Communities in Floyd County have a strong ‘do-it-yourself’ ethic, and a long tradition of entrepreneurs and start-ups who make their own opportunities. From farmers and craftspeople, to restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, Floyd has a sizeable community of experienced entrepreneurs, and a variety of resources to help others to develop their own business. Resources include the Floyd Economic Gardening program, which provides Floyd-based small businesses with market research and counseling from a national network of consultants (more at: https://floydva.nationalcentereg.org/), and the newly completed Floyd Innovation Center, which provides a variety of flexible production and office spaces with access to high-speed broadband and other amenities (more at: https://yesfloydva.org/).
Continuing with this success, the Floyd County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has announced the second annual entrepreneurship training and business plan competition, called “Floyd C4: Creators, Curriculum, Coaches, Challenge” program. Participants in the Floyd C4 program will 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 will provide one-on-one counseling, and successful entrepreneurs will participate as mentors and advisors.
The Floyd C4 program culminates in a ‘Pitch Night’ competition on November 1st, with participants presenting their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win a package of prizes, including cash, loans, and discounted office space and other free or reduced business services the help them start or expand their business ventures. All participants will receive access to a network of business development support services and networks of peers.
The Regional Commission is proud to support the C4 competition once again. Patrick O’Brien is presenting information on the NRV Development Corporation’s revolving loan fund, and serving as a judge at the competition. For more information about Floyd C4, please contact Patrick O’Brien (pobrien@nrvrc.org), 540-639-9313, ext. 2016 or Lydeana Martin at the Floyd County Economic Development Authority (lmartin@floydcova.org). Good luck to all the participants as they start their new business ventures!