Whitley’s Peanut Factory was recently awarded the Overall Gold Medal in the 2022 Coastal Virginia Magazine Reader's Choice Award for BEST LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT.

“We are honored by the recognition and so appreciative of the support shown from our local customers” says president, Todd Smith. Whitley’s Peanut Factory was founded in 1986 in Hayes and has continued to produce Virginia peanuts, confections and other gourmet nuts here in Gloucester County ever since. You can buy Whitley’s peanuts from any of their three retail stores are located in Hayes, Williamsburg, and Richmond, or from whitleyspeanut.com. Whitley’s would like to say “Thank You” to all who voted, “Congratulations” to all of the other award recipients, and a big “Thanks” to all of their employees who made this possible!

If you would like your business to be considered for the monthly e-newsletter In the Spotlight feature, please send photos and a short article to Amanda Ridings. We'd also love to share your testimonial of why Gloucester is the perfect place for your business!

During the week of June 12, 2022, our Director Sherry Spring attended the International Economic Development Council’s 2022 Economic Future Forum held in Richardson, Texas. The sessions provided during the event included: “The Importance of Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development; “Preparing for the Future Industries”; “Preparing the Business Community for Disaster”; “A Vision for the Future of Rural Development” and “Creating a Welcoming Business Climate and Quality of Life in Your Community”. The invaluable information provided during this conference will be beneficial to our economic development efforts moving forward.

The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) is spreading the news about its 2022 loan programs! These include Economic Development Loan Fund, Cash Collateral Program, Loan Guarantee Program, Child Care Financing Program, and the Microloan Program. To learn more, visit here.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program will open on Thursday, Aug. 4. The grant has a maximum award of $5,000 and is for small tourism-related business with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees including boutique retail, restaurants, food trucks, small attractions, craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, boutique lodging and B&Bs, and events focused on shoulder season visitation.

Property Improvement: Assistance with renovations and build-out for new and expanding businesses. Projects covered in this incentive include new floors, ceiling tiles, windows, doors, painting and other interior improvements.

Facade Improvement: This program is designed to provide assistance to property or business owners for exterior façade improvements, new signage or landscaping.

Co-op Advertising Grant: This program supports advertising and promotional activities.

E-Commerce Matching Grant Program: Offers aid with new website design and development.

Business Directory

Let us know if you would like to be listed in the Business Directory. Please send information to Amanda Ridings

Gloucester County: View our website for a complete list of job descriptions, job postings and to apply for employment HERE!

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Apply now on their website!

Zoll Vineyards: Looking for experienced and talented wine/bar/hospitality professional team members for weekends and evening shifts. Please EMAIL a resumé.

Lulu Birds Kitchen is hiring servers. Please apply in person during business hours or try the kitchen door, chef would love to meet you.

Home Care Associates is hiring CNAs NAs and PCAs with a $250 Sign-On Bonus 804.210.1333.

YRC Cinemas: Concession Attendants, Shift Supervisor. Apply through their FB page or in-person during operating hours at 2226 York Crossing Drive.

Burkes & Home Centrics: All positions. Apply HERE.

Miller's Services: Hiring for multiple positions. View them HERE.

Horn's Ace Hardware: Hiring at the new Gloucester location. Apply HERE.

Please let us know if you are a small business owner in need of employees. We will include your "help wanted" ad in our next addition of Business Monthly e-News. E-mail Amanda Ridings

Note: Unemployment rate in May 2021 – 3.4%

Virginia Unemployment Rate in May 2022 – 3.0%

Hampton Roads Unemployment Rate in May 2022– 3.4%

Source: Virginia Employment Commission

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