Registration is open for the 12th year of Floyd's business startup series, Floyd C4

Now in its 12th year, the Floyd C4 Business Startup Program is a free, hands-on business startup program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners turn ideas into action. Registration for the 2026 series is open until Friday, Sept. 11. 

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15, participants will spend one night each week for seven weeks learning the fundamentals of building a successful business while connecting with experienced business professionals, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Floyd C4 stands for Creators, Curriculum, Coaching, and Challenge as it brings together people wanting to start a business with group training, one-on-one business counseling, experienced mentors, plus the challenge and opportunity to win money for their businesses.

"Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to begin," said Tabitha Hodge, Assistant Community and Economic Development Director. "Our goal is to remove some of that uncertainty by giving participants a clear roadmap and surrounding them with people who genuinely want to see them succeed. Floyd C4 isn't just about learning how to start a business, it's about building confidence, making connections, and leaving with the tools and support to move your idea into action."

The program follows a step-by-step approach, with each session building on the last. Participants begin by exploring and validating their business ideas before moving into customer discovery, business foundations, financial planning, funding options, and branding and marketing. They will also hear directly from local business owners who share their experiences and lessons learned. Throughout the program, participants develop their own Business Playbook, concluding in a final pitch competition where participants can decide if they want to present their business concept to a panel of judges. The total prize purse is $10,000, with the top prize generally being $5,000. Winning businesses can submit their qualified business expenses for payment or reimbursement.

"Small businesses help make Floyd County a unique place to live, work, and visit,” said Ryan Baker, chairman of the Economic Development Authority of Floyd County (EDA). “Some of Floyd’s best businesses started with someone simply having an idea and deciding to give it a try. Floyd C4 helps give people the tools, connections, and support to take that idea and see where it can go. Whether it’s a family farm, a maker, a retailer, a restaurant, or an innovative startup, entrepreneurship strengthens our local economy and our community. As an EDA, we want to encourage that entrepreneurial spirit because when our local businesses succeed, Floyd County succeeds.”

The Floyd C4 Business Startup Program is hosted by the EDA with support from the Floyd County Board of Supervisors and community partners, including the Greater Roanoke and New River Valley Small Business Development Center.

Past winners of Floyd C4 prizes include the Thrive Hive Juice and Smoothie Cafe, The Book House, Floyd Mug Company, Firehouse Farms, Yarrow Springs Farm, and many others. 

The program is designed for anyone who is thinking about starting a business, has recently launched one, or wants to build a stronger foundation for their current business venture. No previous business experience is required, just an idea and a willingness to learn.

Classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Floyd Innovation Center. The program is free for Floyd County residents, but advance registration is required by Sept. 11.

To learn more or register, visit https://bit.ly/FloydC42026. 

For questions, contact Tabitha Hodge at thodge@floydcova.gov or (540) 745-9352.

To stay up to date on Floyd C4, entrepreneur resources, and other economic development opportunities, follow Floyd County Economic Development on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yesfloydva.