Eleven StartUp MHC graduates received a total of $62,044 from the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG).
Brenell Thomas, president of the chamber and executive director of C-PEG, said the 11 graduates completed the eight-week Success Mindset entrepreneurship boot camp.
“As a component of that program, these businesses completed a business plan in December, and 12 delivered a pitch for funding,” she said.
All the participants received the training at no cost. Any participant who opens a business will receive a one-year free membership with the chamber of commerce.
Thomas said a collective partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County, the C-PEG staff, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Campbell Family Group, the George W. Lester II fund, the anonymous fund through the Community Foundation serving Western Virginia, and other organizations make the program possible.
The 11 grant recipients include:
* J & A Mobile Detailing, a full-service mobile detailing business started in June 2023. It is owned by Jamie Hardin, who prides himself on the work he does on boats, RVs, cars, and mobile homes. He plans to launch this business in Martinsville while serving commercial and individual customers in Martinsville, Henry County, and surrounding areas. Hardin received $2,500 for the purchase of a generator, water tank, and pressure washer.
* Triple Dog Dare Ya Hotdogs and Catering, a business that provides gourmet hotdogs and Bavarian pretzels. Lisa Cotter started the Axton, VA, business in March 2023. This business will stand out because of its commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Cotter received $2,780 to assist with the purchase of a refrigerator/cooler, rear refrigerator rack, and generator.
* Counseling with Kelli, LLC has been in operation since October 2023. Currently located at the West Piedmont Business Development Center, Counseling with Kelli, LLC offers clients a person-centered approach to their mental health treatment. Kelli Palmer is a licensed clinical social worker and certified clinical trauma professional with almost 10 years of professional experience in the mental health field. Her practice specializes in trauma treatment with a continued emphasis on improving the lives of veterans and civilians in the MHC and surrounding areas. Palmer received $3,200 which includes in-kind office space rental for 6 months in the West Piedmont Business Development Center (WPBDC) and funding from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and CPEG to assist with marketing.
* AK the Scientist, started by Ariel King in November, works to introduce science to the community in a safe and kid-friendly way by inspiring children and families to explore the wonders of STEM with cost-efficient science products. Located in Martinsville, this small-batch production of DIY science kits qualified for funding from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. King received $4,500 to help buy various pieces of equipment, and the award includes in-kind office space rental for 6 months in the WPBDC.
* Martinsville Psychiatry, PLLC, is a mental health clinic that applies multiple modalities of treatment for mental health disorders. It was opened by Amanda Jewell, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and registered nurse licensed in NY and VA who began her career in 2006. Jewell received $5,000 to purchase office equipment as this business also qualified for funding from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
* One Medical Service 18 and Up LLC, a new non-emergent urgent care facility opened last week and is located on Virginia Avenue in Collinsville. It is owned by Dwight Holt, an operator, registered nurse, and nurse practitioner, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Holt has been practicing as a family nurse practitioner for the last 15 years. This facility is unique in that it will accept cash or debit/credit card payments only. The business received $5,0006 to assist with the purchase of equipment and this award is made possible because the business qualified for funding from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
* Inge Drafting and Design, a home-based Computer-Aided Design company, focuses on creating high-resolution 3D floor plans for individuals with needs for custom renovations, additions, and/or new construction. Owner, Antoino Inge, brings several years of experience in this industry. The business qualified for funding from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and will receive $5,670 to assist with software licensing.
* Butters by Keesha, a small-batch production business that crafts all-natural holistic beauty and wellness products using high-quality organic ingredients, was started by Keesha Manns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Manns opted to enroll in the StartUp program so that she could gain the basics of running a business. Butters by Keesha received $5,888 to assist with the purchase of equipment.
* Charis Express, LLC, a Martinsville-based business was acquired in March 2023 by Joven Millner. Charis provides black car service as well as first-class transportation services to all clients and serves customers located in Martinsville, Henry County, and the surrounding areas. Charis Express, LLC was awarded a grant of $7,500 towards the purchase of a minivan to add to their fleet.
* Off the River Campground LLC seeks to provide a safe and pleasurable outdoor experience for families and individuals seeking to enjoy the comforts of nature. In June 2022, owner Sarah Evan became the operator of the 6-acre campground in Ridgeway, nestled off the Smith River. Evan received $10,000 to assist with the remodel of a handicap-accessible building for a bath house.
* Solvacy, an AI-driven digital marketing companion for businesses, was started by Kenneth Harkness, who ensures that Solvacy delivers online marketing that is not only intuitive but also impactful because it uses research and development, in-depth analytics, and AI-driven content suggestions. Solvacy received $10,000 to assist with application development.
