CULPEPER, Va. (August 27, 2026) – The Town of Culpeper has been recognized with two 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), earning a Gold Award for Culpeper Competes and a Silver Award for Heritage Park. The awards recognize outstanding economic development initiatives in communities with populations under 25,000 and highlight Culpeper’s innovative approach to strengthening its economy through entrepreneurship, placemaking, and strategic public investment.
The Town received:
- Gold Award – Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development for Culpeper Competes
- Silver Award – Neighborhood Development for Heritage Park
The International Economic Development Council’s Excellence Awards recognize organizations, initiatives, and projects that demonstrate innovation, measurable impact, and leadership in advancing economic development and revitalizing communities.
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The Gold Award-winning Culpeper Competes program was recognized for its innovative approach to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the Town’s small business ecosystem. Launched in 2022, the ten-week entrepreneurship education and pitch competition combines business training, mentorship, technical assistance, and competitive grant funding to help entrepreneurs launch, expand, and sustain businesses in Culpeper. Since its inception, the program has served 68 entrepreneurs, with 51 completing the program, 27 advancing to the final pitch competition, and 11 businesses receiving grant funding. Collectively, participating businesses have created more than 16 full-time equivalent jobs, and all but two grant-funded businesses remain in operation today. Across the program’s three cohorts, participating entrepreneurs have also generated approximately $3.4 million in private investment and secured more than $1.8 million in local financing to support business growth and operational expansion. Together, these outcomes demonstrate the program’s lasting impact on Culpeper’s small business economy. Between competition cycles, Culpeper Competes continues to provide year-round educational workshops and business support programming, creating a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem rather than a one-time grant opportunity.
The Silver Award-winning Heritage Park transformed nearly seven acres of underutilized property into a vibrant civic destination that strengthens downtown connectivity while supporting tourism, recreation, arts and culture, and economic development. Rather than constructing a traditional multi-level parking garage, the Town invested in a multifunctional public space featuring expanded parking, a signature pedestrian bridge, public art infrastructure, an earthen amphitheater, EV charging stations, an interactive tourism kiosk, and ADA-accessible connectivity to the Culpeper National Cemetery. The project increased public parking capacity for the historic district by approximately 22.8 percent, enhanced visitation to downtown businesses, and created a premier venue for community events and cultural programming.
“The Town of Culpeper is leading the field of excellence in economic development through innovative projects that create measurable impact for its community,” said Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council. “IEDC is honored to recognize communities like Culpeper that demonstrate leadership, creativity, and a commitment to strengthening their local economies.”
“Receiving both a Gold and Silver IEDC Excellence Award is an incredible honor for our community,” said Paige Read, Director of Culpeper Tourism and Town Economic Development. “These awards recognize two very different but equally important investments in Culpeper’s future. Culpeper Competes demonstrates what can happen when we invest directly in local entrepreneurs, helping people turn ideas into businesses, create jobs, attract private investment and build something that contributes to Culpeper’s economy for years to come.”
“Heritage Park represents the kind of investment we want to make in Culpeper, one that addresses a community need while creating opportunities far beyond it,” said Chris Hively, Town Manager. “The project connects people to downtown, creates space for recreation, tourism, art and community gatherings, and preserves opportunities for future private investment. It shows what is possible when we think about public infrastructure not as a single-purpose project, but as an investment in the long-term vitality of our community.”
Receiving two international awards in separate categories underscores the Town’s comprehensive approach to economic development. While Culpeper Competes focuses on growing businesses from within by providing entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to succeed, Heritage Park demonstrates how strategic public investment can strengthen downtown, encourage tourism, improve infrastructure, and create new opportunities for business growth. Together, these initiatives exemplify the Town’s long-term vision of creating a vibrant, resilient, and economically competitive community.
Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the profession. This year’s awards are especially significant as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary, recognizing projects and programs that are shaping the future of economic development around the world.
About the Town of Culpeper
The Culpeper Tourism and Town Economic Development Department works to strengthen the local economy through business recruitment and retention, entrepreneurship, tourism development, strategic marketing, and placemaking initiatives. By fostering investment, supporting small businesses, enhancing visitor experiences, and creating vibrant public spaces, the department helps position Culpeper as one of Virginia’s premier places to live, work, visit, and invest.
About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Based in Washington, D.C., the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating more than 100 years ago, IEDC provides leadership, professional development, research, policy advocacy, and networking opportunities that advance the practice of economic development worldwide.
