About this programme
Startup Virginia runs a startup incubator based out of the Michael Wassmer Innovation Center, aimed at high-growth startups and scalable services companies with a founder or company leader based in Virginia. The incubator centers on one-on-one guidance, business education, and a physical workspace rather than a cash grant or investment.
It targets companies with a product, service, or vetted business idea that can serve a large market and scale using technology, manufacturing, or licensing, whose founders are committing substantial time to building the company.
How it works
Members get one-on-one guidance through regular check-ins with the Startup Virginia (SVA) team, access to local and national resources such as business tools, platform credits and student intern opportunities, startup-focused workshops and leadership programs, and investment-preparedness support including pitch practice, pitch deck feedback and individualized fundraising support.
Physical benefits include 24-hour access to the Michael Wassmer Innovation Center, which offers subsidized offices, flexible workspace and private conference rooms, plus the option to use the center as a business mailing address. Members are also invited to monthly community-building events and can meet mentors and corporate partners.
Pricing runs $250/month for an individual founder, plus $100/month per additional team member; a subsidized month-to-month office for a 3-10 person team costs $700-$1,800/month. The program states cost should not stop anyone from applying, since scholarships are considered for pre-revenue companies.
Who can apply
Company must be a high-growth startup or scalable services company with a product, service, or vetted business idea that can appeal to a large market and scale using technology, manufacturing, or licensing.
A founder or company leader must be located in Virginia and able to actively participate in the incubator.
The startup must be in the early stages of growth, or the services company poised to scale, with founders committing substantial time to building the company.
How to apply
- Complete the Startup Incubator Application form on the Startup Virginia site.
Frequently asked
What does membership cost?
$250/month for an individual founder, plus $100/month for each additional team member. A subsidized month-to-month office for a 3-10 person team runs $700-$1,800/month.
I can't afford the fee. Can I still apply?
The program says cost should not stop you from applying, since scholarships are considered for pre-revenue companies.
Do I have to be based in Virginia?
A founder or company leader must be located in Virginia and able to be an active participant in the incubator.
What do I actually get as a member?
One-on-one guidance, access to business tools and interns, workshops, pitch and fundraising support, 24-hour access to the Michael Wassmer Innovation Center with subsidized offices and conference rooms, and a business mailing address.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.