The River District Association (RDA) has awarded four businesses over $52K in RDA IGNITE Pitch Grants to open or expand their brick-and-mortar businesses in the River District.
The River District Association Dream Launch Program and IGNITE Pitch Competition are part of a multi-phase entrepreneurship program. The first phase, the Dream Launch Bootcamp, consists of six classes that teach participants a full slate of skills and information that business owners need.
The annual Bootcamp is free for anyone to attend. The program also offers an additional 7th class specifically for food and beverage businesses.
During the second phase, participants that complete the entire series and wish to open or expand a brick-and-mortar business in the downtown River District and North Main Business District are eligible to pitch for grant funding in the IGNITE Pitch Competition. In addition, thanks to partnerships and collaboration building, Dream Launch Bootcamp participants are also eligible to elect to pitch for funding in the Danville-Pittsylvania Rev-Up Pitch with the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce (for locations in Pittsylvania County, or in Danville outside of the River District).
On March 20th the River District Association (RDA) hosted a graduation ceremony to award Dream Launch Certificates of Completion to over 90 participants. To earn a certificate and graduate, participants must aWend all 6 Dream Launch Bootcamp classes.
Nine business plans were pitched to judges in the IGNITE Pitch Competition in April. In addition to the awarded IGNITE Pitch grants, Movement Bank attended the pitch competition and awarded one business a $250 grant. Additionally the Community Investment Collaborative provided a $2500 grant to a new business.
Of the nine businesses that pitched, four were awarded 2024 RDA IGNITE Pitch Competition funding.
Existing Business that received funding to expand on site services:
- Links Coffee House (Wendy Brim) – $13K for business expansion
New Businesses that will locate in the River District:
- Social Circle Content Marketing (Jameel Austin) – $8K + $2,500 Community Investment Collaborative grant prize
- Nancy Parrish Interiors (Nancy Parrish) – $10K
- Valkyrie Aerial Acrobatics (Liz Straub) – $19K
- Beauty and Wellness Center – $250 from Movement Bank
“This year’s pitch was competitive and full of great businesses.” Says Will Mackaman, RDA Director of Economic Vitality. “We are thrilled for the businesses receiving a grant and believe they will make the River District and the community a better place, and we are thankful to everyone who pitched for putting themselves out there, regardless of the outcome. As always, we want to express much appreciation to this year’s funders, pitch competition judges, business mentors, class instructors and program participants.”
Funding for the 2024 RDA IGNITE Business Pitch was made possible by the City of Danville. Additional community partners in the RDA Dream Launch Program and IGNITE Pitch Competition include the Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, Movement Bank, Community Investment Collaborative, Averett University and many volunteer instructors, judges, and mentors throughout the Dan River region that make the program possible.
The 7th year of the program, the 2025 RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp will open for registration in fall of 2024.