Promoting small business development in Southwest Virginia

Elected officials, economic developers and small business owners operating in Scott, Lee and Wise Counties, known as the LENOWISCO Planning District, gathered Sept. 20 in Scott County to highlight the importance of George Mason University’s support of small businesses innovators through its Small Business Development Centers.

Mason President Gregory Washington highlighted state and federal investments in Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) managed by George Mason University.

Local business owners Renee Huffman Morris of Henry’s Produce, Jan Meade of Ivils Tutors, and sisters Melissa Hubbard and Jan Brown, owners of the Whistle Pig Country Store in Lee County, spoke about their experiences working with the Mason-operated SBDC in Duffield, Virginia, and the critical support they received to develop business plans, locate accounting and business services, and find mentorship on their journey to start a business.

Keith Harless, town manager of Pennington Gap in Lee County; Jeannie Stidham, Town of Pennington; and Jean Jordan, representing Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA); detailed ongoing efforts to incentivize small business development in the region by leveraging SBDC funds and other grant opportunities to provide workforce development and employment opportunities.

Kris Westover, Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) president; William Brownsberger, MECC’s vice president for academic affairs; and Virginia House of Delegates Majority Leader Terry Kilgore (R-1) also attended.  

The Virginia SBDC network is a partnership among the U.S. Small Business Administration, George Mason University, and premier local host organizations throughout Virginia, with continued investment from the Virginia General Assembly.