Volume 05 | March 17, 2021
Office of Economic & Industrial Development
Wise Advice
Monthly newsletter designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs operating in Wise County, Virginia.
COVID-19 Financial Resources
Paycheck Protection Program




Restaurant Revitalization Fund *New*

The new American Rescue Plan Act authorized the creation of a $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The program is scheduled to begin accepting applications beginning in early April.

Learn more about the grant fund including eligibility requirements and the
Wise County/City of Norton offers Leadership Development Program
The Wise County/City of Norton Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the FORWARD Wise County Leadership Development Program through Thursday, March 18. Topics for the 2021 session will cover:

  • Economic development
  • Work style assessment
  • Local government
  • Community trusteeship
  • Criminal justice system
  • Chamber Boardsmanship
  • Education
  • Leadership skills
  • Public relations
  • And much more!

Learn more here or check out the 2021 speaker schedule. Get your applications in today!
New Wise County Marketing Initiative & Logo Design Contest
The Wise County Office of Marketing & Community Development will launch a new marketing campaign with the following theme: 

Wise County, Virginia
“Stay for a Weekend. Stay for a Lifetime.”

This slogan will be used in a new logo that will be featured in marketing materials for Wise County including brochures, billboards, digital content, and more. The department is hosting a logo design contest through April 30 and invites members of the local community with artistic/graphic design experience to design and submit custom logos for consideration. Find more information here or email Brian Falin (falin_b@wisecounty.org) with questions.
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! Applications are due March 29.
COVID-19 Vaccines & Volunteer Opportunities



Sign up for your free COVID-19 Vaccine Today!

Visit Vaccinate.Virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA.
Want to help with the COVID-19 Response in SWVA?

Register to attend a virtual Vaccine Clinic Volunteer Recruitment Session hosted by the United Way of Southwest Virginia and the Southwest Medical Reserves Corp.

Virtual session to be held Thursday, March 18 at 12:00 PM.

38th Senate District - Special Election!
Remember to vote in the March Special Election for Virginia's 38th Senate District!



District covers all of Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Pulaski, and Tazewell counties, Norton City, Radford City, and parts of Montgomery, Smyth and Wise counties.
Get to know...
InvestSWVA

InvestSWVA is a public-private business attraction and marketing campaign for Southwest Virginia launched under the umbrella of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and backed by private industry.