Amy Lyall participated in the mySWVAopportunity Business Challenge. In the course of the two month training, she developed a business plan for Humble Servent Book and Gift Shop. The business, to be potentially located in Grundy has several components.  People, Incorporated trainer Cindy Green said, “Amy and all of the […]

Big Stone Gap, Haysi, and St. Paul will tailor local incentive packages As part of the mySWVAopportunity Entrpreneur Challenge, three Far Southwest Virginia communities have stepped up to pilot the development of packaged incentives for local businesses.  Big Stone Gap, Haysi, and St. Paul will all take a unique approach […]

Bill Dotson’s voice booms with the excitement of the story and falls to a whisper at a key dramatic point. It’s part of what gets children so excited about Pawpaw’s Bible Stories and Childhood Tales. His strategy to record and sell stories via CDs and itunes is part of a […]

They say that entrepreneurship is a family affair, and that’s the case for Cloyd Gaffney, Jr.  The UVa-Wise student started C&C Seafood with his father on April 26, 2009. The seasonal retail operation is based in South Carolina. “I’ve made a lot of connections and learned a lot,” says Cloyd. […]

For many, Football is a big part of growing up in Southwest Virginia, and James Long thinks the region might be a place for his business to mature as well. The UVa-Wise student has a plan to develop The Vault Sleeve, an original custom made football sleeve that is designed […]

Sandra Lima Argo has feet on two continents.  Her business, LA International Education, provides professional and personal enrichment exchanges between Southwest Virginia and Brazil. “Traveling to an unknown place can be extremely rewarding,” says Sandra, “especially if the trip is structured well. And our region has a great deal to […]

Terri Anne Funk feels fortunate to be able to pursue a business vision built upon something she always loved to do: float the Clinch River.  “Growing up in St. Paul, the river is just part of your life,” says Terri. “With Clinch River Adventures, we hope to share that experience—making […]

Technology changes bring entrepreneurial opportunities, and Jeffery Perry is developing a business to help homeowners use technolgy to increase effiency and reduce costs.  “By performing a blower test,” says Perry, “our business, Perry’s Energy Audit, will help customers identify opportunities to reduce energy use and increase savings.” With substantial construction and […]

“A business in a small community can be an important thing,” says Jeff Hunt. Jeff bought a building in the Scott County town of Dungannon, Virginia (pop. 250), where he grew up.  For years he held a full time job and operated his welding shop in the prominently located structure.  Once […]

Jack Flanary understands the importance of connecting people in a community. His business, run with Alma Underwood Flanary, depends upon a network of competitive and team oriented people. “If we can provide a quality experience and facilitate the network of people who enjoy it, our business will succeed,” says Jack. […]