Spring 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Winners Awarded by Wilkes EDC
North Wilkesboro, N.C. — Six local businesses received Entrepreneur Grants from the Wilkes Economic Development Corporation (EDC) at the EDC’s Board Meeting on Friday, May 10, 2024. This grant program is held twice a year thanks to EDC’s private/public investors and the sponsorship of the Small Business Center (SBC) at Wilkes Community College. Ten businesses of various types have applied for this year’s program, representing several industry sectors: agriculture, retail, food services, and woodworking.
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. The grant amount totaled $14,500, distributed between the six winners.
Bright Barrel, LLC, is owned and operated by Caleb Drown. Caleb participated in the Idea Expo at Masthead Coworking. It was an opportunity to test the feasibility of a product or business plan, receive mentorship, and develop potential partnerships and funding at that time after completing the series and pitch competition. Caleb received funding for research and product development conducted by Appalachian State University’s Fermentation Science program. Bright Barrel, LLC crafts and distributes their line of non-alcoholic craft beer. The brand appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. They received $1,500 for a commercial refrigerator for a product showcase. To learn more, visit Bright-Barrel.com today!
Chad Sale and his family operate CS Farming. They are a former grant recipient of the 2018 Entrepreneur Grant Program. CS Farming’s operations paused due to illness but started back up last year, expanding their farm to include fresh fruits. This year, they plan to include 5,000 greenhouse strawberry plants, 120 blueberry plants, 30 blackberry canes, and more in their productions. CS Farming received $3,700 towards labor and construction of a USDA-compliant packing house for their products. Follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on events and activities: CS Farming | Facebook.
Good Morning Baby is an online children’s clothing company operated and manufactured by Meghan and Andy Benesh. They aim to continue enhancing their online presence and eventually open shops regionally and statewide. Good Morning Baby received $1,000 for lighting and tripod equipment for social media and marketing. Visit their website, GoodMorning-Baby.com, to learn more and to view their products.
Russell Flower Farm is a flower farm expanding to agritourism farming, offering u-cut experiences, events, and educational classes. It is owned and operated by Brittany Russell. Their goal is to make their farm and activities handicap accessible. They have been awarded $4,800 towards a cement pad and materials to create two accessible parking spaces and a walkway leading to their activity’s location. Visit RusselFlowerFarm.com to learn more about their business.
Brittany Anderson and her family operate Scoops N More. They offer premium hand-dipped ice cream at events and festivals around Wilkes County and plan to operate at the North Wilkesboro Speedway All-Star Race for their second year in a row. $2,000 was granted to Scoops N More towards a Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine, which will help them during fast-paced events such as the 2024 All-Star Race. Follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on events and activities: Scoops N More | Facebook
Upscale Structures is a business that specializes in custom hand-built chicken coops, dog kennels, and run-in horse barns. Matthew Sturgill is the owner and started his operations last year. His services include a delivery service with loading, unloading, and structure setup. Upscale Structures received $1,500 towards a trailer for delivery. Matthew previously rented trailers for his deliveries. Having his own will help cut expenses and create flexibility in his schedule and delivery time. A website is underway and will be available by the third quarter of 2024. To learn more or make inquiries, email: mailto:upscalestructures@gmail.com
Wilkes EDC President LeeAnn Nixon thanked this cycle’s judges. “Their commitment to the program is greatly appreciated. Local business advocates from North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, as well as resource partners that provide support for entrepreneurial endeavors, were members of the judging panel. Applicants can frequently find referrals and guidance they were unaware of, thanks to their experience and information.” The Spring 2024 judges were Thomas Salley of Wilkes Tourism Development Authority, Taylor Gann of the Town of North Wilkesboro, Lesa Hensley of First Community Bank, Mark Cook of Cook’s Sports and Liberty Theater, and Doren Tripp of Masthead Coworking. We give a special thanks to Laurie Brintle-Jarvis of the Wilkes Community College Small Business Center for continuing to help applicants with their business plans and financial summaries during the grant cycle. We thank the SBC for being a sponsor of the Spring 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Program. Laurie establishes relationships with businesses to ensure their success by providing free and confidential business coaching services to small business owners in Wilkes, Ashe, and Allegheny counties. Contact her office or visit the Small Business Center’s website for information and more resources.
Francisco Martinez, Marketing Manager for Wilkes EDC, said, “We value this opportunity to connect and support Wilkes County’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is strong in Wilkes County, and the support for these businesses continues to grow. The program offers more than the possibility of receiving grants; it provides an opportunity to engage with resource partners and discover additional avenues. Contact us today to learn how you can become a sponsor of the Wilkes EDC’s Entrepreneur Grant Program.”
Robin Hamby, Vice President of Wilkes EDC, has led this grant program since 2015. “We appreciate the kind sponsors who have contributed funds to this program. It is imperative that the program be offered twice a year to support the demand of new and expanding businesses. We are happy to provide this opportunity on a semi-annual basis.” The future of this program relies on sponsorships to encourage entrepreneurship. Wilkes EDC hopes to continue holding it twice yearly in the Spring and Fall. Wilkes Community College Small Business Center and Wilkes EDC were the Spring 2024 program sponsors. We are accepting funding commitments for the Fall 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Program with our ongoing goal of exceeding funding amounts from previous rounds, which was $14,500 for the Spring 2024 program.
Program sponsorships are available at various levels, and private and in-kind donations are also accepted. Each level above Bronze allows the donor to be recognized even further. All our program sponsors receive free promotional marketing on the Entrepreneur Grant webpage, an announcement in the EDC’s Monthly Activity Report, and are honored guests at our Annual Meeting. If you are interested in supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in Wilkes County, we encourage you to contact our office at (336) 838-150 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.
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