Start Small Campbell Program Awards $5000 Grants to The Bagel and I and Prestige Kennel and Pet Services

Campbell County Economic Development has awarded two grants for $5000 each through the Start Small Campbell Grant Program to local businesses recently established in Campbell County: The Bagel and I restaurant on Timberlake Road and Prestige Kennel and Pet Services on Leesville Road.

Steve Shockley and Vance Driskill Present Grant to Andrew Mather The Bagel and I offers New York-style bagels, freshly prepared on-site, as well as a variety of flavorful luncheon selections. Business owner Andrew Mather, who has a degree in hotel/restaurant management and 36 years’ experience in hospitality and food services management, describes the business as filling a “unique niche in the Lynchburg area.” Prestige Kennel Owners Allison Lightner and Jerrit Martin

Prestige Kennel and Pet Services is a doggie daycare and boarding facility situated on 3 wooded acres on Leesville Road. Co-owner Allison Lightner has been in the financial industry for 23 years and handles the kennel’s financial responsibilities, while her business partner Jerrit Martin manages the day-to-day operations. In their application, Lightner indicated that they are considering using the grant funds to begin work on an additional fenced outdoor play area with a small pool or splashpad area.

Steve Shockley, Campbell County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman and Sunburst District Representative, and Vance Driskill, Chairman of the Campbell County Industrial Development Authority, visited the two businesses with Economic Development staff on May 10 for the official presentations. They were impressed by both businesses and agreed that they fit the program’s goal of supporting businesses that have a strong likelihood of success.

“This grant is unique to the Central Virginia area,” said Nina Rezai, Economic Development Manager. “The way it is structured encourages entrepreneurs to think critically about their business plans and the training classes give them tools that will serve them well in their first years of business.”

Start Small Campbell Grant Program is competitive grant geared toward any new business employing 200 people or less and starting business for the first time in Campbell County. Applications are reviewed quarterly with four grants awarded each year. To be eligible, applicants must submit an application, a business plan, and complete at least two Start Smart Programs through the Small Business Development Center – Lynchburg Region (SBDC). The SBDC-Lynchburg Region offers these programs regularly for local businesses. Business owners that are interested in taking Start Smart Training in conjunction with applying for the Start Small Campbell Grant Program can take advantage of several upcoming online trainings:

The application deadline for consideration in the next cycle of the Start Small Campbell Grant program is July 1.

Reach out to the Economic Development department with any questions about the Start Small Campbell Grant Program by visiting the website, calling (434) 332-9595 or emailing econdev@campbellcountyva.gov.