BIG STONE GAP, VA – JANUARY 26, 2026 – Creating a regional hub for area artisans to reach local residents and visitors alike is the goal Deborah and Ryan Adams had as they opened the Bus Stop Artisan Market and Workshop in Big Stone Gap, VA. Now, several months later, the Bus Stop location at 18 East 5th Street, South has 32 vendors and the Adamses are working to further expand the space to accommodate up to 36.

Bus Stop Artisan Market & Workshop is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.

“Bus Stop Artisan Market & Workshop, LLC was created to appeal to both locals and visitors and the Adamses renovations of the historic spot has not only created jobs for the new business, but at the same time has given artisans and craftspeople in the region a broader outlet to sell their products, thereby also giving them the potential ability to expand and grow,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The new business projects two full-time and two part-time employees within five years.”

“We have vendors in here now that offer everything from paintings and woodworking to dog treats and everything in-between,” Deborah Adams said. “Our goal has been to create a retail and community space showcasing handcrafted wares from local artisans – pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodworking and home goods promoting Appalachian craftsmanship.”

The workshop component of the business seeks to offer beginner-friendly customizable classes related to arts and crafts, fostering both creativity and community engagement for all ages.

The Adamses relocated to Big Stone Gap from Florida. It started with a trip after watching the movie, “Big Stone Gap,” drawing them to the area to see small-town charm firsthand. In the process, they took Wise County’s slogan, “Stay for a Weekend. Stay for a Lifetime,” to heart and made the decision to move to the area.

“The owners of Good Times Restaurant told us about the bus stop building and we talked about it as we went to the airport for our return trip home,” Ryan Adams said.

They ended up purchasing the building and began renovating it. In addition to the vendor spots, the building also has four apartments, including one they operate as an Air B-n-B and three others rented to families.

The Adamses have used the VCEDA seed capital grant to purchase materials needed in the continued renovation and build-out of the Bus Station space.

“We still have 1,200-square-feet in the building that remains unfinished,” Deborah said. “The VCEDA grant has basically given us the confidence to keep moving forward with our vision for the space. Our future plans include expanding workshop offerings, hosting community events and partnering with regional tourism initiatives to enhance visibility.”

“The VCEDA grant is really tailored for people who want to invest and who are looking for ways to be a part of and grow the community,” Ryan said. “We are very appreciative of it.”

The Adamses worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing their application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Wise County Industrial Development Authority.

“It has been a pleasure for the MECC Small Business Development Center to assist the Bus Stop Artisan Market and Workshop in the VCEDA Seed Capital process,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, director of the SBDC at MECC. “This project brings value beyond retail — it creates a hub for local makers to sell their goods, host workshops and share the unique talent and products of Big Stone Gap. The SBDC truly enjoys helping businesses start and grow in our communities — building local economies one business at a time.”

“The Wise County IDA was proud to support the Bus Stop Artisan Market & Workshop’s application for the VCEDA seed capital grant program,” said Wise County IDA Executive Director Brain Falin. “We are excited to see the benefits this new business will bring to the growing downtown business district in Big Stone Gap. The workshop programs and retail shopping opportunities will certainly be a great addition to the town.”

The Bus Stop Artisan Market & Workshop is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 noon to 5 p.m. It is currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but this summer, Ryan said plans are to look at hiring someone part-time and to open on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information about Bus Stop Artisan Market & Workshop, interested persons may call 321-652-1997, check out their website at bsartmarket.com or find them on Facebook.

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.