Valley Women Collab launches March 7

Staunton, Virginia, may be a cozy town perched in the Shenandoah Valley, but it’s bursting with the kind of energy only women entrepreneurs can bring. Walk through downtown, and you’ll find thriving storefronts, creative studios, and bustling cafés—often run by dedicated women we have come to call “Main Street Mavens.” We are finding them in so many of our small towns. An energy and passion that ignites the possibilities that may have sat a little quiet - but not any more. Now, these innovators have a new community hub to elevate their voices and expand their dreams: Valley Women Collab.

How It All Began

In 2023, Megan Burrows, owner of Burrow & Vine, organized a local event to highlight women-owned businesses for International Women’s Day. Staunton boasts a remarkable number of female-led businesses, so the occasion was both timely and wildly successful. The buzz from that single celebration set off a ripple of collaboration, catching the attention of Joa Garcia (founder of Prism Consulting) and Breanna Decker-Grant (founder of Juniper Lane).

Together, they saw an opportunity to build something bigger—a year-round organization that would educate, connect, and champion women entrepreneurs well beyond a single day in March. That vision has became the Valley Women Collab, a vibrant, member-driven network fueled by education, curated events, and the genuine sense of community that small towns do best.

Valley Women Collab Founders: Megan Burrows (Burrow & Vine,) Joa Garcia, (Prism Consulting,) and Breanna Decker-Grant, (Juniper Lane)
Photos: @valleywomencollab

What Does Membership Look Like?

Valley Women Collab is all about creating a supportive ecosystem—one where resources, opportunities, and knowledge flow freely. Here’s what members can expect:

Education: Access to an exclusive Resource Library loaded with templates, guides, and downloads. Plus, free or discounted admission to guest speaker events and educational summits.
Events: Meet-ups open to women at all stages of life and business, along with discounted access to mastermind workshops, retreats, and the signature Valley Women’s Weekend event.
Community: A members-only directory for networking, marketing your services, and collaborating with other trusted women entrepreneurs. Social media features also help shine a light on your business successes.

Mark Your Calendar: March 7 Kick-Off Summit

Valley Women Collab’s biggest celebration—Valley Women’s Weekend: Kick-Off Summit—happens this year at Hotel 24 South (Magnolia Ballroom) in Staunton on March 7, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The $25 ticketed event promises:

A powerhouse panel of local women leaders—including the Mayor, Director of Tourism, and Economic Development officials—who will share their insights on leadership and what it means to thrive in a small-town setting.
Interactive speed-networking (“Ask an Expert”) with seasoned professionals offering real-time advice on taxes, marketing, branding, and more.
Inspiration and connections that linger long after the last handshake.

The evening is designed to kick off International Women’s Day with a bang, amplifying women-owned businesses and fostering an atmosphere of support, celebration, and fresh ideas.

Elevate Your Brand: Content Creation 101 Workshop

To keep the momentum going, VWC is also hosting a Content Creation 101 Workshop,with a $10 ticket, offering:

Professional headshots
B-roll and behind-the-scenes video footage
Prop styling and setup for on-brand photos
Content strategy tips to help you post confidently online

Participants will walk away with ready-to-use materials that reflect their personal brand, plus the know-how to keep that content pipeline flowing.

Looking Beyond 2025

While the International Women’s Day weekend remains a cornerstone, Valley Women Collab is growing into a full-fledged, year-round organization dedicated to building authentic relationships and offering resources women need to grow their businesses. With each gathering, each summit, and each workshop, the ripple effect extends beyond Staunton—painting a bright future for women entrepreneurs throughout the region.

A Call to Action for Locals & other Main Street Mavens

If you’re in or near Staunton:
Reserve your spot for the March 7 Kick-Off Summit at ValleyWomenCollab.com. Join monthly meet-ups, access the Resource Library and connect with the remarkable women entrepreneurs in the valley.
If you’re reading from afar:
Let Staunton’s success story nudge you to build your own local collab. Even a small group of dedicated women can spark an entire community movement.

Women entrepreneurs are reshaping what local business can be—generating fresh ideas, boosting economic vitality, and infusing main streets with a welcoming, vibrant spirit. Valley Women Collab is proof that when women step forward to support each other, entire communities stand to benefit.

So here’s to celebrating the women whose shops, studios, and services make small towns hum. May the Valley Women Collab launch be a catalyst of energy and empowerment, inspiring us all to dream bigger, collaborate better, and champion one another’s success—no matter where we call home.

Learn more about Staunton