The Launch Gloucester program to help small businesses was a success, coordinator Jenny Crittenden said, thanks to a lot of hard work by many people.
From more than 40 applicants interested in starting or expanding a business in Gloucester, a team of judges narrowed the field to 18 for an intensive training program. Crittenden, who is executive director of the Main Street Preservation Trust, said 10 of the applicants completed the eight-week course.
The Main Street Preservation Trust oversaw the local program with the Gloucester Main Street Association, after Gloucester was selected for a new state economic development grant along with Hopewell and Staunton. The local program received significant support from the Gloucester Economic Development Authority and a number of local business owners from varied fields who served as mentors during the training program.
From the applicants, who faced another panel of judges for in-person sales pitches, the top prizes were awarded.
Crystal Burton, who operates Sweet Tooth Parlor at the Morgan Building on Main Street, won the top prize valued at more than $48,000. Burton said the prize will help her expand her present cupcake-centered business into a full-service bakery and café.
“I didn’t know it was my name,” Burton said. “I had to think about it. Then I started crying my eyes out,” she said of being told she had won the competition during the May 19 ceremony that attracted about 100 people to the Main Street Event Space.
Crittenden said Burton’s first-place prize includes $20,000 in capital, $1,800 in rent and utility abatement, a marketing and communications package worth $19,000, a 60-second commercial, and a grand opening party.
Karin Fary won the second-place prize valued at more than $30,000, including $10,000 in capital, $1,200 in rent and utility abatement, and a marketing/communications package valued at $13,000.
Fary plans to open a new business in Gloucester Court House, Crittenden said, which will be a dog and cat boutique with accessories, collars, pet clothing, photography, and grooming services.
Jill Reece and Ginger Platsis, who now operate a wellness and massage business on Lewis Avenue, won third place. Crittenden said they plan to expand their business and relocate to a Main Street store.
Reece and Platsis earned a prize valued at more than $18,000, including $5,000 in capital, $600 in rent and utility abatement, and a marketing/communications package valued at more than $9,000.
Each of the winners will also receive a one-year membership to the Gloucester Main Street Association, Crittenden said, as well as continued education with Margie Johnson of Shop Talk, who coordinated the training sessions.
George Cramer was presented a $5,000 award from the Cook Foundation, Crittenden said, when his business was deemed to have an arts element. Cramer’s business will provide custom metal work, blacksmithing, welding and similar services.
The new businesses will help make the Gloucester’s Main Street an even more attractive place to live, work and play, Crittenden said.
Other partners in Launch Gloucester were Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development, Gloucester County Board of Supervisors, Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, Consociate Media, East River Marketing, and Shop Talk, Inc.
For more information about the special program, visit www.LaunchGloucester.com.