A new child care center is among three local business projects that received a financial boost Tuesday from the Virginia branch of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

In conjunction with the Longwood University Small Business Development Center and Southside area banks, the SBA provided loans to the upcoming Kid Konnection Child Development Center in Brosville, Danville’s Piedmont Regional Feeding & Oral-Motor Clinic, and SIPS of America, Inc. in Blairs.

During a check-passing ceremony Tuesday morning at Brosville Industrial park, local and state officials braved the bone-chilling cold while praising the region’s economic progress.

 

U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, R-5th, commended Danville, Pittsylvania County and the region, as well as the Business Development Center for working with Kid Konnection. 

“Thanks for having a business-friendly environment in this community,” Goode said just before the groundbreaking for the child care center. “The SBA…has helped thousands upon thousands across this country.”

Lisa Vance, a Brosville native and owner of Kid Konnection, said she recently moved back into the area and noticed a need for child care services.

“This (child care center) will give a good quality of life to parents and a safe learning environment for children,” Coy Harville, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said Tuesday.

The center will serve up to 50 children, ages 2 to 12, and Vance said she hopes to include a miniature garden and a small farm where the children can take care of animals.

“We believe in giving them a wide variety of experience,” said Vance, whose sister, Kelly Hardy, will help direct the facility.  “It’s good for their growth.”

Vance said she has several years of experience working with children.  She once ran a day care center and works for Head Start in Danville.

Diane Arnold, director of Longwood University Small Business Development Center, said Vance will receive a $100,000 SBA loan delivered through River Community Bank in Martinsville for the $175,000 project.

Vance said she aims to open the center on June 1.  In addition to Kid Konnection, Piedmont Regional Feeding & Oral Motor Clinic received an SBA-backed line of credit through River Community Bank.  The money will help the clinic, owned by Amie Teague, expand its operations in Danville and Martinsville.

SIPS of America, Inc. received a $349,500 SBA loan through Surrey Bank & Trust to purchase equipment, furniture, fixtures and operating capital.  The loan will also help SIS create 15 new jobs in Pittsylvania County, according to an SBA news release.

John B. Crane

Register & Bee staff writer