NICKELSVILLE, VA – May 8, 2026 — Helping Southwest Virginia residents and those outside the region explore and take advantage of the fishing opportunities on the Clinch, Holston and Powell Rivers is what Richard Andrews is seeking to do with the opening of his new fishing guide service business, Andrews River Outfitters, LLC, in Nickelsville, VA.
Andrews River Outfitters, 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.
“Andrews River Outfitters offers a unique fishing guide service exploring the rivers here in Southwest Virginia’s e-Region,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects one full-time employee and two part-time employees within three years.”
The business offers full-day or multi-day float trip fishing excursions for smallmouth bass and strives to provide the highest quality float fishing experience in Southwest Virginia showcasing the area’s rich natural resources while creating memorable, personalized outdoor adventures for every guest.
Andrews, who has 25 years’ experience and a successful business also operating in North Carolina, noted he got the idea to open the fishing guide service in Southwest Virginia’s e-region after coming on a fishing trip to the region.
“I fell in love with the Clinch and the people here are some of the best I have ever met anywhere,” Andrews said.
The new venture, which offers trips April through August depending on water levels, seeks to bring expert-led, conservation-minded float trips to one of the most scenic and untapped fisheries in the Southern Appalachian mountains.
Float trips are typically six to eight hours and while smallmouth bass is the primary species being fished, there is also the possibility of catching rock bass, walleye, musky, sunfish and occasionally trout depending on the river section. Guests are provided with high quality fishing gear (rods, reels and tackle) to use for the day; safety equipment; instruction and guiding focusing on techniques, river reading and fish behavior; a cooler with water, snacks and lunch; and transportation to and from the river to put-in and take-out. Trips are conservation-focused with a catch and release practice.
“Our vision is to become the premier full-time fishing guide service in Southwest Virginia, known for delivering unparallelled float fishing experiences, exceptional customer service and a deep commitment to preserving and promoting the region’s natural resources,” Andrews said.
Andrews used the VCEDA seed capital funds for the purchase of a second professional grade inflatable fishing raft and to build his new business website (www.andrewsriveroutfitters.com).
“The funds have allowed us to expand by enabling us to carry larger groups on multi-boat floats on the same day,” Andrews said. The rafts are smaller sized fishing rafts design to allow for rocky Appalachian rivers and access issues.
“The grant has helped to take us from trial and error to a real brand and a separate entity,” Andrews said. “It’s been nice to have the support and it means more than you think. From a small business perspective, it means a lot to know someone wants to help you succeed. I am so grateful.”
And while the business is functioning now as a river guide service, Andrews said he hopes to see it expand in the future to offer more trips and even to possibly build a fishing lodge at some point in the future.
“I am very excited about the opportunities,” he said. “Southwest Virginia is truly on the edge of a recreation and tourism boom. I look forward to working with other partners in the region to see it grow.”
Andrews worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA. He received a letter of support from the Scott County Economic Development Authority.
“The MECC Small Business Development Center was proud to guide Andrews River Outfitters through the VCEDA Seed Capital process,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “This new fishing guide business is an exciting addition to our region’s outdoor recreation economy — bringing visitors to Southwest Virginia to experience our beautiful rivers and the unmatched local hospitality of our communities. Andrews River Outfitters helps showcase the natural assets that make our region special while supporting tourism growth and small business development. The SBDC enjoys helping businesses start and grow in local communities, building local economies one business at a time.”
For more information about Andrews River Outfitters, LLC including rates and lodging options, interested persons may call 252-945-9715 or visit the Andrews River Outfitters website at www.andrewsriveroutfitters.com.
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.
(PHOTO CAPTION: Capt. Richard Andrews opened Andrews River Outfitters, LLC in Nickelsville, VA, to help Southwest Virginia residents and those outside the region explore and take advantage of the fishing opportunities on the Clinch, Holston and Powell Rivers. Andrews River Outfitters offers fishing guide services and is a recent recipient of a $10,000 VCEDA seed capital matching grant.)