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About the Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley is a vibrant rural region spanning 140 miles along the border of Virginia and West Virginia. The area has a rich history, stunning natural resources — including the Shenandoah National Park and Appalachian Trail — and one of the country’s most productive agricultural sectors.

Today, Shenandoah Valley residents are driving economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. Fueled by a spirit of resilience, people in the area are forming new ventures despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Increasingly, people see the valley as a place where someone can have it all — a quality job, affordable living, work-life balance, and access to world-class outdoor recreation.

Community partner

The Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF) is dedicated to lowering barriers to entrepreneurship by collaboratively building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Shenandoah Valley. 

Since its founding in 2008, SCCF has grown substantially, from a hyper-local organization primarily serving the small business community of Staunton, Virginia, to a truly regional organization that provides equitable access to capital, educational resources, and community support for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. One important initiative that has solidified SCCF’s broader impact is Startup Shenandoah Valley (S2V), a $1.2 million regional accelerator/incubator program funded by GO Virginia.

What RIN means to the Shenandoah Valley:

“Being a Rural Innovation Network partner is phenomenal. Not only has the technical assistance been incredibly valuable, working with the team is a joy. We’re honored and excited to be a part of this community!”

Alex Andrew, Shenandoah Community Capital Fund

Explore our Network

Today, these local leaders are focused on educating and training local residents in digital skills (especially those traditionally excluded from the tech industry), employing them in new economy jobs, and empowering them to launch startups that will drive a prosperous 21st-century economy. Diverse in geography, economic origin, and demographics, these communities represent the full spectrum of rural America.