Media Contact

Jenny Crittenden
Executive Director
804-824-9614
director@mspt.org

Amberly Millis
Public Relations
757-903-1890
millisah@dukes.jmu.edu

Elizabeths Corner: A Single Mom is Given a Second Chance

GLOUCESTER, VA27 March, 2015. On Mar. 20, 2015 Elizabeth Powell received a
phone call that would turn her life around. She had won she had won a second chance to make
her dreams come true. She would finally be able to open Elizabeths Corner.
Ever since Powell graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of
Science in business management, she has dreamed of starting her own small business.
(more)
For five years, shes worked hard to design Elizabeths Corner, a unique boutique and
caf shop. Powell was about to sign a loan agreement that would allow her to begin modeling

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when she received a visit from the United States Army that turned her world upside down.
Powells husband had been killed in combat, leaving her to raise their three children alone. Due
to no longer being able to cosign for the startup capital, Powell had to put her dream on hold and
work two minimum wage jobs in order to support her family.
As a single mother, Powell has struggled financially. There have been times that I have
fallen behind in paying the bills and have had taxpayers show up at my front door. I have been
unable to buy my children new shoes when their old ones had torn, or even put a nice meal on
the table, said Powell. This has been the hardest year of my entire life. Not only did I lose my
husband, but I also had to give up on something I have worked diligently on for a long time; a
lifelong dream.
That was until Powell heard about Launch Gloucester, a competition promoted by
Gloucester Countys Main Street Preservation Fund (GPF) that enables entrepreneurs to compete
for a $100,000 startup grant, as well as marketing support, business consultation, video
promotion, and membership to the Main Street Association; a program valued to be nearly
$200,000. Once Powell heard about the competition she decided to take a chance and
immediately submitted an application.

(more)

I heard about the competition driving home from work one day on the radio, states
Powell. The ad ironically aired right after the station had played my wedding song, I Will be

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Right Here Waiting for you, so I was a complete mess and in tears. However, I knew that it had
to be a sign and that my husband was still looking out for us from above.
GPF received 50 diverse, impressive applicants for the competition. They received
proposals advertising for businesses that ranged from beauty salons to blacksmith shops. Due to
receiving a pool of extremely talented individuals, the competition was very high, said Jenny
Crittenden, director of GPF. However, the amount of passion and ambition within Elizabeths
application caught us all off guard, and we immediately knew we had found our winner.

Elizabeth Powell receiving award from GMP

During the next several weeks, Powell will be attending professional workshops,
seminars, and promotion events in order to prepare for Elizabeths Corners grand opening. Her
shop will include a number of merchandise items, including handcrafted apparel, jewelry, and
pottery.
(more)
There will also be a caf that will offer coffee, pantry items, and freshly prepared food,
such as breads and pastries. The menu will be based on seasonal food and local ingredients. In

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addition, Powell plans on having a side patio with a stage for local artists and entertainers to
perform on during weekend nights.
With a bright future ahead, Powell has since caught up on paying her bills, made plans to
move into a bigger townhouse with her children, and looks forward to starting her new business
on Main Street. When I heard that I had won the competition, I couldnt believe my ears. It was
as if God was giving me a second chance, said Powell. For the first time in over a year, I feel
relief. Things are going to get better in the end.
Powell is pleased to announce that her business will open May 1, and invites the public to
come out and support her in taking the next steps toward a new, successful life. Not only is it
GMPs mission to promote small business growth on Gloucester Countys Main Street, but it
also strives to better the community by helping those in need of financial support. GMP is
thrilled to work alongside Elizabeth and help her achieve a life-long goal. Elizabeth states,
GMP has provided me with the opportunity to give not only myself a better life, but also my
children, and for that I am forever grateful.
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About Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust

Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust

News Feature: Special Announcement

Gloucester Countys Main Street Preservation Trust (GPT) is a nonprofit organization that
supports the Gloucester County community by initiating growth, innovation, and sustainability. It
promotes expansion and uses its assets to attract new and additional businesses to Gloucesters
Main Street. GPTs mission is to enhance the economic and business environment, preserve
historical landmarks in the Gloucester Court House Village area and promote civic and cultural
activities. It is in partnership with the Cook Foundation and the Gloucester Main Street
Association.