Inspired by the recent surge of city-dwellers seeking new ways to experience the outdoors, Kevin Wilson decided to put his entrepreneurial experience to use in a new venture. With help from the Capital Region SBDC, his plans to provide a luxury “glamping” experience through Camp Yellow Cardinal are taking flight.

The idea for a glamping location near Farmville, an hour from Richmond and three hours from Washington, D.C., was a “meeting of the minds” between former Boy Scout Kevin and wife Laura.

“I’d be happy with a sleeping bag and the stars, but I think a Holiday Inn is about as close to camping as my wife wants to be,” he says. “Glamping really blends both worlds — you have the luxury of a high-end hotel in the great outdoors. With Millennials and Gen Z looking for these adventures, we felt this was the right time to capitalize on our idea.”

As a former restaurant owner, Kevin understands the stressors of opening and running a business. However, for his first foray into glamping and hospitality, he sought out the SBDC and business advisor Korinn Carter.

“I learned about the SBDC in 2024 at a finance seminar at the Henrico County Public Library,” Kevin explains. “It had been 16 years since I wrote a business plan. The SBDC helped me with that as well as the financial projections. Having another set of eyes on the business plan and financial piece was absolutely invaluable. With the SBDC’s help, I applied for and have been conditionally approved for a Small Business Administration 7(a) loan.”

And, even as a seasoned business owner, Kevin found the SBDC’s educational resources beneficial.

“It’s always good to have a refresher” he says. “In an hour-long webinar, there might be 59 minutes of information that was already familiar, but that one minute of advice I’d never thought about before made the whole hour worthwhile.”

Kevin has targeted a plot of land in Prince Edward County near Keysville as Camp Yellow Cardinal’s headquarters. While he waits for zoning approval, he continues to make plans for a luxury camping destination that will include six geodesic domes. Each will have its own hot tub, fire pit and grill, king-size beds, private bathroom, kitchenette, air-conditioning and wireless internet.

“Our goal is a boutique experience from the time guests hear about us until they leave with smiles on their faces,” Kevin says.

Kevin is also smiling as he recalls insights gained from the SBDC.

“I’ve told business friends about the SBDC and encouraged them to reach out,” he concludes. “Services are free, and you’ll get insights and support often lacking in the business world. The SBDC is staffed by entrepreneurs and experts. It’s advice you can take to heart —that’s been transformative for me.”