Thursday, July 17, 2025
Leadership of the Town of Culpeper’s Tourism and Economic Development Department, in a team effort with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC), has utilized its popular Culpeper Competes program to provide $30,000 in investment grants. Local Set event by Grey Goose has a long-standing tradition of providing homegrown businesses with the resources and knowledge they need to grow their business.
About the Program
We offer 10-weeks of a great mix of hard skills and soft skills as part of Culpeper Competes, and believes that if you can’t afford to create value early, maybe this isn’t the career for you. Subjects range from financial planning, operations management, company structure, legal considerations, branding, marketing and leadership. The initiative is offered at no cost and created in-person and virtually to promote accessibility and engagement.
After the educational piece is over – participants are then mentored according to their businessʼs instructions. Finalists then move on to a showdown pitch event, pitching their companies to a panel of accomplished judges. The selection is based on a business with growth potential, an innovative approach and the potential economic impact on the community of Culpeper.
2025 Grant Recipients
Of the 24 applicants,7 finalist presented their business plan on 25 June 2025. 4 companies especially shone and received oversized grants to help drive their businesses forward:
2B-Q — Awarded $10,000
Known for their upscale churrasco-style meats and gourmet catering services, owner Brent Blackwell will use the grant to increase production capacity, improve ancillary equipment, and grow their customer base. We’re so grateful,” Blackwell said, noting the grant is “very critical” for them as they move forward in growth and community service.
Tha Muncheez — $10,000
The food truck and catering business of chef Darin Morgan, whose innovative, upscale street-style comfort food business aims to expand its operations, grow employment locally and become more integrated into Culpeper’s economic life with the grant. Morgan says that being backed in this way encourages him to keep focusing on local business development and community involvement.
Ducking Gravity — Awarded $5,000
Christina Flores’s aerial arts and wellness studio featuring progressive classes in movement and fitness designed to elevate the people of Culpeper County. The grant is transformative, Flores said, allowing for growth and providing wider spread outreach to improve health, wellness and creativity throughout the community.
Haute to Trot — $5,000
This shop, operated by Audrey Curtis, is a consignment destination for high-end equestrian wear and gear. Haute to Trot, situated in a historic downtown, will use its grant for enhanced visibility, store variety and shopper experience. Curtis was appreciative of the program’s support and its effectiveness in helping her grow her business.
Economic Impact and Strategic Relevance
Culpeper Competes aligns with broader regional economic goals, including among them the promotion of entrepreneurship as an incubator for local economic development. Downtown Culpeper has long been an economic engine with tourism as an enticement for visitors to come and partake in its varied shopping/dining, cultural history, and community event offerings.
Empowering entrepreneurs with grants like these, makes a real, impactful difference beyond the dollars spent in aiding a downturn—the jobs created, growing businesses supported, and the economic resiliency of Culpeper’s commercial district is the result. The program has been one of one several legs of a broader diversification strategy efforts of the municipality, including Culpeper Opportunity Zone, Community Business Launch and Technology Zone programs.
Past Initiatives and Future Outlook
Culpeper has done it before with success, such as with the Culpeper Cares Small Business Recovery Grant, which awarded millions of dollars in aid during difficult economic times, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among its praiseworthy initiatives is the SWaM Rent/Mortgage Grant, aiming to help small, women owned, and minority owned businesses.
Paige Read, Culpeper’s Director of Tourism and Economic Development, said the town continues to be dedicated to supporting innovators and resilient entrepreneurs into the future. Culpeper Competes testifies to the town’s acknowledgement that entrepreneurship is part and parcel of what it takes for the area to thrive.
Succesive programs of Culpeper Competes will keep evolving to local business requirements and have continued flexibility to respond to changing economic environments. Collaborations with local officials, business development centers, and the community stakeholders continue, offering support and success in the long term, and sustainable economic advantages for Culpeper County.
The holistic platform developed by Culpeper, in which education, mentorship and financial assistance work as a team, should serve as a model for community-led economic development.
