Volume 11 | September 13, 2022 | |
Office of Economic & Industrial Development | |
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"And all at once, summer collapsed into fall."
-Oscar Wilde
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The Wise County Office of Economic & Industrial Development will offer an online Small Biz Basics course in partnership with Santa Clara University's My Own Business Institute (MOBI).
This comprehensive curriculum will serve as a resource for both aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners hoping to open or expand a small business in Wise County, VA. The Small Biz Basics course will cover essential business concepts such as writing a business plan, financing a business, accounting and cash flow, hiring and managing employees, ecommerce, marketing, and more. The course is free and offered in a self-paced format. Course participants who successfully complete the program will earn a Certificate of Completion from Santa Clara University.
Click here to go to the Small Biz Basics enrollment form.
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Could your town's downtown district use some love?
Want to see more small business activity in your community?
Take our quick Downtown Satisfaction & Small Business Prospect Survey and share your thoughts!
Survey results will be shared with local government leadership, aspiring entrepreneurs, property owners, and other changemakers!
Survey closes Sunday, September 18th!
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Bristol Casino Vendor Pitch Competition | |
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Connect your business to Bristol Casino! The Casino is looking to
break into new markets and wants to identify local vendors that supply
various products and services, including:
- Food Items (Produce and Specialty Food Vendors)
- Office Supply Vendors
- Equipment Rental Vendors (Specifically for F&B needs)
- Janitorial/Carpet Cleaning
- Artisans
- Retail Items
- Window/Building Cleaning
- Professional Services (Upholstery Repair; Locksmith, Signage, Dry Cleaning/Tailoring)
- Transportation/Shuttle/Automobiles
- Temporary Help Services
- Training Programs
- Catering
- Packaging/Gifts/Florist
- Alcoholic Beverages – Local Wine and Beer Vendors
- Entertainment
A pitch competition hosted by Virginia Community Capital (VCC) will provide 5 local women-owned or minority-owned businesses with a $10,000 grant to cover business operation expenses associated with supplying goods or services to the Bristol Casino.
To learn more, review VCC's Contest Guidelines.
Submit an Application here.
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Wise County Wins Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards | |
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Wise County, the Town of Big Stone Gap, and the City of Norton brought home awards for Best Recovery Campaign, Best Rack Card or Brochure, Outstanding Visitor Center of the Year, Outstanding Visitor Center Employee of the Year, and Best Video Series for a Destination at the Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards held in Wytheville in August.
Remember to check the Visit Wise County website for upcoming events and festivals, hiking trails and outdoor rec suggestions, restaurants, shopping, and more!
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Mineral Gap Solar Project Takes Shape | |
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Did you know that the first commercial-scale solar project located on previously surface coal mined land is located right here in Wise County?
The Mineral Gap Solar Project, located in the Lonesome Pine Regional Business & Technology Park, will be first of its kind. As evidenced by the project photos below (provided by Virginia Energy), progress on the 3.51 MW solar project is moving along nicely. Once complete, the solar site will provide power to the adjacent Mineral Gap Data Center.
The site is located on property owned by the Wise County IDA and site development for the project was funded in part by a $500,000 grant from the Virginia Energy AMLER program. Panel installation is expected to be completed this Fall and electrical connection work will begin soon after. The project is being managed by Sun Tribe Solar from Charlottesville, VA.
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Applications for the new Rehab & Replacement Property Tax Abatement program are open!
Renovation, rehabilitation, and replacement of eligible commercial and residential structures in Wise County 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, or contact the Wise County Building & Zoning Office to apply.
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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. | | |
Small Business Administration Loans For Your Business | |
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Does your business need funds to buy or renovate real estate, purchase equipment, or just for working capital?
A Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan may be right for you. Loans guaranteed by SBA range from small to large and can be used for most business purposes, including long-term fixed assets and operating capital.
Learn about SBA loan types, terms, and how to connect with a local lender on the SBA website.
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