Roane County Chamber of Commerce

Client: Roane County Chamber of Commerce

Project/Grant Application Lead: Carrie Decker

Funding Received: $39,282.00

Funding Organization: USDA Rural Business Development Grant

Grant amplifies impact of Roane County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Resource Center 

The WV Grant Resource Centers’ Client Spotlight series is a monthly feature highlighting the incredible work our clients are doing to secure local, federal, and private funding to empower their communities and economies. See all previous Client Spotlights here.

This February, the West Virginia Grant Resource Centers’ Client Spotlight is shining on the Roane County Chamber of Commerce, which received a $39,282.00 USDA Rural Business Development Grant to support the development of a small business incubator space in Spencer, West Virginia.

Carrie Decker, then-Executive Director of the Roane County Chamber of Commerce, led the chamber’s grant application efforts. After connecting with the Grant Centers’ team in late 2023, Decker said she felt confident they could assist with the chamber’s grant pursuits. 

“It was clear that they had the expertise and capacity to help with the grant,” Decker said. “While I have a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, I have not taken a grant writing class.” 

 After developing a competitive proposal with the Grant Centers, Decker and the chamber team submitted their application in February 2024. They were notified about the award in June, which was later celebrated during a USDA award ceremony in Charleston.  

Developing the Bob Ashley Business Resource Center

The funding received supported the launch of the Bob Ashley Business Resource Center, which provides critical resources for Roane County-based businesses and entrepreneurs. The center’s on-site resources include access to free office and/or meeting spaces, laptop and internet connectivity usage, technical assistance support, and software subscriptions. 

“In Roane County, our small businesses support daily life,” Decker said. “From our grocery store to our coffee shop and restaurants, from our printing businesses to our realtors—our small businesses are imperative to quality of life for county residents. In addition, they support nonprofits, sports teams, and students in our county with funds and volunteering.” 

For Decker and the chamber team, it was a priority to ensure that these businesses had the assets needed to not only grow, but thrive. A business resource center, she said, “was necessary.”

“This center aids small businesses no matter where they are in the stage of growth with everything from marketing to technical assistance like legal and accounting help,” Decker said. “The resource center also encourages entrepreneurship and helps local residents realize their dreams of opening a small business.” 

Reflecting on the Grant Centers’ collaboration

As a Grant Centers’ client, Decker worked closely with Emily Brammer, then-Grant Writer and current Co-Director of the Grant Centers, who provided insight throughout the application process. 

“Getting to go through the process and learn from Emily Brammer was a highlight,” Decker said. “I learned immeasurable skills from her through the process of applying for the RBDG. I was not familiar with the process or grant opportunities. I had not written a grant proposal or a budget for a grant. She was able to assist me from the beginning to the end of the process with kindness and wisdom.”

In addition to budget development, the chamber received assistance with drafting their project narrative, reviewing grant submission guidelines, researching, developing letters of support and commitment, and assisting with SAM.gov registration, which is required if applying for federal grant funding opportunities. 

“We might have applied for this funding opportunity or others without the support of the Grant Center but I doubt that we would have been successful,” Decker said. “With no knowledge of grant writing, applying for a SAM.gov account, or similar, I doubt that our application would have been very strong. Emily worked on finding data to prove the need for the resource center, and that was something that I had yet to do.” 

Although the grant writing and submission processes can be complex, Decker said the Grant Centers’ comprehensive — and customized — assistance made each step navigable. 

“The most valuable takeaway from the process with the Grant Centers is that they are there to assist with any and all stages of the process,” Decker said. “They can assist with finding grants that might work for your project. They can help assemble a full application. They can assist with editing an application that you have written.” 

Decker said she encouraged other entities who were interested in applying for grant funding to connect with the Grant Centers for any customized technical assistance. 

“Don’t hesitate to reach out for help because everything is free and they are so kind and helpful,” Decker added.  

Need assistance elevating your grant proposal? Submit a technical assistance or training request here! Follow the WV Grant Resource Centers on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for the latest updates on upcoming events, training, and funding opportunities!