Buena Vista, VA (April 2025) — The Virginia Innovation Accelerator (VIA), a transformative project revitalizing the historic Mundet-Hermetite manufacturing plant in Buena Vista, is nearing the completion of a significant phase of construction. With 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, the project is on track to become a hub of innovation, business acceleration and economic revitalization.
With this milestone, VIA is poised to launch JUNCTION 245 Tasting Room, Café & Market — an cooperative marketplace designed to support entrepreneurs and boost economic development in the region.
This ambitious project, spearheaded by The Advancement Foundation 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 Visitors 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.
Construction is anticipated to be complete by late June, with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration to follow when new merchants have set up. Entrepreneurs and innovators are encouraged to secure their space in JUNCTION 245 Marketplace before the official opening, positioning their businesses to benefit from this exciting launch.
Introducing JUNCTION 245: A Marketplace for Growth
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. Situated in the heart of Buena Vista, Virginia’s Innovation Accelerator created this dynamic marketplace 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.
Whether you are an existing business looking to expand sales locations, scaling your operations, or a new entrepreneur entering the market, Junction 245 is your gateway to success.
“This is more than just a retail opportunity,” said Nickie Hawkins of The Advancement Foundation. “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.”
Junction 245 is seeking passionate entrepreneurs businesses 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: Scale your 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. 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.
For More Information: If you’re interested in learning more about how you can be a part of this exciting new marketplace, we encourage you to join one of our upcoming information sessions These sessions will provide a deeper understanding of the opportunities available at JUNCTION 245 and how the space can help you scale your business.
● Session 1: Wednesday, June 4th 4:30-5:30pm, Virginia Innovation Accelerator, 245 W. 21st St., Buena Vista, VA 24416
● Session 2: Thursday, June 5th 12pm-1pm, Virtual on Zoom
To apply, visit the website https://acceleratevirginia.com/2025/03/12/explore-junction-245/ where you’ll find 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.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this transformative business accelerator experience.
Contacts:
Nickie Hawkins, Director, The Advancement Foundation
Virginia Innovation Accelerator & Innovation Services
nickie@acceleratevirginia.com | 540-521-0249\
Kristina Ramsey, Director
Buena Vista Economic Development
kristina.ramsey@bvcity.org | 540-261-8616