The Highland Economic Development Authority works as a catalyst for economic growth, diversification, and sustainability within the county that promotes a spirit of pride, and a strong sense of community while practicing inclusiveness and cooperation.
The Highland County Economic Development Authority (EDA) meets the third Monday of each month at 7 pm at The Highland Center (61 Highland Center Drive, Monterey). The public is invited to attend. For more information, please email highlandeda@htcnet.org.
Stay updated about the Highland EDA at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/highlandeconomicdevelopment/
FY 2025 Highland EDA Grant Incentive Program
FALL ROUND Applications Available Now!
Funded by Highland County Board of Supervisors, and the Town of Monterey, the purpose of the Highland EDA Grant Incentive Program is to encourage the growth and success of small businesses located in Highland County. The grant program is designed to provide a mechanism for the Highland EDA to evaluate and award incentives to local businesses. The program goals are to:
- Encourage entrepreneurship
- Provide new job opportunities for local residents
- Increase the commercial tax base in our region
Applications will be reviewed following the application deadline of Thursday, November 6, 2025 and grant award letters will go out following the EDA’s November meeting. Applications will be evaluated by the Highland EDA based on the following criteria: Current number of full-time equivalent employees/projected number of full-time equivalent employees within two years; current and projected revenue within two years; proposed use of the grant funds; business and marketing plan; extent to which the proposed use of grant funds fulfills unmet needs in Highland County, and readiness to undertake the project.
Grant funds, in a range of $2,000 - $5,000 per business, are for the purpose of assisting with start-up or expansion expenses and can be awarded for the following uses:
- Purchase of supplies or equipment needed for business expansion
- Lease security deposits for a commercial location
- Down-payments towards purchase of a commercial location
- Renovations or minor repairs to a new commercial location
- Utility connection fees
- Advertising & marketing expenses
- Job training (if unavailable through VJIP)
Any questions may be directed to highlandeda@htcnet.org for a prompt response.
Application deadline is by 4:30 pm on November 16, 2025, delivered to the Highland County Board of Supervisor’s Office in the Courthouse, emailed to highlandeda@htcnet,org, or mailed to: Highland EDA, P. O. Box 68, Monterey, Virginia 24465.
*** CLICK HERE FOR THE 2025 FALL APPLICATION ***
Need help with preparing a business plan or with incentive grant applications? Contact Jim Martin with SCORE for free and confidential business mentoring at jim.martin@scorevolunteer.org or visit westernvirginia.score.org.