North Wilkesboro, N.C. — Six local businesses were awarded grants through the Spring 2025 Entrepreneur Grant Program during the Wilkes Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) Board Meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Operated by Wilkes EDC, this program supports small business growth and development across Wilkes County. This grant cycle was made possible thanks to our sponsors: LEAP Forward Investors, Wilkes Community College Small Business Center, and Select Steel Buildings.
This cycle drew 21 applicants, each submitting a video pitch along with a business plan and financial summary—giving judges a well-rounded view of their vision and growth strategy. Six recipients were selected based on the potential impact of funding for their business and the sustainability of their proposed plans. A total of $18,000 was awarded, supporting the growth and development of these local businesses. Applicants represented a range of industries, including Retail, Outdoor Recreation, Entertainment, and Health & Wellness.
C’est La Vin, Wine & Provisions — Owned by Paula Horton and Alyce Ratchford, C’est La Vin is a new wine bar and bottle shop offering a curated selection of wines, small bites, and locally sourced artisanal provisions in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting. They opened April 11th and are located at 718 Main Street in North Wilkesboro. C’est La Vin received $2,500 toward signage, outdoor seating, and resin table tops. To learn more, email: info@cestlavin.com
Hidden Brook Sporting Club — Owned and operated by Kelly and Tracey Dickson, Hidden Brook Sporting Club is a semi-private outdoor destination focused on conservation, outdoor education, and inclusive sporting events. Visitors can enjoy sporting clays, Five Stand, archery, hiking, and biking. They are located at 2627 River Road in North Wilkesboro. The club is set to open on May 11th. $3,000 was awarded for a point-of-sale (POS) hardware and software. Learn more: HiddenBrookSportingClub.com
Intuitive Eating and Bodywork — Owned and operated by Taylor Moree, Intuitive Eating and Bodywork is a massage and nutrition practice that helps clients reduce pain, reset their nervous system, and support long-term healing through personalized care. The business was awarded $2,500 toward a new point-of-sale (POS) system and waiting area improvements.
Learn more: IntuitiveEatingAndBodywork.com
Sprout + Play Indoor Playground — Owned by Tyler Bauguess, Sprout + Play is a safe indoor play facility for children 8 years old and under featuring a three-story soft play structure, imaginative and educational activities, party rooms, and a café-style area for parents to relax or work. The facility will open late summer 2025, at 1410 Willow Lane, North Wilkesboro. The business was awarded $2,100 for its POS system. To learn more, email: tylerbauguess4@icloud.com
The Charm Bar Company — Located at 818 Main Street in downtown North Wilkesboro, The Charm Bar Company is run by Beth Vannoy, Ashley Frazier, and Christie Younger. The business offers custom charm necklaces, bracelets, bag charms, and hat accessories for both retail and wholesale customers. They received $2,500 to support the development of an interactive online feature that allows customers to design and preview personalized jewelry, which will also streamline the company’s production process. Discover more: TheCharmBarCompany.com
Wilkes ProHealth — Operated by Stephanie Walker and Jessica Steelman, Wilkes ProHealth is a primary healthcare provider dedicated to delivering accessible, high-quality, patient-centered care to the residents of Wilkes County. The practice was awarded $5,400 to help upfit 12 exam rooms with new cabinets and sinks for their new location at 1534 West D Street in North Wilkesboro. Learn more: WilkesProHealth.org
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 Spring 2025 Entrepreneur Grant Program Judges were: Israel Alonso, owner of Select Steel Buildings; Thomas Salley, Tourism Director for Wilkes TDA; Ben Whitehead of the Small Business Technology Development Center at ASU; Ariana Williamson, Director of Employer Engagement at Wilkes Community College; and Taylor Berry, Community Development Director of Town of North Wilkesboro. 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.
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 help 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 involved with the Entrepreneur Grant Program since 2015. “We are incredibly grateful for our program sponsors. This support helps 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. Interested in making a lasting impact on small businesses in Wilkes County? Become a sponsor of our Entrepreneur Grant Program today and help foster the next wave of local success stories.
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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