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VGCC SBC Honors Warren County Small Businesses

Crystal — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 22:42:15 +0000

The Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center hosted its third annual Small Business Awards Ceremony at Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard in Norlina, where they celebrated 13 Warren County-based businesses and community leaders, recognizing their contributions to the local economy and community. The ceremony, which was held on February 27, was in partnership with The Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) of Vance County and sponsored by NC IDEA.

The VGCC Small Business Center, led by Director Carolyn Perry, has been instrumental in supporting local entrepreneurs through resources, training, and mentorship. The annual awards ceremony highlights the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment to community development.

The honorees were in three categories according to the length they have been in business: Startups (3-5 years), Established (5-10 years); and Legacy (10+).

HONOREES:

STARTUPS
Peanut & Zelb’s Produce Market, 137 Hyco Street, Norlina
Warren Animal Feed, 102 College Street, Warrenton
Sisterly Dreams
Presenter: Kyle Burwell, Dean, Business and Industry Solutions, VGCC

ESTABLISHED
Oliver Family Farm
Crews Balloons, https://www.crewsballoons.com
Lake Gaston Coffee, 104 Wellington Way, Littleton
Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard, 332 Axtell-Ridgeway Road, Norlina
Sweet Delights Cookies and Things
Presenter: Megan Williams, Economic Development Specialist, Warren County Community and Economic Development

LEGACY
Just Flowers, 138 S Main Street, Warrenton
Kim’s Vineyard and Winery, 408 Largo Road, Norlina
WARR 1520 AM, 824 US Hwy 158 Bus. W, Warrenton
Awesome God Christian Bookstore, 130 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Dr. Jerry Edmonds, Vice President of Workforce & Community Engagement, VGCC

Community and Economic Development Award:
Jametrice Alston Jones, owner of @4 Girls and a Comb and Rock & Fortress Production Company, 144 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Crystal Myrick, Warrenist

The event was catered by local Warren County food truck, Kings Smoke-N-Soul.

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PHOTOS: Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast (February 2025)

Crystal — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:29:43 +0000

Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.

Hosted by the Warren County Community and Economic Development team, the event was held in the Warren County Armory Civic Center and provided a unique opportunity for fellow business leaders, educators, and key stakeholders to connect and discuss shaping the future of workforce readiness in Warren County.

Special guest speaker, Brett Brenton of MyFutureNC presented key information about Warren County to further guide attendees in how they can bridge the gap between industry needs and educational opportunities.

Minds were opened, business cards were exchanged, and potential collaborations were born.

We look forward to seeing how these new and renewed connections will flourish in our community, specifically for the betterment of our next generation.

[See image gallery at warrenist.com]
Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick / Warrenist

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VIDEO: A Look at “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up”

Team Warrenist — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:50:22 +0000

In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up,” a video highlighting our diverse businesses and organizations in the area.

Warren County’s passion and commitment to building and thriving locally are the driving force behind our community’s success and culture. It’s that dedication and commitment to community that has been the backbone of our county for years. Hear from some of our small businesses about our community’s values that are the foundation for success.

Small businesses featured (in order of appearance):
AF Wake (https://afwake.com);
Working Landscapes and ByWay Foods (https://bywayfoods.com/);
Brown Family Farms (https://brownfamilyfarmscsa.com);
Kings Fitness (https://www.kingsfitnessnc.com/);
Lake Gaston Outfitters (https://www.lakegastonoutfitters.com/)
Rockin’ E Ranch (facebook.com/rockin.e.ranch)

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‘Biz Kidz’ Shine at Warren Farmers Market

Crystal — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:55:20 +0000

This past weekend, the Warren Farmers Market was abuzz with youthful energy and entrepreneurial spirit as young business owners took center stage at the first “Biz Kidz” event. These aspiring entrepreneurs, many of whom were seasoned in the art of business, proudly displayed their products, impressing customers and vendors alike.

The following businesses were: Jaques, Jameya, Jaqeim, Jamaya, Jamara, and Jaquae Oliver of Oliver Kids Collection (decorated signs, and all natural, scented play-doh); Thea and Zoey Taber of Taber Treasures (crocheted coasters and potholders, bracelets, necklaces, keychains, bookmarkers); Jayden Andrews of JayRock’s Creations (hand-painted rocks); Kinsley Henderson of Sisterly Dreams Co. (cotton candy), and Olivia Burrows, who assisted as a 4H volunteer.

Whether we see them again at the Warren Farmers Market or at local festival, we look forward to seeing what these kidpreneurs do next!

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Duke Energy Foundation Grants VGCC $50,000 to Support Small Business Growth

Team Warrenist — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:30:12 +0000

The Duke Energy Foundation recently announced it has granted $50,000 to The VGCC Foundation to support small businesses in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.

The grant is part of $700,000 in new funding made available to North Carolina small businesses in partnership with community development organizations like the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College. Small business grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be distributed through 20 community organizations to support retail shops, restaurants, and other small businesses looking to expand, upgrade technology, and improve downtown storefronts.

Now in its fourth year, the program has provided over $2 million in funding to small businesses since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Duke Energy Foundation’s small business grant program has helped fuel a resurgence of entrepreneurial small businesses ranging from bookstores to restaurants in our state,” said Kendal Bowman, North Carolina State President for Duke Energy. “These small business grants ensure Main Streets across North Carolina are well positioned to benefit from our state’s unprecedented economic growth.”

Such businesses play a critical role in the state’s economic health and employ nearly half of North Carolina’s workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Small businesses remain the backbone of the U.S. economy, and in rural areas, they also serve as the heartbeat of our local economies,” noted VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “This monetary commitment enables Vance-Granville Community College to promote the entrepreneurial mindset and support budding small business ideas into real businesses within our larger community.”

The VGCC Small Business Center will select grant fund recipients through a series of workshops, one based in each of the four counties the College serves. Each workshop session will span four evening classes (10 total hours of instruction). The sessions will culminate with a five-minute pitch contest, after which five of the session’s 10 participants will receive a $2,500 award to support their small business.

Workshop dates and locations are as follows:
Sept. 16–19: VGCC South Campus
Sept. 30 – Oct. 3: VGCC Main Campus
Oct. 7–10: VGCC Warren Campus
Oct. 14–17: VGCC Franklin Campus

To learn more about this program and participant requirements, contact VGCC Small Business Center Director Carolyn Perry at (252) 738-3240 or perryc@vgcc.edu.

For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-energy.com/Foundation.

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Warren County Sees 10.8% Growth in Visitor Spending

Crystal — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:05:31 +0000

Visitor spending in Warren County reached an impressive $73 million in 2023, marking a notable 10.8% increase from the previous year. This exceptional growth rate not only highlights the county’s rising popularity but also positions Warren County as a leader in the state for visitor spending growth.

These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2023,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics.

North Carolina as a whole saw total visitor spending of $35.6 billion, underscoring the significant role that Warren County plays within the state’s tourism industry. Warren County’s impressive double-digit increase in visitor spending outpaced the state’s growth percentage, highlighting the county’s successful tourism strategies and its burgeoning status as a sought-after destination.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact it has on our community,” said Jennifer Pierce, Chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners. “The increase in visitor spending not only boosts our local economy but also creates jobs and enhances the quality of life for our residents.”

The economic impact of this surge is far-reaching. Visitor spending has created 251 jobs within the community, generating $11.4 million in labor income. Additionally, the local tax base benefited substantially, receiving $3.6 million, which translates into a savings of $293.22 per resident.

According to the impact report, the breakdown of visitor expenditures for 2023 in Warren County includes:
– Lodging: $18.54 million
– Food and Beverage: $21.28 million
– Recreation: $10 million
– Retail: $5.96 million
– Transportation: $16.83 million

“We look forward to growing our tourism economy and marketing efforts in Warren County, including launching our Tourism Development Authority and getting our occupancy tax off the ground,” stated Charla Duncan, Director of Warren County Community and Economic Development. “Our small business community, including short-term lodging hosts, should be commended for their contribution to these numbers. Their investment is paving the way for future commitment to our county.”

For more information about Warren County and its tourism opportunities, please visit warrencountync.org or contact Charla Duncan, Warren County Community and Economic Development at 252-257-3115.

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Places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC

Team Warrenist — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:31:52 +0000

Konstantin L // Shutterstock

Places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC

Stacker compiled a list of places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC using data from Zillow. Places are ranked by the dollar change Zillow Home Values Index for all homes from October 2021 to October 2022. The ZVHI represents a seasonally adjusted price for the middle market for all homes. All 4 cities and towns with data available were included in the list. Charts for each place show the monthly typical home value since January 2018.

#4. Macon, NC

– 1-year price change: +15.7% (+$27,622)
– 5-year price change: +52.0%
– Typical home value: $203,811

#3. Manson, NC

– 1-year price change: +16.3% (+$29,182)
– 5-year price change: +54.7%
– Typical home value: $208,735

#2. Norlina, NC

– 1-year price change: +26.9% (+$29,375)
– 5-year price change: +70.8%
– Typical home value: $138,530

#1. Warrenton, NC

– 1-year price change: +32.0% (+$32,165)
– 5-year price change: +73.4%
– Typical home value: $132,616

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Global Entrepreneurship Week Starts Monday with Free Events for Business Owners

Team Warrenist — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 21:29:57 +0000

Learn about grant writing, meet business-minded people in your area, and support local young entrepreneurs!

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a global celebration of entrepreneurship that occurs in the second week of November, from November 14–20 this year. During this week, people from over 200 countries worldwide operate an array of programs aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business.

A collaboration with Warren Area Business Association (WABA), Access Warren, and the Warren County Cooperative Extension, all GEW Warren County events are FREE and open to the public.

WARREN COUNTY GEW 2022 EVENTS

Monday, November 14 @ 7pm
COMMUNITY RESOURCE PRESENTATION
Meet the President/CEO of Gateway CDC to find out what types of services this local organization can help with. Hint: you don’t have to pay thousands or even hundreds for logos and/or a brand.
Bragging Rooster
120 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC 27589

Tuesday, November 15 @ 7pm
GRANTS 101
Join us at the Frontier Warren Co-Working Space in Warrenton for a Virtual Conversation with Bethany Niebauer of Axial Compliance about grant writing for beginners.
Frontier Warren Co-working Space
140 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC 27589

Wednesday, November 16 @ 7pm
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES COFFEE TALK
Meet and greet with some area resources that can help you with funding ideas. Join us while we talk with representatives from Kerr-Tar COG and the Town of Warrenton.
Lake Gaston Coffee
104 Wellington Way
Littleton, NC

Thursday, November 17 @ 7pm
SPEED NETWORKING BUSINESS CARD BINGO
Time for Speed Networking! Grab your business cards and come prepared to make connections with other entrepreneurs in our area.
Roxie’s
109 South Hall Street
Warrenton, NC

Saturday, November 19 @ 10am-2pm
WABA KIDS ART + ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET
Get your holiday shopping started off right at the 3rd WABA Kids Arts & Entrepreneurship Market. Find baked goods, art, clothing, fiber works, cotton candy and more from our budding business owners.
Frontier Warren Co-working Space
140 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC

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New Store Brings Beauty and Smiles to Downtown Warrenton

Crystal — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:25:19 +0000

A ceremonious cheer and applause could be heard over a block away when Paulette Burton flipped the open sign on the door of her anticipated store, Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles located in downtown Warrenton.

A long-desired retail store in the area, she is eager to satisfy the beauty needs of enthusiasts who no longer wish to travel to neighboring counties for quality hair care products.

Currently lining her shelves are the traditional items you would find in a beauty supply store: wigs, weaves, hair conditioners, hair dye, brushes, and in her display case, beard kits for the fellas who wish to keep their facial hair soft and maintained.

Burton calls Sweetie’s a “community store,” and she emphasizes her point by including two boards in her store that allows customers to write suggestions, product recommendations and to provide feedback.

Before opening her doors in Warrenton, the Washington DC native’s entrepreneurial pursuit had already garnered a reputation.

A buzz, you can say around what else she would be selling in her store.

Originally located in Norlina before becoming mobile, her store concept left some local residents… “concerned.”

Upon walking in, one would immediately notice a bold red curtain with black drapes in the back of the store. A forbidden area to anyone under the age of 21, behind the curtain is where the “Smiles” in her business name comes into play.

Geared towards a “mature” market, customers looking to kick their behind closed doors action up a notch can find massage oils, romance kits, s*x toys, and more on the shelves in the enclosed area.

Long before her grand opening on a Sunday afternoon that also included a celebratory champagne toast, Burton was visited by local officials. She stated that they informed her as long as those select products were kept hidden from younger eyes, she would be in compliance with local regulations.

So, with that being said, if you find yourself searching for a wig to switch up your look or want to spice up an evening at home (or both), be sure to stop by one of the most unique shops in Warren County history, Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles.

Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles is located on 220 S Main Street in Warrenton, NC. Store hours are Tuesday – Sunday, from 3:30-7:30pm. The store website is https://SmilesandSweetiesBeautySupply.com and for updates on new products and more, follow the store on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out photos from the Sweeties’ Beauty Supply and Smiles Grand Opening below:
[See image gallery at warrenist.com]

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Spectrum Awarded GREAT Grant for Warren County Broadband Services

Team Warrenist — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:43:21 +0000

The NC Department of Information Technology announced on August 31st that Spectrum Southeast, LLC has been awarded $4,000,000 to deploy broadband services to approximately 1434 households and businesses in Warren County. The required match of the provider is $1,408,229; the county has expressed a willingness to partner with Spectrum in helping to achieve the match.

The Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants are awarded from the federal American Rescue Fund Act State Fiscal Recovery Funds.

In 2021, Spectrum was also awarded a majority of the eligible Census tracts in Warren County through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) federal reverse auction; this funding supports a build out of a fiber network to eligible areas, covering approximately 2,000 households.

Warren County has worked with Spectrum since the RDOF award was announced in early 2021 to leverage federal dollars and apply for state funding as well. At their December 2021 meeting, the Board of Commissioners reached a consensus giving the County Manager authority to move forward in negotiating a partnership with Spectrum to cover homes that were not a part of the RDOF award. GREAT grant funds and county dollars will assist in supplying the funding necessary to cover these households.

Combining these programs will essentially lead to countywide availability of broadband.

Details on a construction timeline and specific household addresses that will be served are in the works.

However, both the GREAT grant and RDOF funding outline a set completion time as part of the funding requirements. The GREAT grant program has a two-year construction timeline after all agreements are finalized.

More information on RDOF can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904. More information on the GREAT grant can be found at https://www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/other-resources/great-grant-state.

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