VCEDA had a booth at the SWVTC and snapped a quick photo with two of its board members. From left are Harry Childress, who is also president of the Virginia Coal Energy Alliance; Esther Bolling, who is also executive director of the SWVTC; Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel; and Charlotte Mullins, VCEDA marketing ambassador.
VCEDA Takes Part in Southwestern Virginia Technology Council 20th Anniversary Celebration
VCEDA was pleased to take part in the Southwestern Virginia Technology Council’s 20th anniversary celebration in mid-June. The council recognized former award winners of tech council awards through the years including the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, which in 2009 was recognized for high tech excellence in economic development.
A ceremonial check representing the seed capital matching grant funding approved for Redbud Family Medicine LLC was presented recently to clinic owners Vickie Stevens, second from left; and Mercedes Schoonover, second from right. They are pictured with VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, right, who made the check presentation; and Ernie McFaddin, Russell County IDA chairman.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Redbud Family Medicine
In the six months since Redbud Family Medicine LLC in Honaker, Va., first opened its doors, its patient base has expanded by 600, a new nurse has been added to the staff and a fourth exam room is being developed at the primary care medical clinic, according to Redbud co-owners Vickie Stevens and Mercedes Schoonover. Redbud Family Medicine LLC was recently approved for a $10,000 seed capital matching grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA), which Stevens and Schoonover credit as making it possible for the clinic to grow and expand.
“The VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant program is all about helping new businesses to meet their goals and to achieve their projected growth,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Redbud Family Medicine LLC is a prime example of how the Seed Capital fund was designed to work with businesses to assist them in creating jobs.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Redbud Family Medicine.
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, center, presents a ceremonial check to Winze Co. LLC Owner Blake Salyer, representing the seed capital matching grant funding recently approved for the company. From left are Norton City Manager Fred Ramey, Norton Mayor Joe Fawbush, Belcher, Salyer and Small Business Development Center Director Tim Blankenbecler.
Winze Co., LLC Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Connecting companies to their audiences with social media, engaging content and other digital outlets is how Blake Salyer, of Norton, describes the new direction of Winze Co., LLC. An e-commerce brand start-up, Winze now offers both creative services and fulfillment solutions for its client base. Salyer’s business was recently approved for a $10,000 seed capital matching grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). Winze Co., LLC opened in February in the business incubator space in Norton. The company offers a wide range of services including branding, content creation, social media management, marketing, consulting and merchandise management.
“Assisting small businesses in their initial start-up is the intent of the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant fund,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Winze proposes to assist other businesses in their media needs which in turn can further assist other businesses in realizing their own growth potential.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Winze Co., LLC.
A ceremonial check representing the seed capital matching grant funding approved for Sergent Tire LLC in Clintwood, Va., was presented recently to Adrian Sergent, second from left, owner of the tire shop in Dickenson County. He is pictured with VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, second from right, who made the check presentation; and Mitzi Sykes, Dickenson County Economic Development Director, left; and Tim Blankenbecler, of the Small Business Development Center at Mountain Empire Community College, right.
Seed Capital Grant Approved for Sergent Tire, LLC
Dickenson and surrounding county residents looking for a place to purchase either new or used tires have an option available to them at Sergent Tire in Clintwood. The tire shop, owned by Adrian Sergent, was recently approved for a $10,000 seed capital matching grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). Sergent Tire officially opened its doors in a two-bay garage being rented from Vanover Supply in May 2018. In addition to new and used tires, the tire shop offers oil, brake, rotor and drum changes, tire mounting, balancing and plugging and other basic automotive services.
“Assisting entrepreneurs in establishing and growing their new businesses is the goal of VCEDA’s Seed Capital Matching Grant program,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Sergent Tire identified a need in Dickenson County and put into action a plan to develop and grow the business. VCEDA was pleased to assist in its continued growth.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about Sergent Tire, LLC.
VCEDA Attends Regional Business Roundtable
VCEDA was in attendance at a June Southwest Virginia Regional Business Roundtable at the Russell County Conference Center in Lebanon. The gathering brought together business leaders from the region to discuss information and data gathered from a series of roundtable discussions held in the coalfield counties leading up to the event. David Hughes, of the Appalachian Regional Commission, provided the welcome and Sam Wolford, business growth manager with Genedge, presented a summary of the roundtable discussions and facilitated a discussion related to the next “bold steps” that have been discerned from conversations across the region. A “Voice of Business” panel comprised of business owners/leaders also shared their perspectives about what they need to not only survive but thrive in their businesses in the region.
A ceremonial check representing the seed capital matching grant funding approved for MSS Webb’s Spa and Boutique in Claypool Hill, Va., was presented recently to Stephanie Webb, owner of the spa and boutique. On hand for the presentation, from left, were Pam Warden, Tazewell County economic development manager; Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel; Stephanie Webb and her daughter, Mia; and Ruby Ratliff Hale, Webb’s grandmother.
MSS Webb’s Spa & Boutique Approved for Seed Capital Grant
Helping area residents look and feel their best is just a part of the routine every day at MSS Webb’s Spa & Boutique in the Claypool Hill Mall in Claypool Hill, Va. MSS Webb’s Spa & Boutique, LLC was recently approved for a $10,000 seed capital matching grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) which owner Stephanie Webb said is enabling her to expand the business offerings and to provide a more spa-like atmosphere.
“VCEDA was pleased to work with Stephanie in expanding her business through our Seed Capital Matching Grant program,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “The grant program was established to help new businesses start and grow, which in turn adds jobs to our local economy.”
Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel
Read more about MSS Webb’s Spa & Boutique.