Volume 04 | February 24, 2021
Office of Economic & Industrial Development
Wise Advice
Monthly newsletter designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs operating in Wise County, Virginia. Content includes resources, opportunities, and updates relevant to the county's business community.
COVID-19 Financial Resources
Paycheck Protection Program
LENOWISCO Regional Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant

One-time grants of up to $15,000 are being provided to eligible businesses within the LENOWISCO district to offset business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to apply for the 5th round of funding is March 12, 2021.

DoorDash Restaurant Operator Relief Grant

The purpose of the DoorDash Restaurant Operator Relief Grant is to offer relief to restaurants in Virginia. The Grant will be awarded, to applicants that are selected, via one-time grant disbursement of $3,500. 
LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants Program

LISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program.
New Local Economic/Community Development Grant Program

Cumberland Forest Community Fund

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, is pleased to announce the launch of the Cumberland Forest Community Fund: a new competitive local grant program to support nature-based economic and community development projects in seven counties in Southwest Virginia (Wise, Russell, Tazewell, Dickenson, Buchanan, Lee, Scott and City of Norton).

Proposals should contribute to:
Local Economic Development

  • Renewable energy projects
  • Outdoor recreation, sustainable forestry or agricultural businesses or projects
Increased Community Capacity

  • Walking or greenway paths
  • Natural or cultural assets in local communities
  • Strategic planning processes
Enhanced Environmental Quality

  • Land or water restoration
  • Installation of rain gardens
  • Agritourism projects
For complete guidelines and to apply to the Cumberland Forest Community Fund, click here!


Save the Date!

The Sixth Annual SWVA Economic Forum
will take place online on May 26-27, 2021. Mark your calendar or sign up to be a forum sponsor today! See infographic or visit their Facebook page for more information.
Start & Grow Your Business in Wise!

In need of office space and equipment to start or expand your business in Wise County?

Contact the Oxbow Center to learn about their affordable and modern facility! Whether you're looking for a more casual co-working space, a private office, or conference room space to host meetings, the Oxbow Center can accommodate your needs. Learn more about the Oxbow Center and get in touch through their website.
Hiring Opportunity!

Intuit QuickBooks is hiring in Wise!

Intuit QuickBooks is hiring QuickBooks Live Bookkeepers!
Get to know...

Since its creation in 1988, VCEDA has helped bring tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in approved funding for hundreds of projects throughout the coalfield region. Studies have shown that VCEDA has also significantly reduced the region’s unemployment rate and improved the diversification of the region’s economy.

To encourage diversification and create new jobs, VCEDA manages unique financing programs funded by taxes paid by the coal and natural gas industries in the region. Financing is based in part upon the number of new jobs created, wage rates and amount of private investment.  To find out more about VCEDA’s financing programs, Click Here.

If you are interested in locating, expanding, or starting a business in Southwest Virginia’s e-Region, contact VCEDA at 1-800-735-9999 or by email at [email protected].