6 entrepreneur grant winners announced

They are Bright Barrel LLC, CS Farm, Good Morning Baby LLC, Russell Flower Farm, Scoops N More and Upscale Structures. A total of $14,500 was divided among the six recipients. The amounts that each received varied based on multiple factors.

Ten businesses representing agriculture, retail, food services and woodworking sectors applied for entrepreneur grants this cycle. Submissions were judged based on the potential funding impact on the business and the sustainability of each, stated a press release.

This grant program is held twice a year with support from private/public investors and sponsorship of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College.

Each applicant submitted a video pitch in addition to a business plan and financial summary to give the judges insight into proposed use of funds.

Bright Barrel LLC, owned and operated by Caleb Drown, received $1,500 for a commercial refrigerator used in a showcase for the company’s line of non-alcoholic, craft beer intended to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. Brown also participated in the Idea Expo at Masthead Coworking, which was an opportunity to test the feasibility of a product or business plan, receive mentorship and develop potential partnerships and funding after completing the series and pitch competition. Brown received funding for research and product development from Appalachian State University’s Fermentation Science program. Go to Bright-Barrel.com for more details.

CS Farm on Cedar Forest Road, Ronda, owned and operated by Chad Sale and family, received $3,700 for building a USDA-compliant packing house for its meat products. According to its website, the farm raises Duroc hogs, Katahdin sheep, Angus cows, Narragansett turkeys, Buff Orpington hens and mallard ducks. CS Farm also received a entrepreneur grant in 2018, paused due to illness and started back up last year, expanding their farm to include fresh fruits. This year, there are plans to expand by adding fresh fruits, including 5,000 greenhouse strawberry plants, 120 blueberry plants, 30 blackberry canes, and more. For more details, go to CS Farm on Facebook.

Good Morning Baby LLC, a North Wilkesboro-based online children’s clothing business owned and operated by Meghan and Andy Benesh, received $1,000 for lighting and tripod equipment for photos for marketing, including on social media. The Beneshes plan to continue enhancing an online presence and eventually open shops. Go to GoodMorning-Baby.com for more details.

Russell Flower Farm on Benham Church Road, Elkin, owned by Brittany Russell, received $4,800 for cement and other materials for handicap-accessible parking and a walkway as part of an expansion into agritourism farming. Russell plans to offer u-cut experiences, events and educational classes. Go to RusselFlowerFarm.com for more details.

Scoops N’ More received $2,000 for a soft serve ice cream machine for use during fast-paced events such as the 2024 All-Star Race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. The business, owned and operated by Brittany Anderson and her family, offers premium hand-dipped ice cream at events and festivals around Wilkes County and plan to be at the this year’s All-Star Race for the second year in a row. Got to Scoops N More on Facebook for more details.

Upscale Structures, owned by Matthew Sturgill, received $1,500 to go toward a trailer for making deliveries. Upscale Structures makes, sells and sets up custom chicken coops, dog kennels and run-in horse barn, using rented trailers for deliveries until now. Having his own trails will help cut costs and allow a more flexible delivery schedule.A website for the business is being built. Inquiries can be sent to mailto:upscalestructures@gmail.com.

Wilkes EDC President LeeAnn Nixon thanked the judges for this cycle and said, “Their commitment to the program is greatly appreciated.” The spring 2024 judges were Thomas Salley, Wilkes Tourism Development Authority director; Taylor Gann, Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership director; Lesa Hensley, director of business development for First Community Bank; Mark Cook, owner of Cook’s Sports and co-owner of the Liberty Theater,l and Doren Tripp, community manager of Masthead Coworking.

Nixon said special thanks goes to Laurie Brintle Jarvis of the Wilkes Community College Small Business Center for helping applicants with their business plans and financial summaries in each grant cycle.

“We thank the SBC for being a sponsor of the Spring 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Program. Laurie establishes relationships with businesses to ensure their success by providing free and confidential business coaching services to small business owners in Wilkes, Ashe, and Allegheny counties,” said Nixon.

Francisco Martinez, Wilkes EDC marketing manager, said, “We value this opportunity to connect and support Wilkes County’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is strong in Wilkes County, and the support for these businesses continues to grow.”

Martinez said that in addition to the possibility of receiving grants, the program “provides an opportunity to engage with resource partners and discover additional avenues.”

Robin Hamby, Wilkes EDC vice president, has led this grant program since 2015. “We appreciate the kind sponsors who have contributed funds to this program. It is imperative that the program be offered twice a year to support the demand of new and expanding businesses. We are happy to provide this opportunity on a semi-annual basis.”

Hamby said sponsors make the program possible. She said funding commitments are being accepted for the Fall 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Program, with a goal of exceeding the $14,500 raised for the spring 2024 program.

Sponsorships are available at various levels and can include in-kind donations

Each level above bronze allows the donor to be recognized even further. Call the Wilkes EDC at 336-838-1501 for more information.