Launch LYH announces winners, new businesses to open downtown [Video]

An arcade, clothing store, plant store, theater, dance hall, indoor golf simulator as well as mini golf are all in the works to open within the next year in downtown Lynchburg.

The seven businesses are the winners of the inaugural Launch LYH pitch competition. The program is dedicated to fostering economic growth and revitalizing the heart of Lynchburg by supporting promising entrepreneurs eager to start, relocate or expand their businesses in downtown.

Last fall, the Downtown Lynchburg Association received $115,000 toward the new program that seeks to fill vacant storefronts and provide current and potential small business owners with money to start or expand a business in downtown Lynchburg.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced $90,000 in Community Business Launch grant funding to DLA for the program. The nonprofit was one of only three entities in Virginia to receive the funding in 2022. The Lovingston Community Business Launch in Nelson County and …