The Center Street Pitch Competition in the historic Ashland Theatre
If you’ve been carrying a business idea in your back pocket, waiting for the right moment to step forward, this is your invitation from a town that truly wants to see you win.
The Center Street Pitch Competition, now in its 12th year, has extended its application deadline to April 12, 2026, giving entrepreneurs across Ashland, Hanover County, and the greater Richmond region a little more time — and a lot more encouragement — to take that next step. Hosted by the Dominion Energy Innovation Center in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association, this isn’t just a competition. It’s a community-backed launchpad, built on the belief that good ideas deserve a real shot.
And this year, that support starts even earlier.
Bravo Bakeshop at Center Street Pitch Competition
In a move that feels right at home in a place known for looking out for its own, applicants will now have access to a free pitch preparation workshop led by Dorian Cunion of Your Path Coaching and Consulting. His work has helped entrepreneurs find their footing and their voice, and his perspective comes from watching that transformation happen in real time. Reflecting on past participants, Cunion shared, “Watching participants like Karie from Shaken Not Spurred and Liz from Bravo Bakeshop move from idea to fully formed business has been incredibly rewarding. Quarterly updates show how they continue to refine their business models and seize new opportunities.” He adds, “With the right tools and guidance, small business owners can take confident, actionable steps toward success.”
That kind of guidance can make all the difference between a good idea staying on paper and a great one stepping into the spotlight.
That spotlight will shine bright on May 7, 2026, inside The Ashland Theatre, where finalists will take the stage in front of a panel of experienced judges and a room full of neighbors who understand exactly what it takes to build something from the ground up. It’s an evening that feels equal parts high-stakes and hometown, where the energy in the room leans less toward pressure and more toward possibility.
Dominion Energy Innovation Center with the timer counting down at the Center Street Pitch Competition
At stake is $15,000 in total prize funding, along with ongoing support through membership at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center — resources that continue long after the applause fades. But ask anyone who’s been part of Center Street before, and they’ll tell you the real value is in what happens along the way: the clarity, the confidence, and opportunities that come from finally saying your idea out loud and letting it be heard.
Entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries and stages are encouraged to apply, whether they’re rooted in Ashland, building something new in Hanover County, or contributing to the agricultural and forestry backbone of the region with support from Colonial Farm Credit. What matters most isn’t perfection. It’s vision, commitment, and a willingness to take that first visible step.
Applications are open now through April 12, and the process is designed to be approachable — a chance to share who you are, what you’re building, and how a little extra support could help you grow. Finalists will be announced later in April, with time built in to refine and prepare before stepping onto the stage in May.
Around here, we like to say Ashland is the Center of the Universe. For one night, it’s also the center of possibility.
If you’ve been waiting for someone to tell you your idea is worth it, consider this that moment.
Learn more and apply at AshlandVirginia.com/Pitch or reach out with questions at centerstreet@dominnovation.com.