The Abdus-Sabur family has raised livestock in Prince Edward County since the mid-1980s, caring for sheep and cattle long before the idea of owning a meat processing facility emerged. For decades, they experienced the same frustration many small farmers face: no reliable, local place to sell animals for high-quality meat production. Without a nearby USDA-inspected facility, producers often traveled long distances or accepted lower value for animals raised with care.

The family recognized that their community deserved better. Central Virginia consumers wanted access to fresh, locally grown meats they could trust, and farmers needed a dependable partner who respected the effort involved in raising animals responsibly. Out of that need grew 5 Pillar Meats, a family-owned USDA-inspected processing facility specializing in beef, sheep, and goats. Their mission centers on service: supporting farmers by providing a local market for their animals and serving consumers by delivering quality, locally sourced products that strengthen the regional food supply.

Building a facility of this scale required significant learning and perseverance. Financing a USDA-inspected plant involves a complex process that typically demands an entire team of bankers and attorneys. The family had neither. They approached the journey with determination but quickly realized how challenging it would be to secure the capital needed to construct a plant meeting federal standards. That is when they connected with their county’s Rural Development program and were referred to the Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC) .

Through the SBDC, the family received guidance that clarified the full scope of the project. Advising sessions addressed regulatory expectations, operational planning, and strategies for long-term sustainability. The SBDC provided insight into business structure and planning, and helped the family prepare materials necessary to pursue multiple funding opportunities.