Wheeling’s Show of Hands is a community-supported, crowd-funded event giving local entrepreneurs a chance to bring their big ideas to life—and you get to decide the winner! Join us tonight, Wednesday, September 24, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Wheeling Artisan Center (1400 Main Street) or tune in to the livestream at Wheeling Heritage Media’s YouTube!
How It Works
Each of the four presenters at tonight’s event has the opportunity to win over $4,000, funds raised by the community and the amazing event sponsors. Voting is simple with $5.00 at the door and $10.00 for online voting.
All money collected goes directly to the winning presenter and helps support the Show of Hands program. In its 11-year history, Show of Hands has given out over $154,077 to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Wheeling, with 34 individuals funded, and supporting 132 businesses overall.
Meet This Event’s Finalists
LC Learning Services
LC Learning Services, founded by Carly Wilson, focuses on personalized academic instruction that empowers students of all ages. Using the Orton-Gillingham method, the center provides structured, multi-sensory reading and math programs, which are especially effective for students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Beyond academics, LC Learning Services engages with the local community, ensuring that students and families receive the support and resources needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Carly plans to use the funding to enhance the learning environment and expand access to its services. A portion of the funding will go toward improving instructional materials and creating a welcoming, well-equipped space for students. “I plan to invest in professional website development to increase reach, build credibility, and make it easier for families to learn about what is offered.”
Mel’s Alt Images
Mel’s Alt Images, owned and operated by Melody Petras, revives the art of wet plate photography, creating unique tintypes and ambrotypes with a timeless quality. The process, dating back to the 1850s, involves hands-on preparation and development while the plate is still wet, resulting in one-of-a-kind images rich in texture and depth. Mel also offers workshops, inviting participants to experience this historical photographic method firsthand and fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft within the Wheeling community.
Mel’s main focus will be promising the people of the greater Wheeling area a place to develop their own film. “This means that I need the right equipment and chemicals required to do that effectively. This includes chemicals for developing black and white and color film, expensive equipment like the AGO film processor, and less expensive items that add up like bottles, film sleeves, gloves, etc.”
Melody also shared that she needs to upgrade her lights for the tintype studio and traveling photo booth to provide higher-quality portraits for her clients. And if there is anything leftover, she would love to get a sign for her studio!
Unique Miniatures
Founded in 1974, Unique Miniatures produces handcrafted resin-cast miniatures for collectors and hobbyists, including architectural elements, frames, and garden-scape accessories. Under Wendy Barbeau’s leadership, the company also creates meaningful employment opportunities for individuals in recovery or facing other barriers to employment. With a legacy of craftsmanship and community impact, Unique Miniatures continues to bring intricate, collectible pieces to enthusiasts locally and beyond.
Wendy shares that Unique Miniatures would use funding to expand with a full-scale, retail miniature store within the building (1128 National Road) from which the resin-casting operation is already located. This store, The Itty Bitty Bungalow, will feature dollhouses, room boxes and 1:12 and 1:24 scale miniature products (dolls, furniture, furnishings, food, animals, plants and much more), as well as the architectural and building supplies and paints, papers and polymer clays to encourage do-it-yourself miniature crafting. “We have already begun building an inventory of products for sale as well as purchasing furniture and display items to create a presentable and welcoming storefront, but Show of Hands funding will take us across the finish line by allowing us to purchase additional inventory, furniture, and point-of-sale hardware” Wendy says.
D23 Digital Creatives
D23 Digital Creatives, led by Danny Schultz, helps small businesses establish an affordable and effective online presence. The company specializes in custom websites, logo design, social media management, and marketing strategies. Starting at $175 per month, D23 provides responsive, functional digital solutions tailored to each client’s needs. As a finalist in this Show of Hands event, D23 demonstrates a commitment to empowering local businesses with tools to grow and thrive in the digital age.
If awarded the funding from the event, Danny plans to purchase better and up-to-date equipment, such as a new computer and cameras, and paid ads to run and promote his business. “When it comes to the Adobe software, website hosting and general computer software subscription like photo editing and so on can add up very quickly, right now I am using a lot of free softwares, but with the startup money I can invest in better software for my clients.”
Event Highlights
Tonight promises more than just presentations and voting. Come early and enjoy a relaxed evening downtown — grab dinner at River City or another favorite spot, then explore the Artisan Center shop and Prodigal Daughter shop on the first floor. Before heading upstairs, take a final stroll through the Wheeling Heritage Media Gallery, curated by Wheeling Heritage’s own, Dillon Richardson and Johnathon Porter, which will soon be replaced by the next gallery, Too Quiet in the Atrium, opening October 3rd!
Once upstairs, enjoy live music by Ananga Martin, light appetizers provided by River City, and a cash bar while watching tonight’s finalists present their projects. It’s an evening to celebrate creativity, entrepreneurship, and the strong community that makes Wheeling thrive.
Looking Ahead
Tonight wraps up the 11th season of Show of Hands, but there’s plenty to look forward to. Season 12 kicks off January 21, 2026, with applications opening in November. If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur with a big idea, a project in need, or a vision waiting to grow, you could be on that stage next time. Show of Hands is your chance to turn community support into real opportunity.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Wheeling’s small businesses, support tonight’s finalists, and cast your vote in shaping the city’s future. For more information and to vote online, visit wheelingheritage.org/vote.
