Milestones in Motion: From Vision to Growth: Pitch It and Grow It Grants

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. - Last year, the Surry EDP launched the Surry Summit Grants with one goal in mind, to invest in the ideas, energy, and determination of our local entrepreneurs. Today, we're seeing that investment come to life in meaningful, tangible ways.

Our 2025 grant recipients have spent the past year turning funding into forward motion. For Station 1978 Firehouse Peanuts LLC, the grant made it possible to enhance operations and efficiency: "The grant allows us to streamline our peanut butter processing area to keep everything in one area. This allows us to be more efficient and keeps everything in our processing area sanitized."

Meanwhile, Crisanthemum Studios transformed their brand visibility in a creative way: "The grant allowed me to professionally wrap my business vehicle, turning it into a mobile billboard that promotes Crisanthemum Studios across the region. It has significantly increased visibility and helped position our studio, and Pilot Mountain, as a creative destination."

For Classic Concessions, the grant supported critical safety upgrades while also strengthening their business foundation: “Classic Concessions is very grateful for the Surry County Economic Development Grant and all those that have been a part. I would also like to give a special shout out to Lesa Hensley for the great classes that I had the privilege to attend. Through her leadership and the qualifications for the grant I learn how to sell myself as a small business entrepreneur. The grant helped me install a very expensive "Fire Suppression System" in our existing exhaust hood over our Funnel Cake fryer as recommended by local and State Fire Codes for the safety of our employees and the community around us.”

And for Tri-County Sports & Rehab, the grant enabled meaningful expansion and increased access to care: “The grant money was used to expand the physical size of our clinic to treat physical therapy patients. We went from 1,600 square feet to 2,000 square feet of clinic space. This allowed me to hire another licensed physical therapy assistant from the program at Surry Community College. In doing so, we were able to meet the needs of the community better by being able to schedule our patients in a much more timely and frequent manner. Providing the best care for our community is our priority and that includes practicing in an area that helps patients thrive during their treatment. Our motto is, Art of Healing, Practice of Caring.”

These stories are more than success, they are proof of what happens when local businesses are given the tools to grow.

Building on that momentum, this year's program reached new heights thanks to the support of the Duke Energy Foundation. Their investment allowed us to expand the initiative, creating two distinct pathways for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey: Pitch It and Grow It.

Pitch It is designed for emerging businesses and new ideas. Those operating for less than two years. Participants engage in a required business development course led by Lesa Hensley from the Surry Community College Small Business Center, equipping them with foundational skills, strategy, and confidence before stepping into the competition.

Grow It supports established small businesses that have been operating for two years or more, helping them take the next step in scaling and strengthening their operations.

Both tracks challenged applicants to bring their vision to life through a rigorous process, including business plan development, video submissions, and thoughtful articulation of their growth strategy. But beyond the competition itself, the experience is already making a lasting impact on participants: "I have thoroughly enjoyed taking this course and going through this process. I think it has helped me grow tremendously, no matter the outcome I am thankful for the opportunity" Said Sable White, with Pine Roots Strategy.

Now, that process is reaching its most exciting moment. Our judges are currently reviewing submissions, and behind the scenes, decisions are being made that will shape the next chapter for a new group of Surry County entrepreneurs.

The impact is already clear: last year's winners are thriving, growing, and continuing to invest back into our community. And soon, we'll be celebrating a new class of innovators ready to do the same.

Stay tuned, the next round of Pitch It & Grow It winners will be announced soon!