To coincide with the recent opening of the Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, VA, Virginia Community Capital assisted the Virginia Small Business Administration in hosting a pitch contest in the fall of 2022. Ten finalists from 11 counties across the Southwestern Region competed to win five $10,000 prizes for business operation expenses. Applicants and competitors were also considered for the opportunity to partner with the Hard Rock Casino to provide locally made goods and services.
Finalists included:
- Alpha Lit – Washington County
- Anne Vaughan Designs – Floyd County
- Beagle Ridge Farm – Wythe County
- Clinch Valley Printing – Tazewell County
- Clinch Life Outfitters – Wise County
- Rising Sun Breads – Henry County
- Stormbrew Farm – Washington County
- The Orange Bandana – Montgomery County
- The Pakalachian Truck – Washington County
- Virginia Mountain Vineyards – Botetourt County
Winners were announced in December of 2022 during an awards ceremony at the Hard Rock Casino in Bristol. Community partners included: Friends of Southwest Virginia, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, and the SWVA Small Business Development Centers.
To view the pitch videos, click here. To learn more about the Community Innovation Center, click here.
Have a question or comment? We welcome your interest! Contact Sandy Ratliff, Vice President of Community Innovation, or Billie Roberts, Community Innovation Advisor.