09/21/2026
Lion & Lamb Vet Co. took home 1st place in Cohort 06. We asked them to share some insight on their experience.
Applications are still open for Cohort 07 based in Town of Wise! Apply here, deadline is coming up! https://forms.gle/5TMYQJG1wQTbyCZM9
Learn more about their story here: 👇🏻
Tell us a little about your business and what inspired you to start it:
-Lion & Lamb Vet Co. is a locally owned veterinary clinic in Coeburn, Virginia, founded by my husband, Dr. Kobe Lawson, and me. We opened our doors in February 2026 with a heart for serving the people and animals of our community. We wanted to create a veterinary practice where clients feel known, heard, and cared for—not just like another appointment on the schedule. Our faith is why we started Lion & Lamb. Our motto is “In His image, for His creatures,” and we want the way we care for our patients, clients, employees, and community to reflect that. Starting a business from the ground up has definitely been a learning experience, but seeing the relationships we’ve already built in our community has made it incredibly rewarding.
What made you decide to participate in the bootcamp, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
-We knew veterinary medicine, but owning and growing a business was a completely different world! We hoped to gain practical knowledge about finances, marketing, planning, and long-term growth while also connecting with other local business owners who understand the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship. We hoped to gain a better understanding of the business side of Lion & Lamb—things like planning for growth, finances, marketing, and making smart decisions for the future. We also wanted to connect with other local entrepreneurs and learn from people who had experience building successful businesses.
What was the most valuable thing you learned during the bootcamp, and how has it changed the way you approach your business?
-One of the biggest things we took away from the bootcamp was the importance of looking beyond the day-to-day operations and really thinking about the long-term future of our business. When you’re a small business owner, it’s so easy to spend all of your time putting out fires and taking care of whatever needs your attention that day. The bootcamp challenged us to step back, look at the bigger picture, and be more intentional about our goals, finances, growth, and the decisions we’re making now. It helped us begin thinking not only about how to run Lion & Lamb today, but how to build a business that can continue serving our community for many years to come.
What did winning the pitch competition mean to you, and how do you plan to use the prize money to grow or improve your business?
-Winning the pitch competition meant so much to us, especially as such a new business. We poured so much work, prayer, and heart into opening Lion & Lamb, so having other people believe in what we’re building was incredibly encouraging. We’re already growing faster than we could have imagined. We recently began expanding our clinic with a dedicated surgery suite, which will allow us to better serve our patients and continue expanding the care we’re able to provide locally! More than anything, winning felt like another reminder that investing in our little corner of Southwest Virginia is worth it.
What would you say to another current or aspiring business owner who is considering participating in the bootcamp?
-Do it! Even if you already own a business, there is always something new to learn. Owning a small business can sometimes feel like you’re figuring everything out as you go, and having the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable people and connect with other entrepreneurs is incredibly valuable. Go into it willing to ask questions, take advice, and really evaluate your business. Some of the most valuable lessons may be things you didn’t even realize you needed to learn. And if you’re someone who has an idea but hasn’t taken the leap yet, don’t let feeling like you have to know everything stop you. You won’t have every answer before you start. Programs like the bootcamp can give you knowledge, resources, connections, and confidence to help turn an idea into something real.
