Start Small Campbell Grants

The Start Small Campbell Grant is a competitive funding opportunity provided by the Campbell County Department of Economic Development. This grant is intended to support the growth of new businesses in Campbell County, Virginia, by offering financial support and promoting entrepreneurial training. Each year, up to four businesses are awarded $5,000 each through two semi-annual funding cycles. The goal of this initiative is to foster a robust local economy by nurturing the success of early-stage enterprises or those opening their first location in the county. To be eligible, applicants must operate a business that is less than three years old or be opening their first Campbell County location. They must hold a valid business license from Campbell County, the Town of Altavista, or the Town of Brookneal, and be current on all local taxes. Applicants are also required to complete a business plan using the SSCG Business Plan Template, submit financial documentation for one year, and provide financial projections for years two and three. A mandatory business plan review with a Start Small Campbell Grant Mentor must be scheduled and completed at least three weeks prior to the application deadline. The Fall 2025 cycle includes several key dates. The recommended informational meeting is scheduled for August 28. All applicants must have their business plan reviewed by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of the Lynchburg Region or Spark Innovation Center by September 30. The final deadline to submit the application is October 21. Applications are considered incomplete if any of these steps are missed or required materials are not submitted, and such applications will not be reviewed. Applicants are expected to attend at least two qualifying workshops within the 12 months preceding the cycle’s end. The SBDC and Spark Innovation Center are both approved resources offering qualifying workshops and assistance with business planning and financial documentation. The economic development office also recommends consulting Claude Dixon, the Business Programs Coordinator, for application guidance. Funding from the Start Small Campbell Grant can be used without restriction. Grant recipients are not required to submit expense reports. However, the structured application process—including training and mentorship—is designed to encourage responsible use of the funds. Applications are evaluated by a Grant Review Committee using a formal scoring guide, and awards are based on a consensus decision following a minimum score threshold. Contact information for questions and support includes the Economic Development Department at (434) 332-9595 or via email at econdev@co.campbell.va.us. Previous awardees include Premier Supervision and Consultation PLLC and ZLL Designs LLC from the Spring 2025 cycle, and Homegrown Garden Supply and Learning Edge Tutoring from past cycles.

Attend the informational meeting and qualifying workshops; use SBDC or Spark Innovation Center for business plan support; consult Claude Dixon for assistance; ensure application completeness to be considered.