North Wilkesboro, N.C. — Wilkes Economic Development Corporation (Wilkes EDC) received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to launch the Downtown Boro’s Small Business Grant Program, designed to support businesses in the downtown areas of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro. Replacing the Fall 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Program, this initiative empowers existing and expanding businesses that have been operating for over a year. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 to fund operational enhancements such as equipment upgrades, space improvements, and e-commerce expansion. With the selection process now complete, Wilkes EDC is proud to announce the grant recipients and their plans to strengthen their businesses, marking a significant step in fostering local economic growth.
Six local businesses were selected as recipients of the Downtown Boro’s Grant Program, representing several industry sectors such as food services, retail, arts, entertainment, and health care. Submissions were judged based on the potential funding impact on the business and the sustainability of each respective recipient. Applicants submitted a video pitch in addition to their business plans and financial summaries to give the judges insight into their proposed use of funds.
3 Pink Flamingos Boutique, under new ownership of Christy and Cameron Jones, is a clothing retail store expanding its selections to include men’s clothing and reflecting the “style in the foothills.” They are located at 107 W Main Street, Wilkesboro. Christy and Cameron Jones plan to update and rebrand 3 Pink Flamingos’ marketing. They received $1,500 toward their marketing plan and branding. Follow 3 Pink Flamingos Boutique’s Facebook page or visit their online store today to learn more and see their selection.
Blue Ridge Reflexology, a previous entrepreneur grant recipient, is operated by Nicole Wagoner at 807 B Street, North Wilkesboro. The business specializes in a whole-body approach to wellness using micro-movement techniques to facilitate relaxation and healing, relieving clients of stress, everyday pain, and ailments. The business was awarded $3,800 toward an electric lift table, which allows her to offer her services to a broader target audience. Visit BlueRidgeReflexology.com today to learn more and to book your appointment today.
High Country Seafood Co LLC, owned by Timothy Espinoza and supported by his family, has been serving Western North Carolina with fresh, sustainably sourced seafood since 2014. Over a year ago, the business relocated to North Wilkesboro to expand operations and serve a growing customer base, including individuals, chefs, and wholesalers. High Country Seafood Co LLC was awarded $2,500 to purchase a refrigerator, enabling them to store more products and ensure the highest level of freshness for their clients. To learn more, visit HighCountrySeafoodCo.com.
Liberty Theatre, now owned by Mark and Lani Cook, and Mick and Aynsley Zulpo, has been a beloved part of Wilkes County for over 90 years. The new owners, who assumed leadership in early 2023, are dedicated to preserving the theater’s legacy while enhancing its offerings. With a $5,000 grant from the program, they plan to upgrade the sound and speaker systems in both theaters, elevating the moviegoing experience for the community. To learn more or to check out upcoming shows, visit LibertyTheatreNC.com.
Tonya’s Academy of Dance, owned and led by Tonya Ferguson Wentz, provides dance education for children aged 2 to 18, fostering skill, confidence, and creativity. The academy received a $5,000 grant to invest in a new laptop, iPad Minis, and portable ballet barres. These upgrades will streamline operations, enhance the class experience, and support the instructors in delivering top-quality lessons. To discover more about the academy or to enroll, visit Tonya’s Academy of Dance.
TwoBoros Brewery, owned by Seth Cohn, is a vibrant downtown Wilkesboro destination offering wood-fired pizzas and in-house brewed beers. The brewery is using the awarded $5,000 grant to enhance its outdoor seating area, improving the overall ambiance. Funds will go toward upgrading tables, chairs, string lights, and decor to create a more inviting space, accommodating more customers and elevating the experience for families, friends, and tourists enjoying the brewery’s unique offerings. For more information, visit TwoBorosBrewery.com.
Wilkes EDC President LeeAnn Nixon expressed gratitude to this cycle’s judges, “We greatly appreciate their commitment to the program. Their experience and insights offer valuable guidance to applicants, helping them access resources and referrals they may not have known about.” The Downtown Boro’s Grant Program judges were: David McNeill, owner of McNeill Chevrolet & Nissan of Wilkesboro; Christina Angott of Growing Faith Farms and former Entrepreneur Grant recipient; Ben Whitehead of the Small Business Technology Development Center at ASU; Ariana Williamson, Director of Employer Engagement at Wilkes Community College; and Olivia Edwards, Community Manager at Masthead Coworking. Special thanks also go to Laurie Brintle-Jarvis of the Wilkes Community College Small Business Center for her continued support in helping applicants with business plans and financial summaries throughout the grant cycle. We extend our deepest appreciation to the Duke Energy Foundation for their $25,000 contribution to support entrepreneurs in Wilkes County through the Downtown Boro’s Small Business Grant Program.
Francisco Martinez, Marketing Manager for Wilkes EDC, commented, “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with and support Wilkes County’s vibrant small business community. This program is more than just about receiving grants—it’s about fostering relationships and helping entrepreneurs access resources that will drive their success. If you’re interested in supporting this initiative, contact us today to learn how you can become a sponsor of Wilkes EDC’s Entrepreneur Grant Program.”
Robin Hamby, Vice President of Wilkes EDC, has been instrumental in leading this grant program since 2015. “We are incredibly grateful for the Duke Energy Foundation’s generous $25,000 grant, which allows us to help downtown businesses thrive. This support enables us to continue improving local businesses and their operations. The future of this program relies on sponsorships, which allow us to keep investing in entrepreneurship. Wilkes EDC plans to continue holding the Entrepreneur Grant Program twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, as we work to sustain a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Wilkes County. With ongoing support from sponsors and community partners, we can ensure this program remains a cornerstone of local economic development.”
Program sponsorships are available, and we welcome support at any level. Sponsors receive recognition through promotional marketing on the Entrepreneur Grant webpage, an announcement in the EDC’s Monthly Activity Report, and special acknowledgment at our Annual Meeting. If you’re interested in supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in Wilkes County, please contact our office at (336) 838-1501 for more information.
ABOUT
The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation, a 501c3 public-private partnership, aims to facilitate the creation of new jobs and capital investment in Wilkes County through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the recruitment of new businesses. The EDC is located at 213 Ninth Street in historic downtown North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. For more information about Wilkes EDC, visit www.WilkesEDC.com or contact LeeAnn Nixon at 336-838-1501 or lnixon@wilkesedc.com.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
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