Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, LLC Approved for VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
POUNDING MILL, VA – OCTOBER 24, 2025 -- Bringing people together to make unforgettable memories in the great outdoors is the goal Sarah and Jonathan Romeo have in mind as they develop Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, a special events and luxury camping venue in Tazewell County, expected to open next summer.
Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, LLC 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.
“Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, LLC will be focused on providing a unique and immersive experience to those looking for a nature-based vacation or venue for their special event,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The new business projects two full-time and four part-time employees within five years.”
Located at the base of Paint Lick Mountain, the venue is situated in a secluded, forested cove with the Little River running through its center – with a cave, spring and waterfall on site - combining to provide what the Romeos say is an ideal setting for renewal, gathering, outdoor exploration and stunning photographs year-round.
“Our aim is to provide outstanding services for families seeking a nature-based vacation or reunion; couples seeking an enchanted forest wedding venue or romantic getaway; groups looking for a retreat location; artists seeking an inspiring place to create; hikers; mountain bikers; birders; anglers; naturalists; wildlife photographers; and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the stresses of everyday life,” the Romeos said. “Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat will also serve as a creative gathering place, offering a variety of events, nature-based workshops and retreats contributing to community wellness, while at the same time boosting economic development through natural and cultural heritage tourism.”
As planned, the camping venue will feature a luxury canvas tent overlooking the river, artfully outfitted with soft rugs, queen bed, lounge chairs, table and linens provided. The 44-acre property offers several trails through native wildflower meadows for visitors to explore, as well as a fire circle and Adirondack chairs for a relaxing time at the riverside.
Future plans include the restoration of a large shed on site to serve as a camp store selling local eggs, honey and jam; gourmet coffee and tea; homemade baked goods; wild-crafted apothecary items; handmade freshwater pearl jewelry; fresh cut herbs, flowers and garden goods; Painted Mountain mugs; and more. Another shed is slated to be repurposed into a rustic bath house for guests.
“We are extremely grateful to be recipients of the VCEDA seed capital grant. These matching funds will help us offset the cost of infrastructure development and aesthetic improvements to the property including: trash and burn pile removal; the dismantling and hauling off of two dilapidated mobile homes; and significant flood debris removal along the river,” the Romeos said.
The Romeos worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing their application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority. “Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat will offer truly a unique experience,” said Denise Harmon, director of the SWCC SBDC. “We are proud to have assisted and supported this venture through the VCEDA Seed Capital Grant process. The retreat will showcase the region’s natural beauty and potential.”
“The Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority is excited to welcome Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat to Tazewell County and we especially thank VCEDA for their support of new and expanding businesses in Tazewell County,” said Tazewell County IDA Executive Director Tim Danielson.
For more information about Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, interested persons may call 276-345-2342 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.
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PHOTO CAPTION: Sarah and Jonathan Romeo are working now to develop Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, a special events and luxury camping venue in Tazewell County, expected to open next summer. Painted Mountain Riverbend Retreat, LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.