Since its inception and including the most recent awardees, the program has graduate 349 businesses from its training boot camps and awarded 96 businesses with over $693,720 in cash and in-kind funding.

Corre Impact, owned by Corretta Martin, was awarded $10,000. The business, founded in 2023, is a woman-owned information technology services organization based out of Bassett.

The organization has a combined 40 plus years of IT experience and landed its first major contract worth $450,000 a year, with a three-year ceiling. The company projects $5 million in revenue within its first five years and the hiring of 30 new employees by 2027.

A portion of the funding Corre Impact received was from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.

Assisted Living Home Have Health LLC, owned by Melody Wood, received $5,000. Wood has over 30 years of experience in the medical field as a certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, an EMT-B in emergency rooms and on an ambulance service.

The company will serve female patients ages 65 to 90 years of age with individualized care focused on daily living, transportation and socialization activities.

Mama D’s LLC Daycare Center, owned by Destiny Mitchell, received $4,000 for the purchase of equipment. The company is a childcare limited liability corporation established in January of 2024.

Mitchell is a licensed mental health provider with plans to provide the Martinsville and Henry County area with a safe and nurturing environment that encourages children to develop their capabilities and interests at their own pace and to their individual needs.

Initially services will be available for infants and toddlers, but Mitchell plans to expand her team and space to operate a youth center for school-aged children as well.

Starling Cards & Comics, owned by Pres Garrett, received $3,300. The business is a gaming retail store currently located at 937 Starling Ave.

Garrett has 14 years of retail management experience and purchased the store in 2023. The store offers a range of retail and event services for enthusiasts of various hobbies.

This includes sports cards and memorabilia, both vintage and new comic books, card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon and table-top role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.

SugaMamma’s Catering LLC, owned by Brenda Moore-Barksdale, received $3,000. Moore-Barksdale has a rich history rooted in the family tradition of cooking and spreading happiness through food.

The mission of her catering team is to create unforgettable culinary experiences that delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.

Bauble Noelle Clothing Boutique, owned by Chelsey Holland, received $1,300 in funding.

The boutique opened in June of 2023 and is located at 2042 Rives Road. The goal of the shop is to give women of all sizes, ethnicities and economic backgrounds the opportunity to shop and make them feel welcome while shopping.

Unicorn AF, owned by Annette Fitzgerald, received $1,000 in funding.

The salon, founded in July of 2023, is located at 1920 Virginia Ave. in the Holiday Shopping Center. Fitzgerald said she is extremely proud of the unique name of her salon, the brightly colored environment and the welcoming of all who enter, especially the LGBTQ+ community.

“Thank you all for attending this celebration,” Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce President and Chamber’s Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) Executive Director Brenell Thomas said. “Now let’s do our part to support our local small businesses by telling someone else about the great honorees you have learned about today.”

“We wish each of our graduates much success in your entrepreneurial journeys and encourage you to continue to reach out and ask for help along the way,” Thomas added. “Your success contributes to the revitalization of our community, and we are committed to helping you succeed.”