Mountain Empire Community College - Small Business Development Center

09/08/2026

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Here is a great opportunity for new startups in Wise!

09/04/2026

Congratulations — GAP Antique Parlor!

Sometimes a business opens exactly when you planned. And sometimes…it takes a little longer, a lot more work, and quite a bit of sweat equity to bring the original vision to life.

Today, we get to celebrate GAP Antique Parlor in Big Stone Gap and the hard work its owners have poured into making this idea a reality. I had the opportunity to tour the shop yesterday, and my official review is pretty simple: It’s just COOL. 😍

Congratulations to the owners on reaching OPENING DAY! Starting a small business is rarely a straight line, which makes days like today even sweeter.

Stop by GAP Antique Parlor, take a look around, and help us welcome another locally owned business to Big Stone Gap!

09/04/2026

Join us for the final session of the Mid-Atlantic Matchmaker Prep Series on September 8 from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. This concluding installment will delve into Maximizing Business Development Opportunities, featuring a comprehensive recap of the series. Attend in person in Bluefield, WV, or participate virtually. Register now using the link below.

Virtual Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1998984133354?aff=oddtdtcreato

08/31/2026

Join Session 3 of the Matchmaker Prep Series: Pitch Like a Pro – From Nervous to Notable! Sept 1st, 10:30am-12:00pm at the Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority, 500 Bland St, 3rd Floor. In preparation for the SBA Freedom 250 Supplier Matchmaking Expo on Sept 18th.

Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mid-atlantic-matchmaker-prep-series-southwest-va-session-3-of-4-tickets-1998441970731

08/27/2026

Small Business Sound-Off: Week 4 📣

This week, we want to know: What outside factor is impacting your business the most right now?

1️⃣ Competition — local or online
2️⃣ Economic uncertainty affecting customer spending
3️⃣ Regulations, permits, or compliance requirements
4️⃣ Something else — tell us what we missed!

Drop your number in the comments below! 👇

08/20/2026

Small Business Sound-Off: Week 3 📣

This week’s question: What financial challenge is weighing on your business most?

1️⃣ Rising costs — materials, rent, utilities
2️⃣ Cash flow gaps between income and expenses
3️⃣ Pricing your products or services competitively
4️⃣ Something else — tell us what we missed!

Drop your number in the comments below! 👇

08/18/2026

We love seeing Southwest Virginia small businesses grow, create opportunities, and make an impact in their community!
Take a few minutes to read Southern Ridge Designs story — and help us celebrate another local small business success! 👏

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08/14/2026

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. STAY TUNED FOR A NEW DATE.
What could your farm, kitchen, recipe, or product idea grow into?

If you operate a farmstand, grow or sell agricultural products, bake from home, make specialty foods, own a restaurant, or have an idea for a new food or beverage product, Soil to Shelf is designed for you!

Join us on August 27 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon for:

Soil to Shelf: Turning Farm Assets into Food & Beverage Brands

This practical, one-day workshop will help you better understand how to turn what you grow, raise, make, or imagine into a licensed, market-ready food or beverage business.

Topics will include:

🌾 Production and processing
📋 Business planning
✅ Licensing and food safety
💰 Funding opportunities
👥 Workforce needs
🚚 Distribution
🛒 Retail readiness

You’ll also have the opportunity to visit an interactive resource marketplace, meet directly with organizations that support agricultural and food-based businesses, and ask questions specific to your business or idea.

Whether you already sell products or are still wondering, “Could I turn this into a business?”—this is a great place to start.

Space may be limited, so register today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5XmXPZgaaZ

Please share this opportunity with a farmer, baker, maker, restaurant owner, farmstand operator, or aspiring food entrepreneur who could benefit!

08/13/2026

You are invited to the SBA's Mid-Atlantic Matchmaker Prep Series - Southwest VA! The next event in the series Know Your Market, Win the Contract on August 18, 2026 at 10:30 AM.

Opening doors to decision makers for federal agencies, OEMs, and major manufacturers. It is easier when you know your market and how to win the contract. Join the U.S. Small Business Administration VA Richmond District Office-Southwest Virginia and its partners VA APEX Accelerators, VA SBDCs, VA Manufacturers Association, and GENEDGE Alliance, for our upcoming Matchmaker Preparation series!

SWCC APEX Accelerator will be in attendance as well!

Both in-person and virtual attendance are available. The event will be hosted at Wytheville Community College.

Click here for more information about this event:

Know Your Market, Win the Contract

08/13/2026

Small Business Sound-Off: Week 2 📣

This week, we want to know: What’s eating up the most time in your business right now?

1️⃣ Admin work and paperwork
2️⃣ Managing inventory or supply chains
3️⃣ Customer service and communication
4️⃣ Something else—tell us what we missed!

Drop your number in the comments below! 👇