Floyd County Economic Development Authority (EDA) recently held its eighth annual entrepreneurship training and business plan competition, called the “Floyd C4: Creators, Curriculum, Coaches, Challenge” program. Participants in the Floyd C4 program receive training and guidance in a variety of business development topics, including product development and innovation, marketing, financing, and customer service. In addition, counselors from the Small Business Development Center and other entrepreneur support organizations provide one-on-one counseling to entrepreneurs.

The Floyd C4 program culminates in a ‘Pitch Night’ competition, with participants presenting their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win capital grants and prizes to assist in starting or expanding their business ventures. Regional Commission staff were asked to participate on the judging panel of this year’s Pitch Night. Nine businesses participated in Pitch Night, six of the participating businesses were awarded prizes, with the first prize going to Crooked Mountain, LLC, a veteran-owned motorcycle destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway that includes a campground, general store, farm, and event venue. Crook Mountain LLC is planning its grand opening in the Spring of 2023. 

For further information, please contact Summer Bork (sbork@nrvrc.org) 540-639-9313.