By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County recently announced 16 recipients of the “Right Here in Botetourt County Small Business Grant Program.” Earlier this summer, the department opened the application period for local small businesses. The grants ranged between $2,000 and $4,000. A total of 39 local businesses applied between June and July. The grant requests totaled up to $145,000, according to the county.
County Director of Economic Development Ken McFadyen shared with the Board of Supervisors that “(the EDA) wanted businesses to demonstrate an ability to grow and to use this (Small Business Grant Program) in attempt to do so.” Though not all were successful, McFadyen and the EDA shared their thanks for all 39 business who applied.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of community that makes Botetourt County such a special place,” McFadyen added in a recent press release. “We’re proud to support these entrepreneurs as they continue to grow and contribute to the vibrant fabric of our region.”
Uses of grant funds include cash flow, marketing, legal, and financial service assistance; new capital investments including real estate, technology, machinery and related equipment; hiring and training costs associated with job creation; and compliance with state/local regulations and permits. The department has approved the 16 grant agreements and is currently working with the businesses to finalize and distribute the grant funds. The finalists will receive a total of $35,540 in grant funds divided between each business.
The grant recipients respectively representing each magisterial district are as follows:
- Beyond the Peaks Events LLC – Blue Ridge District – $2,540 – used for Quickbooks, web hosting, and Chamber membership
- BOCO Fit Rage – Valley District – $2,000 – used for increasing membership through equipment purchase for special needs class
- Bryant Orchards Farm Market – Amsterdam and Fincastle Districts – $2,000 – used for strengthening presence with signage for Daleville retail location
- Buchanan Butchery – Buchanan District – $3,000 – used for increasing production with new equipment (saw and sealer)
- Children’s Nest Learning Center – Amsterdam and Blue Ridge – $2,000 – used for increasing childcare capacity with engineering services for new a location in Daleville
- Dark Moon Cards and Games – Amsterdam – $2,000 – used for increasing online sales with marketing campaign to achieve four-fold increase in sales conversions
- Grandpa Ike’s Donuts – Amsterdam – $2,100 – used to increase visibility and sales by wrapping festival trailer
- Heritage Family Market – Fincastle – $2,000 – used for preparing expansion in Fincastle with engineering services
- Jeter Farm – Blue Ridge and Buchanan – $2,000 – used for ensuring business continuity with legal and risk management services
- Micro Harmonics – Fincastle – $2,000 – used for generating new customer leads by supporting international trade show participation
- Mountain Thyme Honey & Gifts – Amsterdam – $3,200 – used to increase visibility and sales with construction of farm stand and apiary equipment
- Saddles N Stuff – Amsterdam – $2,000 – used for increasing online sales with technology purchases
- Twin River Outfitters – Buchanan – $2,000 – used for enhancing customers’ satisfaction with water filling station and outdoor showers
- Watts Heavy Duty Repair – Buchanan – $2,000 – used for increasing labor efficiency with the addition of diagnostics technology
- Williamson Farms – Fincastle – $2,000 – used for launching marketing campaign to increase sales volume (by two-fold) of farm stand revenue
- Willow Spring Apothecary – Valley – $2,500 – used for enhancing visibility and online sales with new branding and marketing collateral
According the county, the Economic Development (EDA) has included small business grants within the FY 24 and 25 marketing budgets. The difference between grant awards and grant funds availability is from savings elsewhere in the departmental budget. The EDA received the grant award recommendations and approved them during its November 15 meeting.
