Ky. (WYMT) – Thirteen small businesses gathered at EKU Manchester to celebrate their new enterprises and receive awards from One Clay County totaling $110,000
Michael White, executive director of One Clay County, said awards were designed to meet the needs of each business.
“One is an initial start-up business, the other is an award for a small business that’s already been established but wanting to grow in some way,” White said. “We gave a total of $110,000 out today.”
The businesses range from taxidermy services to coffee shops, with everything in between. All of them completed SOAR’s Launch and Leap program, offered in connection with One Clay County, to learn about owning a small business.
Wes and Mia Smith, owners of Wild Forever by Wes, said, “If they dream it, we can build it. It’s really nice to see those things come to life.”
Jordan Jackson, owner of Mountain Mug Coffee Truck, said, “It’s going to get us going, we’re going to have a building, and it’s going to be awesome.”
White said those receiving big checks are Clay County natives who are investing back into their hometown.
“These are our home folks, they’ve lived here all their life, and they want to give back to their community, and we want to support them in doing that,” White said.
Clay County and Manchester have seen nearly 25 small businesses open in 2026.
Manchester Mayor Steve Collins said new businesses can start a chain reaction of economic growth.
“So it’s like a revolving door, and that’s what we look forward to seeing,” Collins said. “And that’s what we’re all happy to see, and it’s just great for Manchester and Clay County.”
Kaylee Farmer and Cassidy Robinson, owners of Pop Top Drink Co., said their business began with a table in March. It then moved to a coffee truck and now, with much of their award, a cafe.
“The 1CC Program, Launch Leap, has been a big part of that,” Farmer and Robinson said.
Several more businesses are slated to open in Clay County in the coming weeks.
Here are all of the businesses who received awards through the Launch and Leap program:
- Brewed Journeys
- Loose Goose Adventures
- Clay Commercial Cleaning
- Wild Forever by Wes
- Gypsy River Farm & Vineyard LLC
- PopTop Drink Co.
- Diamond Bar C Farms
- Shannon Marie Art
- The Roost on Fox Hollow Ink and Stitch
- Mountain Mug Coffee Truck
- Transformed Fitness LLC
- J-Rod Customs and Repair
- Pink Door Bakehouse
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