June Morris took a chance and leap of faith by entering the Gauntlet Business Program and Competition to see if she could learn good business practices and assistance attaining her dream. Thanks to the Community Business Launch Grant provided by the Department of Housing and Community Development to the Town of Buchanan, four entrepreneurs who participated in the Gauntlet Competition and wished to open their business in downtown Buchanan had the opportunity to win additional funding to help them reach their dreams.
James River Drip opened its doors this past April as a soft opening with little fanfare and hoopla as Morris and her husband Keith worked to hire and train staff, learn their product line and the nuances of the community.
After ironing out the details, Morris is ready for her grand opening. June shared, “By participating in the Gauntlet Competition, and winning financial and in-kind support from The Advancement Foundation and the Buchanan Business Launch Grant, my dream is now reality in the form of the James River Drip. Despite the downturn of the economy due to COVID, this did not stop me. Being fortunate enough to win told me to go forward no matter what. Having the town, and community believing in me and my dream helps remind me “You Got This!” June’s husband Keith added “It is a blessing to have the support of the community we love so much, June and I are excited to be filling a need in the community.”
Town Manager Susan McCulloch added, “The James River Drip has already become a community eatery and is known for delicious food and support for Buchanan. We are grateful for June and Keith Morris and their desire to help grow Buchanan’s retail base by starting up on Main Street. We applaud the assistance provided by partners including the Gauntlet, Roanoke Regional SBDC, and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.”
