Business Development

With an extremely low cost of doing business, Smyth County is a great place for entrepreneurs to develop a new adventure or reinivgorate a past venture! Whether it is connecting you to the Chamber of Commerce for small business development, guiding you through necessary planning phases, or just answering questions; Smyth County Economic Development office and our partners are here to support you!

Below are a few links to connect entrepreneurs, like you!

Training Opportunities —

Smyth County Chamber of Commerce

Town of Marion “Pop Up Marion”

Small Business Administration Learning Platform

Funding —

From small business start-up costs rennovations or expansions, funding your project is always top of mind. Below you can find links to agencies and grant opportunities that provide funding assistance.

Small Business Funding Assistance:

Small Business Administration
People Inc.
Virginia Community Capital
Smyth Strong Grant
Town of Marion – Revolving Loan Fund (Email Ken Heath for more information)

Government Programs —

Selling opportunities, better known as “procurement”, exist at the local, state, and federal government levels. There are opportunities carved out especially for certified small, woman and minority-owned businesses as well as Veteran-owned small businesses. Please see the links provided below regarding these opportunites.

Federal Procurement Certification Programs:

Small Business Administration HUBZone Program
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program
General Information about Small Business Certifications

State Procurement Certification Programs:

Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM)

Additional Local & Regional Resources —

Smyth County Chamber of Commerce
Smyth County Economic Development Authority
Smyth County Tourism
Smyth County Board of Supervisors
Mount Rogers Planning District Commission
Mount Rogers Regional Partnership

Town Websites:

Marion
Chilhowie
Saltville