May 7, 2026
6-8pm Pitch Competition
at Ashland Theatre
Ready to Sink or Swim? The Friendliest Shark Tank in the Center of the Universe is Back!
For its 12th year, the Dominion Energy Innovation Center, Colonial Farm Credit, and Downtown Ashland Association are casting a spotlight on bold entrepreneurs ready to make waves. Watch as local innovators take the plunge, pitching their next big idea for a chance to reel in $15,000 total!
Join us for an evening of innovation, competition, and hometown hustle! Who will make a splash and who will walk away with the ultimate catch?
🚀 Three high-stakes categories.
One unforgettable showcase. 🚀
📍 Center of the Universe
Immagine’, LLC
Founded in 2012, Immagine’ is a collaborative creative business rooted in a love for visual storytelling. Through drawings, paintings, photography, and writing, they create and curate artwork that highlights the beauty of the world around us. Their offerings include original art, stationery, books, canvas prints, custom gifts, and a thoughtfully selected collection of fair trade goods sourced in partnership with global organizations.
Take Away LLC
Take Away LLC is a new card and gift shop bringing a fresh, curated retail experience to Ashland. Focused on thoughtful gifting and everyday celebration, the shop offers a selection of cards, keepsakes, and specialty items designed to help customers mark meaningful moments both big and small.
Ashland Dance Academy
Ashland Dance Academy provides professional dance instruction in a safe, high-quality studio environment. With a strong commitment to both artistic development and community impact, the academy creates opportunities for students of all ages to grow in skill, confidence, and connection through dance.
🦈 Hanover County
Hanover Mercantile
Hanover Mercantile is a locally rooted shop that brings together Virginia wines, local beer, provisions, and a carefully curated apothecary. In addition to retail offerings, they host hands-on workshops and tastings that invite customers to gather, learn, and experience the best of the region in a welcoming, community-focused space.
Shaken Not Spurred Events + Mobile Bar
Shaken Not Spurred is a luxury mobile bartending service serving events across Virginia. Their signature horse trailer bar adds charm and sophistication to weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings. Operating as a dry hire service in accordance with Virginia ABC laws, their experienced team delivers customized cocktail and mocktail experiences designed to elevate any occasion.
Sugar & Spruce
Sugar & Spruce is a women- and family-owned bath and body brand creating handcrafted soaps, bath bombs, and self-care essentials made in-house. With an esthetician-approved approach and a focus on high-quality ingredients, their products are designed to bring a little indulgence and routine joy to everyday life. Now operating online, they continue to serve customers seeking thoughtful, feel-good skincare.
🌱 Agriculture & Forestry
Foliage LLC
The Foliage Project is a Hanover-based outdoor service specializing in landscaping, leaf removal, pruning, and garden bed preparation. Serving homeowners and businesses across the region, their work supports healthy, well-maintained outdoor spaces while contributing to the sustainability and beauty of Central Virginia’s natural environment.
Thistledew Fold
Thistledew Fold is a small farm in Montpelier, Virginia, dedicated to raising Scottish Highland and Highland cross cattle. In addition to their cattle program, the farm is home to donkeys, ducks, chickens, and more. Thistledew Fold offers private tours, workshops, and events, creating opportunities for visitors to connect with agriculture in a hands-on, educational setting.
Hamlet Farming Initiative
The Hamlet Farming Initiative focuses on strengthening local agriculture through community-centered growing practices and education. With an emphasis on sustainability and access, the initiative works to support regional food systems while fostering deeper connections between people, land, and local food production.
Sponsored by Colonial Farm Credit!
🦈 Meet the Judges
📢 Making Waves in the News!
Sharpen your skills and get pitch-perfect before the Center Street Pitch Competition with these game-changing updates…
Center Street Pitch Competition is hosted by Dominion Energy Innovation Center and Downtown Ashland Association to encourage entrepreneurship in our local community.