Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) is excited to announce the winners of our second Launch LYH pitch competition. This unique program aims to boost economic growth and revive the heart of Lynchburg by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start, move, or expand their businesses in Downtown Lynchburg. We are thrilled to say that all five of our winning businesses will open or expand within the next 18 months, filling vacant storefronts and bringing new life to Downtown Lynchburg.
The selected applicants were given a comprehensive eight-week educational course, conducted by the Small Business Development Center - Lynchburg Region, which concluded with a thrilling pitch event. A panel of local business experts carefully chose the winners based on their innovative ideas, solid business models, and dedication to enhancing Lynchburg's business community. The winners received a total of $100,000 in grant funds, divided equally amongst the businesses.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 PARTNERS & SPONSORS
The yard on 5th STREET– ($20,000)
The Yard on 5th Street is a new southern-style restaurant set to fill a culinary void in Downtown Lynchburg’s historically Black business corridor. It will offer delicious comfort food inspired by the South and Midwest, paired with friendly customer service and a welcoming community atmosphere, including live music events on its outdoor lawn. The Yard on 5th Street is committed to reflecting the local community by prioritizing relationships with local vendors, adorning its walls with Lynchburg-inspired art and imagery, and collaborating with community leaders to foster an inclusive environment. Founded by a family with the aim of welcoming yours, The Yard on 5th invites you to enjoy comfort food and live music in a revitalized front yard setting, true to its name.
HUNNY B’s – ($20,000)
Hunny B’s is a modern baby and children’s boutique offering aesthetically pleasing essentials such as toys, books, clothing, nursery decor, and items for pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. The boutique aims to create a "mommy network" to support and uplift mothers in the Lynchburg area by providing resources to connect with postpartum counselors, health and nutrition advisors, lactation specialists, life coaches, pediatricians, and more.
Frostfire sauna & cold plunge – ($20,000)
Frostfire Sauna and Cold Plunge is a refuge from the chaos of daily life—a phone-free communal wellness sanctuary. Frostfire’s knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the transformative power of traditional saunas and cold plunges, all set within an open, communal environment. The journey begins with a session in a traditional eight-person sauna. After a few minutes of detoxifying heat, guests refresh themselves with a shower before immersing in invigorating cold plunge tubs. This alternating hot-cold therapy, combined with hydration and relaxation, keeps guests feeling rejuvenated and uplifted—a mood boost that lasts long after they leave.
SQUARED BISCUIT CO. – ($20,000)
At Squared Biscuit Company, being square is anything but bad. This grab-and-go restaurant, opening soon in Downtown Lynchburg, specializes in serving square biscuit sandwiches. Understanding the early morning hustle in Downtown Lynchburg, Squared Biscuit Co. is the perfect spot for a quick, on-the-go meal. The company believes in inclusivity by offering affordable breakfast options for everyone.
FIREBRICK pottery –($20,000)
Firebrick Pottery is dedicated to supporting pottery enthusiasts and professionals in the greater Lynchburg area. They offer a wide range of pottery-making supplies, including clays, glazes, and tools, as well as open studio hours and kiln firing services. Additionally, local artists will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their handcrafted ceramics in-store. By providing essential resources and educational workshops, Firebrick Pottery aims to enrich the local arts community and create opportunities for artists and potters to connect and collaborate. People of all experience levels can engage in the therapeutic activity of working with clay, discovering the joy and creativity it brings.
Each winner will also receive a Launch LYH Prize Package, which includes valuable resources from our partnering organizations, designed to further support their entrepreneurial journey.
This program was made possible through a Community Business Launch grant awarded by the Virginia Department of Community and Housing Development, and by our Launch LYH sponsors: Bank of the James; Maddox Air, Electrical & Plumbing; Generac; the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism; Moore & Giles, the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation; and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance.
