Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses | Apply Now!

Small businesses in Washington Co. – your opportunity is here! The Small Business Digital Growth & Innovation Grant provides up to $5,000 per business to help you:

Build or improve your website

Set up online sales and reservation systems

Launch digital marketing campaigns

Access professional branding and content services

Strengthen cybersecurity and adopt management tools

No matter your starting point, you’ll receive hands-on support to help you grow online!

Application Deadline: Applications are being accepted now and are being evaluated and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or until December 2025 – Apply Early!

Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/kaNch01igE ; and also complete the digital readiness assessment by clicking here: https://forms.office.com/r/zePVY5Zuqt

Questions? Contact: Billie Roberts I Community Solutions Advisor I Locus I broberts@locusimpact.org

Bridging Virginia, a non-profit community development loan fund, is proud to provide access to affordable capital and technical assistance for historically marginalized small businesses and places.

We are a collaborative workspace community located on Courthouse Hill at the intersection of Court Street and Main Street

Better Business Basics Plus

Believe in Bristol

Floyd C4 Program

Launch Something in Pulaski

VCEDA

GENEDGE: Emerging Business Program

Outdoor Rec Business Guide

The Virginia Main Street Program is a preservation-based economic and community development program that follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ developed by the National Trust Main Street Center. Virginia Main Street offers a range of services and assistance to communities interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts. While the program was designed to address the need for revitalization and on-going management of smaller to mid-sized downtowns, aspects of the Main Street Approach™ may be applied successfully in other commercial settings.

Virginia DHCD

Virginia Main Street Home Page

Recognizing that the Coalfield Counties have a unique culture and history, the VA General Assembly created the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority in 1993 to tell our authentic story and promote this region as an attractive tourism destination. Focusing on our exciting outdoor adventure and relaxing scenic beauty, Heart of Appalachia promotes the westernmost counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise and the City of Norton.

Entrepreneurial ecosystems describe communities or regions that foster an overall business climate supportive of entrepreneurship. These communities portray a positive, enthusiastic attitude that infuses an entrepreneurial culture; one that asks “how can we help you start and succeed at business?” There are many resources and incentives that communities can offer to new and existing entrepreneurs to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Check out a few helpful tools to help strengthen your entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Menu of Incentive Ideas

Launch an Entrepreneur Challenge Toolkit

Community Entrepreneur Package Examples

Main Street America – Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Role of Commercial Districts

Virginia Main Street – Creating a Successful “Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”

The focus of Virginia’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for Appalachian citizens. The ARC provides assistance in the long-term development of a chronically-depressed region, which encompasses 25 counties and eight independent cities in Virginia.

ARC funding is directed to projects that include water and sewer service to communities, workforce training for skilled trades and professionals, regional economic restructuring efforts and heritage and cultural tourism. Other funds seek to build a strong and sustainable asset-based economy, bringing jobs and prosperity to Appalachian communities while preserving their character. Projects which address the leveraging of cultural assets, natural assets, community assets, structural assets and business and economic assets are eligible for funding, as are energy efficiency improvements as a part of an eligible project. The Virginia ARC program may also be available to help with the development of an access road to support the location or expansion of an industry.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free and confidential one-on-one counseling as well as business education opportunities and resources to help entrepreneurs, small business owners and managers improve their business. Many of the Virginia Small Business Development Centers are located at colleges across the commonwealth. Each site has trained counselors to assist entrepreneurs in starting and managing a business. Services available consist of management training, research data, business plan, financial analysis and etc. The mission of the SBDC is to foster small business success and grow Southwest Virginia’s economy.

• Blue Ridge Crossroads
• Southwest Community College SBDC
• Mountain Empire Community College SBDC
• Roanoke Regional SBDC
• Virginia Small Business Development Center

Mplans offers a variety of information regarding all marketing aspects. The website has free sample marketing plans, how to articles, marketing plan outline and etc.

Bplans provides a wealth of information on how to prepare a business plan. The website has free templates, sample business plans, outlines, and etc. This is a great resource to use in conjunction with your Small Business Development Counselor.

Templates

• Pitch Deck
  Venture Capital Template provides assistance on composing a meaningful and successful presentation regarding your business venture.
• Cash Flow Template
• Strategic Plan Outline