Reach the Summit Campaign funds $15,000 in Small Business Awards

Surry County, NC — The Surry Economic Development Partnership (EDP) is proud to announce the winners of the first-ever Surry Summit Small Business Grant Contest, a new initiative designed to support and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Surry County. After receiving 37 original applications and narrowing the field to 15 first-round finalists, seven outstanding small businesses have been selected to receive a total of $15,300 in grant funding.

Winners: Congratulations to Station 1978 Peanuts, Twilight FarmsBakery, JJ Brown Productions, Crisanthemum’s Ceramics,Cadence’s Cupcakes, Classic Concessions and Tri-County Orthopedics.

The contest, launched as part of Surry EDP’s Reach the Summit Campaign in conjunction with the Surry Community College’s Small Business Center, invited local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to submit a simple business plan, a financial summary, and a compelling 3–5-minute video pitch. The goal: to showcase how their ventures would contribute to the economic vitality and community needs of Surry County. Eight businesses were invited to present in person in a “Shark Tank” style format for the five judges.

“This program is about more than just funding—it’s about empowering local talent and helping small businesses thrive,” said Lesa Hensley, Director of the Small Business Center. “We were incredibly impressed by the creativity, passion, and potential of this year’s applicants.”

Each of the eight winners will receive between $1500 and $2,500, which can be used for eligible business improvements such as equipment upgrades, e-commerce enhancements, and expanded service capacity.The funds are available for use within one year of the award date, pending documentation of approved expenses.

The Surry EDP encourages all local entrepreneurs with 2-years of business operations apply for the next round of funding through the Surry Summit Small Business Grant Program. After several years of a successful YES Surry (Young Entrepreneurs of Surry Program), it was a goal of the Economic Development Board to dedicate funds to support small business development and expansion for young businesses that can grow and impact our community.

Reach the Summit Campaign

This program is supported by generous local funding from the EDP’s private investors through the Reach the Summit Campaign, a 5-year strategic plan to aid in the growth and development of Surry County. The EDP will continue to invest in strategic projects and programs to push Surry County towards increased economic opportunities, population growth, and community investment.