Volume 10 | May 3, 2022
Office of Economic & Industrial Development
Wise Advice
Happy Spring!
A new entrepreneurship opportunity will soon be available in Southwest Virginia! Hatch Accelerator will offer CO.STARTERS Core, a 10-session, cohort-based program that equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action.

For more information on CO.STARTERS, visit costarters.co. To learn about CO.STARTERS in Southwest Virginia, visit hatchaccelerator.com
Join one of these 3-hour workshops and get connected to resources and services to launch and grow a business in Southwest Virginia.

These three-hour Entrepreneur Express workshops, which were originally developed in 2006, offer education and resources for those who are either starting or expanding a business in Southwest Virginia. Topics covered include determining business viability, financing, marketing, technology, etc.

The free workshops begin May 6, 2022, and interested parties can register at http://events.vastartup.org. See below for the full calendar of workshops.

All workshops are in person and take place 9 AM-12 PM.
 
  • May 6: Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Bristol, VA, Register at: 
  • June 9: Breaks Interstate Park, Pike Room, Breaks, VA
  • July 14: Crossroads Institute Higher Education Center, Galax, VA
  • August 4: Pioneer Center, Duffield, VA
  • August 25: Southwest Virginia Community College, Bluefield, VA
  • September 14: SWVA Higher Ed, Abingdon, Abingdon, VA
  • October 6: Location to be determined, Wytheville, VA
  • November 10: Oxbow, Saint Paul, VA
An information session will be offered to introduce Southwest Virginia employers to opportunities and federal and state incentives available when hiring previously incarcerated individuals.

Want to learn more? Register to attend!

This resource is presented by the Appalachian Council for Innovation, Genedge, and the Southwest Virginia Board of Workforce Development.

Rehab & Replacement Property Tax Abatement Incentive
Renovation, rehabilitation, and replacement of eligible commercial and residential structures in Wise County will soon qualify for a 5-year county property tax abatement incentive! This program has been designed to encourage property owners to invest in improvements to their homes, businesses, and communities. Check out the flyers below to learn more! Applications will be available from the Wise County Building & Zoning Department beginning July 1, 2022.
A partial tax abatement program for commercial and mixed-use real estate. The program encourages renovation, rehabilitation, or replacement of qualifying structures. Mixed-use properties under this program include those designed to serve more than one purpose, including properties featuring residential units, office, and retail space.
A partial tax abatement program for residential real estate (excluding multifamily rental units). The program encourages rehabilitation, renovation, or replacement of qualifying structures.
The Wise County Office of Economic & Industrial Development is proud to be a sponsor of the Seventh Annual SWVA Economic Forum hosted by UVA Wise and GO Virginia Region 1!

This year's forum will showcase creative and innovative local leaders, strategic partners, and businesses with a theme of "Building for the Future." View the agenda and register to attend today!
Thank you to those who joined our "How to Airbnb" Virtual Workshop with Virginia Community Capital in March! We had a terrific turnout and great feedback.


If you've been thinking about becoming an Airbnb host or just looking for a passive income opportunity, this workshop is for you!
Visit Wise County Campaign
New Visit Wise County rack cards and banners have arrived! Want to help us promote Wise County's growing tourism industry and quality of life offerings? We'd love to partner with you! Visit Wise County Retractable Banners & Rack Cards are now available for display at special events, restaurants, shops, etc.

The Wise County Board of Supervisors recently adopted a new strategic plan for the Wise County Office of Economic & Industrial Development. This plan will serve as a framework for the planning and delivery of services to Wise County's business community.

We look forward to growing alongside you!