Starting today through Nov. 1, four local entrepreneurs are depending on the community to participate in Wheeling Heritage’s Virtual Show of Hands crowdfunding event. In lieu of an in-person event, Wheeling Heritage Media has produced short videos of each participant explaining what winning Show of Hands would mean for their business. For a $5 contribution, viewers can cast their vote through Wheeling Heritage’s website with 100% of the donations awarded to the winner. The video with the most votes by the end of the voting period will receive about $4,000 for his or her business.
The following local entrepreneurs are in the running in hopes of securing funding for their businesses:
Terry Jill Bonar, Making Magic: Making Magic is a full-service floral and event planning boutique located in Warwood. Owner Terry Jill Bonar provides unique, bespoke floral design that turns the everyday into something extraordinary. Winning Show of Hands would put Terry Jill on the fast-track to opening the doors of her shop.
Elizabeth Gramby, Table 304: Table 304 elevates gatherings of all sizes across the Ohio Valley with their delectable grazing tables, boards and boxes. Elizabeth started her business out of her home in December 2019, creating one-of-a-kind tables and boards during the holidays. Money from a Show of Hands win would help Table 304 secure a kitchen space in downtown Wheeling that would also serve as a venue available to rent for meetings, showers and other small events.
Kahlie Wilson, Healthy Vibes for You: Healthy Vibes for You, located in Centre Market, is a nutrition club that has helped customers improve their wellbeing since 2017. Like many small businesses, Kahlie has experienced financial hardships this year due to the coronavirus. A Show of Hands win would help Healthy Vibes for You restock their depleted inventory, invest in extra cleaning supplies to keep their employees and customers safe and enhance their POS system.
Grant Coleman, Mugshots: Mugshots is a coffee shop and eatery in downtown Wheeling striving to be a “third space” for the people who live and work in the greater Wheeling area. Their doors opened just one week prior to West Virginia’s state-wide stay at home order went into effect. Winning Show of Hands would help Mugshots purchase outdoor furniture for their soon-to-be-completed back deck and patio area overlooking Wheeling Heritage Port and the Ohio River.
Don’t forget to visit wheelingheritage.org/vote to watch each contestant’s video and cast your vote before Nov. 1.
• Alex Panas is the Program Manager for Wheeling Heritage, where she works with artists, small business owners, and community stakeholders to provide technical assistance and create meaningful programs that enhance Wheeling. She also serves as the managing editor for Weelunk. Alex lives in St. Clairsville with her husband where they raise four cats and four spunky backyard chickens.