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.

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.

Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast February 2025

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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)