October 20, 2026

From Mentorship to Main Street: ERC Founder Finds Opportunity at The Local

By Heidi Angle 

PHOTO: RARE 3D Maps founder Jesse Hurdus and Suzanne Mazzella of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center celebrate the opening of his microshop at The Local in downtown Blacksburg.

For entrepreneur Jesse Hurdus, opening a microshop at The Local in downtown Blacksburg represents more than an opportunity to sell his innovative 3D-printed maps. It’s a chance to test a business concept, build relationships and take another step toward a much larger vision. 

Hurdus, founder of RARE 3D Maps, celebrated the milestone at The Local’s Oct. 14 ribbon cutting, where the entire Innovations team from the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) attended to support him and celebrate the growing entrepreneurial community. 

PHOTO: Members of the VTCRC Innovations team gather at The Local’s Oct. 14 ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening and support local entrepreneurs. 

Hurdus’ business transforms geographic data into detailed, customizable 3D-printed maps of familiar destinations, including Virginia Tech’s campus and Lane Stadium. His modular designs allow individual sections to connect, creating possibilities for personalized gifts, collectible displays and larger installations for businesses. 

With a background in mechanical engineering, Hurdus sees RARE 3D Maps as part of a broader entrepreneurial vision. RARE represents Robotics, Augmented Reality and an intentionally flexible “E,” which encompasses Exploration, Education, Experiential Learning, Exercise and other applications as his ideas evolve. 

After pursuing a different technology concept, Hurdus returned to an earlier interest in 3D printing and discovered advances that could make his designs more affordable and commercially viable. When The Local began accepting applications, he saw an opportunity to bring his products directly to customers. 

PHOTO: Hurdus shares his 3D-printed maps with mentor Christoph Leser during the ERC’s Meet the Mentors event. 

Turning connections into opportunities 

Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Hurdus has found guidance and support through VTCRC’s Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC). 

Established in April 2026, the ERC serves as a free resource for entrepreneurs at every stage, connecting founders with experienced mentors, educational programming, networking opportunities and regional partners. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, the ERC helps entrepreneurs identify their next steps and access the expertise needed to move forward. 

One of those connections is Janine Kniola, an ERC mentor and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business. 

Kniola has worked with Hurdus on business planning, product selection and launch preparation. During one of their recent mentor meetings, she encouraged him to streamline his initial product offerings while continuing to develop technology that could eventually allow customers to design their own maps. 

“Jesse has great passion and enthusiasm for his product,” Kniola wrote in a mentoring report, also noting the excitement surrounding The Local’s opening. 

Another valuable relationship began at the ERC’s Meet the Mentors event, where Hurdus connected with Lyndsi Hale, assistant hotel manager at Mountain Lake Lodge. 

“I started talking to her right away following the Meet the Mentors night,” Hurdus said. 

Hale has continued providing feedback as Hurdus explores potential applications for his products within the hospitality industry. 

PHOTO: Lyndsi Hale, assistant hotel manager at Mountain Lake Lodge, connects with an entrepreneur during the ERC’s Meet the Mentors event. Hale also met founder Jesse Hurdus at the event and has continued providing feedback as he develops his business. 

The advice is especially valuable as he determines how to price and position a product with few direct comparisons in the marketplace. 

“I’m trying to understand how to find Product-Market-Fit when both the technology and market are evolving very rapidly, which is both exciting and challenging,” Hurdus said. 

His experience illustrates the ERC’s role in helping founders navigate uncertainty through meaningful connections and practical support, turning introductions into ongoing relationships. 

A community working together 

Operated by Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., The Local offers emerging businesses an accessible way to enter the retail market, test products and connect directly with customers. 

Hurdus believes that in-person experience has become increasingly valuable. 

“I think people are going to put more and more value on being able to go into a shop, physically see, touch, and experience a product, buy it, and walk out with it; over online shopping,” he said. 

Beyond customer interaction, he sees opportunities to learn from neighboring entrepreneurs and develop potential business partnerships. 

“I’m really excited to build relationships and learn as much as I can from all the other store owners, which is huge,” Hurdus said. “My goal is to one day be an example of a local-grown, technology-enabled, innovative, product design and manufacturing company right here in Blacksburg, and that take will take a lot of community help.” 

That emphasis on collaboration extends to the organizations supporting him. 

Tracie Hughes, executive director of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., highlighted the importance of regional partnerships during a recent Virginia Tech town-gown presentation featuring both The Local and the ERC. 

“It takes us working together to get things done,” Hughes said. “But that’s my favorite part of the job.” 

Hughes has also expressed interest in partnering with the ERC on future events and programming, strengthening connections between entrepreneurs, mentors and community resources. 

For Hurdus, the opening of RARE 3D Maps is one milestone in an evolving entrepreneurial journey. He hopes to continue developing his technology and eventually return to the ERC to share his modular design and 3D-printing process with other entrepreneurs. 

His progress reflects what the ERC strives to make possible: helping founders move from ideas to action through mentorship, meaningful relationships and community collaboration. 

Find your next opportunity at the ERC 

Looking to build connections, explore new ideas or get involved in the regional entrepreneurial community? The Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC) offers free events and programming designed to bring together founders, mentors and innovators. 

Upcoming opportunities include: 

  • Oct. 27, Nov. 11, Dec. 1 and Dec. 15 | Coffee, Cookies & Collaboration: Take a break from your usual workspace and connect with fellow founders over coffee and cookies. Drop in anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. No registration required. The December gatherings will also feature a DIY hot cocoa bar. 
  • Nov. 10 | Founders + Friends: Celebrate the completion of the inaugural E-Series and connect with founders, mentors and members of the regional entrepreneurial community. 

All ERC programs and events are free and open to the community. Visit our full events calendar for details and registration information, and connect with the ERC on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay informed about upcoming events, resources and opportunities.