Start Small Campbell Grants

The Start Small Campbell Grant is a competitive local funding program administered by the Campbell County Department of Economic Development in Virginia. Designed specifically to support early-stage and newly opened businesses within Campbell County, this program aims to stimulate economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship. With a targeted grant award of $5,000, it provides both financial support and mentorship to up to four small businesses per year. The grant operates on a semi-annual cycle, opening two rounds annually to distribute these awards. Its focus on business planning and entrepreneurial training makes it not only a funding opportunity but also a structured development pipeline for local startups. Eligible applicants must be businesses that are either less than three years old or are establishing their first location within Campbell County. Additionally, the business must possess a valid local business license—issued by Campbell County, the Town of Altavista, or the Town of Brookneal—and be in good standing with local tax obligations. The program does not allow businesses with outstanding taxes or licensing issues to participate, reflecting the County’s emphasis on responsible financial practices. To apply for the Start Small Campbell Grant, prospective applicants must follow a structured submission process. A critical component is the completion of at least two qualifying workshops within the twelve months preceding the application deadline. The workshops provide foundational business training and are listed in an official directory provided by the program. Applicants are also required to complete the SSCG Business Plan Template and submit one year of financial documentation along with a projection statement for years two and three. These documents must align with templates provided by the program and vary depending on the applicant's stage of business development. Another key step is the business plan review with an approved SSCG mentor. Applicants must schedule this session at least three weeks before the application deadline to allow time for feedback and revisions. This mentorship is a gatekeeping step designed to ensure that all submitted business plans meet the required standard. The final application must be submitted online by the stated deadline, and incomplete applications will not be considered. After submission, program staff conduct an initial review to confirm completeness before full evaluation. For the Spring 2026 grant cycle, an information session is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at the Timbrook Library. This session is recommended for all applicants. Business plan reviews must be completed by March 17, 2026, and the final application is due on April 7, 2026. The award announcements are expected to be made in late April or early May 2026. This predictable timeline supports applicants in planning their submissions and aligns with the County’s broader strategy to support business incubation. The grant does not explicitly outline allowable or restricted spending categories, but the emphasis on training, business planning, and projections suggests a use-case focus on operational and developmental expenditures. The program contact point for additional inquiries is the Campbell County Department of Economic Development, located at 85 Carden Lane, Suite B, Rustburg, VA 24588. The office can be reached by phone at (434) 332-9595 or via fax at (434) 332-9617. There is no named individual contact, and no PDF guidelines were linked. The program is recurring and follows a consistent semi-annual timeline, suggesting that another cycle will likely occur in Fall 2026.

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.