Do Business Downtown
Downtown Lynchburg is a thriving place to open, move, or grow a business — and you don't have to do it alone.
Why Downtown
Downtown has transformed into a lively community with historic charm, river views, and walkable blocks of locally owned shops, restaurants, and offices. Anchored by major institutions and a calendar of events that draws thousands, it's one of the most vibrant places in the region to run a business.
Lynchburg sits at the center of a growing metro of more than a quarter-million people, with five colleges feeding the workforce and major employers — Centra Health, Framatome, BWXT, Liberty University, and Pacific Life — anchoring the regional economy.
~80K
City residents
260K+
In the metro area
5
Colleges feeding the workforce
40+
Miles of trails & blueway
Thousands of Reasons to Be Here
DLA's signature events bring people downtown all year long — foot traffic that flows right past your front door.
14,000+
Bright Nights
6,000+
Fourth of July Fireworks
4,000+
International Festival
1,200+
Blooms & Brews
How to Get Started
Whether you're opening your first storefront or expanding an established business, here's how we help.
Launch LYH
Our pitch-competition and grant program that helped 15 businesses open downtown with $310,000 in grants. See the program and its winners.
Learn moreFaçade Improvement Grant
Matching grants to help property and business owners restore and refresh historic downtown storefronts. Ask our staff how to apply.
Find a Space
Looking for a storefront, office, or restaurant space? Browse the available downtown properties we keep current, with photos and contact info for every listing.
Learn moreOne-on-One Guidance
Our team and our economic-development partners help you navigate incentives, permits, and the path to opening or expanding downtown.
Partner Organizations
A network of regional partners offers counseling, training, incentives, and connections to help your business succeed.
Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism
The Office of Economic Development and Tourism is the City of Lynchburg's economic development and tourism agency. With a focus on developing people and place, staff leads business retention, expansion and attraction efforts, entrepreneurship and tourism initiatives, and business marketing and promotion for the City. Learn about their incentives and programs on their website.
opportunitylynchburg.comSmall Business Development Center
The SBDC is an effective provider of customized counseling and education for small businesses in the region. You can meet in private with a certified business analyst to discuss your specific issues, or attend small-group trainings for in-depth presentations on critical management topics.
sbdclynchburgregion.orgLynchburg Regional Business Alliance
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is the region's largest business association, with a mission to provide programs and services that strengthen member businesses and stimulate regional prosperity.
lynchburgregion.orgCentral Virginia Business Coalition
Originally known as the Lynchburg Retail Merchants Association, the CVABC began helping small businesses in our area as early as 1906. Support Local, Shop Local, Buy Local — it is the mission of the CVABC to build a strong local economy and showcase the unique characteristics of our business community.
cvabc.orgHave a downtown dream?
Our staff is always available to talk through your plans and point you to the right program, property, or partner. Reach out — we'd love to help you get started.
Get in touch