The Chamber of Commerce held the Startup MHC awards on June 6. The recipients went through an eight-week business boot camp and were selected from a pool of applicants. Each participant pitched their respective business plans and went through rounds of tough advice. The seven winners were awarded funds to help their business grow.
Corre Impact, a woman-owned IT company won the largest share of the award pot with a $10,000 check. Owned by Corretta Martin, the company has already landed a $450,000 yearly contract with a three-year ceiling.
“Corre Impact’s dynamic leadership team is passionate about driving meaningful change through technology solutions,” said Brenell Thomas, president of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.
Assisted Living Home Have Health LLC received $5,000. The company “will serve female patients aged 65 to 90 years young with individualized care focused on activities of daily living, transportation, and socialization in a caring environment.” The check was accepted by the owner and seasoned medical worker Melody Wood.
Destiny Mitchell, owner Mama D’s LLC Daycare Center, received $4,000 for her business.
She is a mental health provider “who plans to provide the Martinsville and Henry County area with a safe, nurturing environment that encourages children to develop their capabilities and interests at their own pace,” said Thomas. The daycare will start by caring for infants and toddlers before expanding to older children.
Starling Cards & Comics received $3,300. While this shop has been around for years, it was purchased by a new owner named Presley Garrett in 2023. “Starling Avenue Cards & Comics offers a diverse range of retail and event services for enthusiasts of various hobbies.” These events include several card tournaments of popular card games like “Pokémon.”
SugaMamma’s Catering LLC received $3,000 and is owned by Brenda Moore-Barksdale. “With a rich history rooted in a family tradition of cooking and spreading happiness through food, the mission of this catering team is to create unforgettable culinary experiences that delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.
Bauble Noelle Clothing Boutique, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, received $1,300. Chelsey Holland invented the store to “give women of all sizes, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds an opportunity to shop somewhere that is all-size inclusive to make sure everyone feels welcome while supporting local business.”
Unicorn AF was awarded $1,000. “Ms. Fitzgerald is extremely proud of the unique name of her salon, the brightly colored environment, and the welcoming of all who enter, especially the LGBTQ community,” said Thomas, adding that the AF in the name stood for the owner’s name Annette Fitzgerald.
Officials said $27,600 total was awarded, and the program has now 349 individual graduates. Of that number, 96 businesses have been awarded a total of $693,720.
“We wish each of our graduates much success in your entrepreneurial journeys and we encourage you to continue to reach out and ask for help along the way,” Thomas said.
