Alleghany Entrepreneurs Shine Bright at Inaugural Pitch Night

Alleghany Entrepreneurs Shine Bright at Inaugural Pitch Night

SPARTA, NC (May 22, 2025) – The Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College is thrilled to announce the successful culmination of its inaugural Alleghany Pitch Night, showcasing the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive flourishing within our community. The event provided a vital platform for aspiring business owners and non-profit leaders to present their ventures and secure crucial support.

“We were incredibly impressed by the caliber of ideas and the passion exhibited by all our participants,” said Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, Director of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College. “Alleghany Pitch Night is a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem we are building here, fostering economic growth and addressing critical community needs.”

A diverse range of exciting new ventures were presented, each poised to make a significant impact on Alleghany County:

Pictured: Laurie Brintle – Jarvis, WCC Small Business Center Director, Jasey Ham, Kenny Inscore, Abreena Inscore, Paula Joines, Pastor Tim Sizemore, Kaitlin O’Daniel and Kimbrie Dillard at Muddy Creek Music Hall and Cafe

Jasey Ham introduced her idea of owning a gardening and nursery business, dedicated to providing high-quality plants to the community. Beyond sales, this venture aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of horticulture by educating residents on successful gardening practices, fostering a greener and more self-sufficient Alleghany County.

Paula Joines (winner of the Audience Choice Award) unveiled her groundbreaking nonprofit business focused on assisting young individuals with speech pathology needs. Her innovative approach incorporates theatrical arts as a therapeutic tool, offering a creative and engaging path to improved communication and confidence for children.

Tim Sizemore (winner of the Promising Start Award) presented his nonprofit, Bridges, with a compassionate initiative aimed at providing housing solutions for the unhoused population in the area through the development of tiny homes. This endeavor seeks to offer dignity, stability, and a fresh start for those in need.

Kimbrie Dillard (winner of the Rising Star Award) introduced her business, Ridgeline Reset, dedicated to offering TRE (Trauma Releasing Exercises) therapy to individuals grappling with chronic pain and trauma. Her mission is to empower community members with tools for healing and resilience, promoting overall well-being.

Kenny and Abreena Inscore (Grand Prize Winners) unveiled their unique nonprofit ice cream business, Mountain Creamery, which will channel its profits to support vital services at their church. This enterprise is committed to selling delicious, clean ice cream sourced from high-quality, natural ingredients, offering a sweet way to give back to the community.

Finally, Kaitlin O’Daniel presented her nonprofit, Exhausted Pigeon, an exciting pop-up art gallery venue designed to showcase the diverse talents of local artists. This initiative will provide accessible spaces for creators to exhibit their work, fostering a thriving artistic community in Alleghany County.

The Small Business Center remains committed to supporting these burgeoning businesses and non-profits as they embark on their journeys. We encourage the community to rally behind these visionary individuals and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Alleghany County.

About the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College: The Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College provides assistance to prospective and existing small businesses. Through confidential one-on-one counseling, free workshops, and access to a wealth of resources, the Small Business Center helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of small business ownership.

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world.