Tia Hancock loves to grow plants; a skill she learned from her grandmother. Now Tia is growing a business in Lynchburg’s downtown district. With assistance from the SBDC – Lynchburg Region’s CO. STARTERS program and Launch LYH, Tia opened PREAM (Plants Rule Everything Around Me) in November 2023.

Tia’s business plans took root when she signed up for CO. STARTERS, a 10-week cohort-based program hosted through a partnership between the Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism, SBDC – Lynchburg Region, and Vector Space.

CO. STARTERS includes one-on-one entrepreneurial support, mentorship, and class speakers. The program introduced Tia to Jawansa Hall and Jordan Reeves from the SBDC, who both presented during Tia’s cohort.

Tia followed advice from Jawansa, Jordan, and other CO. STARTERS speakers and sought customer input.

“I talked to people and posted on social media,” she adds. “That input told me Lynchburg was a plant-friendly market.”

Next, Tia applied for the Launch LYH program that supports entrepreneurs ready to start a new business, relocate, or expand an existing business in a Downtown Lynchburg storefront. The SBDC is one of five sponsors for Launch LYH and the pitch competition for cash grants that concludes the program.

“I received a $25,000 grant,” Tia notes with pride. “Downtown Lynchburg Association also helped me find a good location.”

Tia’s grant covered her initial business expenses without additional financing. Nevertheless, Tia says she is now in a more confident position to approach local banks should financing be needed with the required business plan completed during the CO. STARTERS course.

“I still keep in touch with them at SBDC,” Tia relates. “I took information they presented and figured out how it would work for me.”

PREAM’s basic business plan is already blossoming with new ideas.

“We’ve started a Houseplants 101 and Build Your Own Terrarium class,” Tia concludes. “Working with the SBDC and CO. STARTERS definitely gave me a better start in business. I’ve enjoyed working with them and hope to continue.”