The Launch Place started as a business consulting service, but lack of funding resources for startups inspired a rebranding to provide financial support for Dan River entrepreneurs.
Economy
Covering the economic issues facing Southwest and Southside Virginia.
Posted inEconomy
Study says Lynchburg can’t support an inland port but Bristol-to-Wytheville region might
State Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Washington County, says he’ll push for a “substantial” budget amendment to pursue more study of a second inland port.
Posted inEconomy
Danville’s White Mill restoration project began with a tweet
“Would love for you guys to come take look at our historic riverfront White Mill,” Danville Councilman Vogler tweeted at a developer. Now, after sitting vacant for years, the former mill will be converted into a commercial and residential mixed-use space.
Posted inEconomy
Youngkin wants a small nuclear reactor in Southwest Virginia. Here’s what we know about nuclear waste disposal in Virginia.
Questions surround the plan for a small modular reactor in Southwest Virginia and many center on waste. Although there aren’t many answers yet, the only approved SMR design’s waste would have a lot in common with spent fuel from today’s nuclear reactors, about which we know a lot.
Posted inEconomy
The number of sheep in Grayson County has nearly doubled; a single machine might help it grow even more
The county is getting a new wool baler. Here’s how a single machine shines light on a growing business in Southwest Virginia.
Posted inEconomy
Experts weigh in on questions about uranium mining safety in Pittsylvania County
A Canadian company has bought interest in the uranium deposit in Pittsylvania County and has set its sights on overturning the state’s moratorium on uranium mining. Experts say the risks are real, but some can be mitigated with modern technology.
Posted inEconomy
In Bath County, reopening the Warm Springs Pools is an emotional event
The Omni Homestead has spent $4.6 million reconstructing the pool houses over the famous warm springs where presidents and others have “taken the waters.”
Posted inEconomy
Panelists debate small modular nuclear reactors: Unsafe and unnecessary or another path to a carbon-free economy
Panelists debated the SMR that Gov. Youngkin has proposed for Southwest Virginia Thursday. Some residents and environmental agencies say they’ve been left out of the discussion and SMRs are unproven technology, others argue it’s the best way to go carbon-free.
Posted inEconomy
Dominion Energy plans to deploy small modular nuclear reactors statewide by 2032
The Richmond based utility is evaluating several sites in Southwest Virginia, including retired fossil fuel plants and former coal mines. Appalachian Power Company says it’s also looking at the new nuclear technology.
Posted inEconomy
During COVID, a doctor had an idea for how to improve oxygen delivery. Carilion is helping him patent it.
Carilion Clinic’s Innovation program, which launched in January 2020, helps develop and bring to market products and services developed by Carilion personnel. Any profit is split between inventors and the nonprofit hospital.
