The Mountain Ascent

Fall is almost upon us, but there’s no cooling off for all of the happenings in SWVA!

Check out these exciting new updates on solar, climate investments, entrepreneurship and more. Let’s continue making change happen in our area!

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If you have any good news to share, make sure to email emma@appvoices.org so that we can continue watching Southwest Virginia ascend.

Inflation Reduction Act is big news for SWVA

President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law on August 16, setting the stage for SWVA to greatly benefit from new clean energy investments. The law contains provisions to ensure that communities impacted by fossil fuel extraction are able to benefit economically from the energy transition and to make solar installation on homes more accessible to all.

Read more about SWVA’s energy transition!

Earthlink Center gets $6.4 million grant

Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority will receive a $6.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The proposed Earthlink customer service center is projected to produce 285 jobs.

Learn about the Earthlink Center and incoming jobs!

Bristol opens its first food truck park

Bristol has opened its first food truck park, which contains food, fun and covered seating for all visitors. There is no cost for vendors to set up, and the park offers a new and unique place for small businesses to sell their food.

Read more about Bristol’s new food truck park!

Opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs comes to UVA Wise

UVA Wise is kicking off their first cohort of CO.STARTERS Core program participants! This 10-week program aims to help aspiring and first-time entrepreneurs in the area. The program will help connect new entrepreneurs to each other and to supporting resources in the area.

Click here to read more about the CO.STARTERS program!

Solar installation in SWVA brings job opportunities to students

As solar energy spreads across the commonwealth, solar installation is bringing jobs and financial savings to SWVA. Securing Solar for Southwest Virginia is installing solar energy on seven schools in Wise County and five schools in Lee County while local students participate in a paid apprenticeship program that prepares them for permanent jobs.