Milestone in Motion: Celebrating the Next Wave of Entrepreneurs

The future of entrepreneurship in Surry County is bright, and this year’s Pitch It & Grow It Surry Summit Grant recipients are proof of that momentum.

After months of preparation, planning, pitching, and perseverance, we are proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Pitch It & Grow It grants. From emerging entrepreneurs building new ideas to established businesses preparing for their next phase of growth, this year’s recipients represent the creativity, determination, and innovation driving Surry County forward.

This year’s expansion of the program was made possible through the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation, whose investment helped fuel entrepreneurship across our region and allowed us to create two separate tracks for businesses at different stages of growth.

The Pitch It grant supported entrepreneurs and businesses operating for less than two years, while Grow It focused on helping established small businesses continue scaling and strengthening their operations. Across both categories, applicants completed a rigorous process that included business development training, business plans, video submissions, and presentations that showcased both their vision and commitment to success.

We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Pitch It Winners

• Devon Hays — Surry Driving School

• Maranda Atkins — Dino Cat Magnets

• Durant Hins — Dracko's Metal Works

• Kasey Meadows — The Lynx Med Spa

• Sable White — Pine Roots Strategy

• Allison Johnson — The Tipsy Twosome

• Stephen Bass & Jakob Holt — Next Level Networks

  
  

Grow It Winners

• Nickee Blizzard — Blue Ridge Massage

• Brodie Lovill — Yadkin Valley Pest Control

• Stephanie Venable — Granny Ruth’s Bakery

• Adam Jennings — JennTech

• Jessica Cockerham — The Chop Shop Barber & Shave

• Julie Fletcher — State of Graze

• Lisa Blevins — Artisan Alley

  
  

Programs like this are never accomplished alone. We extend a special thank you to Lesa Hensley and the Small Business Center for the invaluable guidance, education, and leadership provided throughout the process. We also want to recognize the many community partners, supporters, and organizers who worked behind the scenes to make this initiative possible.

To our judges, thank you for investing your time, expertise, and thoughtful consideration into reviewing each submission. And to every entrepreneur who participated: thank you for your courage to step forward, share your ideas, and invest in your future.

This program is about more than grants, it is about building confidence, creating opportunity, and strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shape Surry County.

We cannot wait to see where these businesses go next!