Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority

10/24/2026

VCEDA was in attendance and exhibited at the Governor's Summit on Rural Prosperity in Lexington, VA, October 14–15. The event brought together rural leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth to discuss rural economic development, leadership and community advancement. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the keynote address. Representing VCEDA at the event were Business Development Specialists Charlotte Mullins and Diane Thomas, who are pictured here with Brian Falin, Wise County Industrial Development Authority executive director; and Shannon Blevins, vice chancellor for strategic engagement & government relations at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

10/22/2026

Cozy cabins, a wedding venue and ultimately a mountain coaster experience all in one location is what Carolyn and Greg Wimmer have planned as they develop Wimmers Woodlands, a destination tourist spot, in the Abbs Valley section of Tazewell County, VA.

Wimmers Woodlands is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.

The business projects two full-time employees and four part-time employees within five years.

Read more: https://vceda.us/vceda-seed-capital-grant-approved-for-wimmers-woodlands/

10/21/2026

Custom garments, sewing repairs and alterations, precision laser cutting services for fabrics and material and on-site sewing machine repairs are among the services to be offered by Gerald Vandyke as he opens DMG Sewing LLC in Buchanan County, VA.

DMG Sewing LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.

The business projects 30 full-time employees and 10 part-time employees within five years.

Read more: https://vceda.us/dmg-sewing-llc-approved-for-vceda-seed-capital-grant/

10/20/2026

VCEDA Business Development Specialists Diane Thomas and Charlotte Mullins will be in attendance October 21, 2026 at the SWVA Small Business Symposium: Access to Capital meeting from 8:30 AM to 3 PM at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Mullins will also be a panelist on the "Navigating the Small Business Funding Maze" panel at the event.

This event is being hosted by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), in partnership with UVA Wise Office of Economic and Community Development, Opportunity SWVA and RetirePath VA.

There's still time to register for the symposium -- visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-southwest-virginia-small-business-symposium-access-to-capital-tickets-2000603167930?aff=oddtdtcreator

Learn about some of the financial and technical capital resources available to support your business.

10/17/2026

VCEDA, one of the LEAD SWVA program sponsors, was pleased to host the current LEAD SWV cohort in Lebanon, VA last week. VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher provided an overview of VCEDA and its history and impact in the region. Case studies of some of the projects funded by VCEDA in the past were also part of the discussion.

Later in the day, the group traveled back to St. Paul for a grant workshop, a NuScale Simulation Lab exercise and a tour of St. Paul focused on downtown and community development efforts. Dinner followed at the Western Front Hotel.
The following day, a discussion on demographic trends and what the data indicates about the changing communities of Southwest Virginia was held and then participants were invided to attend the ongoing Blue Highway Fest ongoing in Wise.

10/16/2026

VCEDA was in attendance at the EO Year in Review meeting and luncheon, October 1 at the EO Center in Abingdon, VA. VCEDA Business Development Specialist Diane Thomas, right, represented VCEDA at the event. She is pictured here with EO Board Member AJ Robinson, of Tazewell County. Keynote speaker at the event was Mayor Tommy Battle, Huntsville, Ala.

10/15/2026

From pastries and cinnamon rolls, to savory quiches, ham and swiss croissants, custom made cakes and more, BB’s Bakery & Café in Pennington Gap, VA offers a varied menu from which to choose, according to owner Briana Belcher, who prides herself on making items from scratch daily.

Parea & PSomi LLC, doing business as BB’s Bakery & Café, is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.

The business projects one full-time employee and four part-time employees within five years.

Read more: https://vceda.us/bbs-bakery-cafe-approved-for-vceda-seed-capital-grant/

10/14/2026

Premium residential remodeling and custom home building services grounded in craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail are what David Lawson strives to bring to every job with his new business, Lawson Custom Builders, LLC in Wise, VA.

Lawson Custom Builders, LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
The business projects two full-time employees and five part-time employees within five years.

Read more: https://vceda.us/vceda-seed-capital-grant-approved-for-lawson-custom-builders-llc/

10/13/2026

Solar development in Southwest Virginia was the topic of discussion at a community meeting of the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia, October 1. Community members in attendance had the opportunity to learn more about solar development in the region. A brief solar 101 overview was presented which was followed by group discussion on a variety of solar-related topics. VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher represented VCEDA at the meeting. VCEDA is a member of the solar workgroup steering committee.

10/10/2026

ICYMI: VCEDA issued its periodic e-news brief last week! If you are not already a subscriber, but would like to be added to our email list, message us here or at [email protected] with your email address and we'll get you signed up to stay in the know! In the meantime, you can read it here: https://vceda.us/vceda-e-news-brief-october-2-2026/