01: Connecting Local Systems
Danville, Virginia
The answer started with listening
In Danville, listening surfaced the same disconnect. Resources existed, but they were not always easy to find or access, and the city wanted to better understand the barriers Black-owned businesses were facing.
Through Project Black Business Impact, PIN Interns visited or interviewed more than 50 Black-owned businesses and collected 50 survey responses across 16 industries. Their findings pointed to needs around funding, marketing, and growth, along with gaps in awareness and coordination.
That feedback helped shape a stronger Small Business Network with the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce and Letterpress Communications, including governance tools, a resource directory, and a funding tracker. More than 130 people attended the launch this year.
Source: PIN 2026 Impact Report, pages 10–11.
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