Rice Construction Services, Inc. Approved for VCEDA Seed Capital Grant
GRUNDY, VA -- Residential construction, renovation and repair services are what Rice Constructions Services, Inc. offers in Buchanan County and beyond, according to owner, Shannon Rice, a Virginia-licensed contractor who started the company to meet a growing demand for reliable, skilled construction services in the region.
Rice Construction Services, Inc. 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.
“Rice Construction Services, Inc. was established in September 2025 to address what has been identified as a consistent demand driven in the region due in part to aging housing, ongoing maintenance needs and regional economic development efforts,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects four full-time employees and two part-time employees within five years.”
Rice, who has hands-on experience in residential construction, remodeling and structural repairs said he created the business to address the shortage of dependable, licensed contractors in the region and to provide high quality service to local homeowners and small businesses.
In addition to residential builders licensing, Rice also holds a manufactured home license and is a Class A General Contractor. Just recently, the company became a Cavco/Nationwide modular home dealer.
“From foundations to roofs, we can do it all,” Rice said. “The need for residential repair and renovation services is expected to remain strong, particularly in rural areas where housing infrastructure requires ongoing improvement. We prioritize working with local suppliers to support the regional economy and to ensure timely access to materials. By providing reliable construction services, the company helps maintain and improve residential properties, contributing to overall community stability.”
In addition to working in Buchanan County, Rice said the company will also take on jobs in neighboring Dickenson, Tazewell and Russell counties and depending on the job, may be willing to travel farther.
Rice added, “as a company, we are focused on reputation, reliability and customer satisfaction to drive repeat business and sustainable growth. Quality workmanship, project efficiency and compliance with all applicable building codes are the company’s promises to its customers.”
Rice used the seed capital grant toward the purchase of a skid steer and trailer for the business.
“The grant really helped me,” Rice said. “I didn’t realize the help that was out there for small businesses until I started with this. Having help to purchase the equipment and tools I need allows me to tackle even larger projects. It’s a big deal.”
Rice worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing his application to VCEDA. He received a letter of support from the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
“We are always excited to see entrepreneurs invest in Southwest Virginia by creating businesses that provide essential services and contribute to the strength of our local economy,” said SWCC SBDC Executive Director Denise Harmon. “It has been a pleasure working with Shannon as he established Rice Construction Services, Inc. His experience, dedication to quality workmanship and commitment to serving homeowners, property owners and small businesses throughout Buchanan County position the company for long-term success. Small businesses like Rice Construction Services play an important role in meeting the construction and renovation needs of our communities while supporting local economic growth. We look forward to watching Rice Construction Services, Inc. continue to grow, expand its services and create a positive impact in Buchanan County and across Southwest Virginia. We wish Shannon continued success in the years ahead."
“Rice Construction Services, Inc., as a new business in our community, is already providing services and as the business grows, it will contribute to local and state tax revenues through business income, payroll taxes and sales taxes on materials and services,” said Buchanan County IDA Executive Director Craig Horn. “The IDA was pleased to support Rice Construction Services, Inc. request for a VCEDA seed capital grant.”
For more information about Rice Construction Services, Inc., interested persons may call 276-210-0714, visit or message their Facebook page, or drop them a line at riceco.inc@gmail.com.
