the fun too. Then the conversation turns to the Mount Jackson 5 program, which has helped 11 businesses open in three years, and The Nest, the former hardware store on Main Street that's now home to more than 25 small businesses. If you own a business in Mount Jackson, or just love a good Main Street success story, this one will get your wheels turning.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Town of Mount Jackson: mountjackson.com · 5901 Main Street, Mount Jackson, VA · 540-477-2121 Better Together program details and application: mountjackson.com/business/page/resources-incentives Apply on a rolling basis by emailing the one-page application to info@mountjackson.com The Nest: A Community Collective: 5986 Main Street, Mount Jackson, VA · Facebook and Instagram Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 10:30 AM–6:30 PM (closed Mondays for the winter) Nights at The Nest: first Thursday of every month, 4–8 PM. Next one: Thursday, November 5. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

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