Success stories

Success stories

  • LaKeya Scott

    A Side Hustle Turned Full-Time

    LaKeya Scott was a high-performing, 16-year, full-time professional working in the automotive dealership industry. In 2016, while still employed, Scott launched “Embracing Fire Designs,” her side...

  • Natalie Hodge

    Creating Stars

    Natalie Hodge grew up in Martinsville, Virginia and, after obtaining her bachelor’s degree from Guilford College and her masters from Cornell University, she lived all over the country primarily...

  • Josh Blancas and family outside their coffee shop

    From Oil to Coffee

    Josh Blancas was born and raised in Texas, where he attended and graduated from Baylor University. After graduation, Blancas worked in the oil and gas industry for eight years. During this time, he...

  • Lawrence and Ti’Juana Gholson

    Family Really Matters

    Lawrence and Ti’Juana Gholson met in Dinwiddie County, VA. Their relationship evolved into a marriage between two people who care a great deal about family and community. In 2000, after working in...

  • Business man poses in front of lake with super hero shirt

    A Long Journey to Success

    Introducing Rolando "Greg" Gomez, an exceptional individual who defied all odds to forge an extraordinary path. Rising above a challenging upbringing in Florida, Greg confronted adversity as a high...

  • Two Athena employees working on an exterior doorway of a building.

    Never Quit, Never Quit, Never Quit

    In its 15th year of business, Athena Construction Group, a contracting and construction company, employs 55 people, has four offices, three company vehicles, and operates in two-time zones. Back when...

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    Premier Vegetation Supplier Brings Hope With the Help of SBA PPP

    Oscar Warmerdam emigrated to the United States from The Netherlands in the 1990s and he is now a U.S. citizen. He feels lucky to have landed at a forward-looking company that provided lots of on-the...

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    Little Hat Creek Farm

    Heather Coiner and Ben Stowe own Little Creek Hat Farm in rural Roseland, Virginia. Sitting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the farm produces vegetables, breads and baked goods that it...