A program to give small businesses an extra boost with grant funding recently announced winners and awarded $52,500.
Known as Rev Up, the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce’s program focuses on businesses in Danville and Pittsylvania County outside of the footprint of the River District.
In downtown Danville, the River District Association handles a similar program aimed to spur new businesses and help established ones expand.
In fact, the association’s Dream Launch Boot Camp worked with the the chamber to get Rev Up established in 2021.
Money for the program comes in part from Danville and Pittsylvania County governments.
“Just like cities and towns across the country, small businesses are the backbone of our region,” Christy Harper, director of member engagement for the chamber, said in a statement. “The Chamber is invested in connecting businesses of all sizes to resources and networks for success.”
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The winners were announced at the chamber’s annual banquet and awards event May 31.
This year 13 businesses pitched plans for a total of $52,500. Rev Up is a six weeks of classes in a boot camp-style atmosphere. It helps with establishing business plans and connecting participants with available resources in the region.
Brosville’s Sova Fitness snagged the largest win of $15,000. Owners Katie Ingram and Molly Lunsford plan to use the funds to purchase more equipment for the business.
Other winners
- LabeledLex: Owner Maya Hairston received $4,000 to launch a new mini lex line and a men’s line of the luxury handbag business.
- Mélange Productions: Owner Chris Harris earned $5,000 for building and equipment upgrades for the creative establishment.
- Caring with Compassion Nursing: Owner Latoria Thomas will spend her $8,000 for start-up costs of the non-medical home care agency that provides.
- Honey Hair: Owner Addison Vaught received $8,000 for furniture and equipment for the salon.
- Little Lady Boutique: Owner Stacia Fitzgerald will receive $10,000 to expand the boutique’s clothing line.
The Community Investment Collaborative, a financial institution that aims to help under-resourced entrepreneurs, provided $2,500 to Dungeons and Dining to make equipment upgrades. The retail hobby shop has a full-service restaurant.
The program is looking for its next cohort of participants. To learn more, contact Harper at 434-836-6990 or chamber@dpchamber.org.
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