INSIDE THE ISLE NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2023

SAVE THE DATES FOR BUSINESS APPRECIATION!

Business Appreciation Month is celebrated in Virginia during the month of May. Isle of Wight Economic Development and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce will host its 2nd Annual Business Appreciation Pop-Up Parties throughout the county on four Wednesdays during the month of May. More details coming soon!

New Business Licenses - February

New Business Highlights

Chesapeake Bay Custom Fabrications (Rescue)

The Country Soap Shoppe at Hamtown Mercantile (Smithfield)

See the full list of new February business licenses:

PDF Format (.pdf) or Excel Format (.xlsx)

We extend a warm welcome to all of our new businesses.

Thank you for putting down roots to grow in Isle of Wight County!

Virginia Community Capital (VCC) is a non-profit CDFI loan fund whose mission is to support housing and community development ventures, increase jobs, and build sustainable communities by offering flexible financial products and advisory services. VCC offers the following funding programs for businesses:

Small Business Loan Program

This program provides credit to small businesses throughout Virginia to finance real estate and related owner-occupied facilities, equipment and vehicle purchases, business acquisition, business expansion and working capital. The minimum amount is $50,000 and the maximum amount is $5,000,000.

Commercial Real Estate Financing

This program provides funds to construct, acquire, renovate, and/or refinance commercial real estate transactions with an affordable housing or clean energy component. Loan amounts up to $11 million.

Economic Equity Fund

This program provides flexible financing for small business owners who are women and/or Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and were disproportionately affected by the economic impact of the pandemic. In addition to loans for eligible borrowers, resources have been allocated to provide free technical assistance and consulting for eligible small businesses and community-based partners. Loan amounts from $50,000 to $1 million.

Healthy Food Access

This program focuses on local and healthy food access across Virginia by supporting food-based businesses providing nutritious produce, meats, dairy, and more. The program is designed to help expand healthy food options while building relevant experience and institutional knowledge in fresh food financing. Borrower types include food hub operators, retail and wholesale distributors, value-added processors and producers, and food business incubators. Eligible Uses include Predevelopment Project Costs, Real-Estate Acquisition, New Construction or Building Rehabilitation, Equipment Lending, Working capital lines of credit.

For more information about VCC programs, contact Joey Barnes or Ginnele Shonyo.

GET LISTED IN THE COUNTY'S LOCAL BUSINESS LIST

In order to promote and support local business and retail services within the County, Economic Development hosts an online Local Business List. This searchable database located at www.insidetheisle.com is categorized by type of product/service. This is a FREE service for all County businesses - we just need your contact information! You must have a current Isle of Wight County, Town of Smithfield or Town of Windsor business license to be included on the list.

If you would like to be a part of the County directory, please complete the online form. If your business is already listed and information needs to be updated, please email Kristi Sutphin.

Businesses Invited to Participate in Regional Career Fair

This regional event is hosted by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and the Virginia Employment Commission in partnership other organizations and localities throughout the region, including Isle of Wight County Economic Development.

The registration fee for businesses is $70 plus Eventbrite fees and includes one 6-foot table and 2 chairs. Registration ends April 10, 2023 (or when all tables are filled). For more information, contact Ayanna Osouna with Hampton Roads Workforce Council Business Services or call 757-579-9018.

The Smithfield Farmers Market, which is celebrating its 21st season this year, is dedicated to being a genuine homegrown, homemade and handcrafted farmers’ market. Our vendors are local farmers, ranchers, home cooks, crafters, artisans and craftsmen within 100 miles of Smithfield, Virginia.

Opening day is April 1st and the market runs every Saturday morning, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through October and will close out with Holiday/Specialty markets in November and Christmas Food & Craft markets in December. The Smithfield Farmers Market is held in the BSV parking lot at 115 Main Street in Historic Smithfield. Follow the Smithfield Farmers Market on Facebook for upcoming events and information.

Featured Available Property

Office/Warehouse For Sale!

15314 Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton, VA 23314

6,000 SF office/warehouse building on Route 17/Carrollton Blvd. between the James River Bridge and Suffolk in the fastest growing area of Isle of Wight County. Currently owner-occupied by a residential builder, plus other tenants. Site is three lots totaling approx. 1.56 acres. Property has additional storage and fenced rear parking lot.

For more information, contact Kyle Hause with Long & Foster Real Estate,

757-727-0069 or kyle.hause@longandfoster.com.

Search the County's available properties database for more commercial or industrial properties. If you own or represent a commercial property in Isle of Wight County that is available for sale or lease, please CONTACT US, and we will add it to our database.

The Isle of Wight County Newcomer's Guide has been updated for 2023. If you are a new resident to the County, you may have some questions about the many services available. This information is designed to help ease your transition into your new home and life here inside the Isle.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT www.InsideTheIsle.com

757-356-1962