NORTH TAZEWELL, VA – AUGUST 19, 2025 – When Andrew Morris and his family decided to move from California to North Tazewell, VA, he decided within months of relocating here it was time to get back to work. With a lifelong background in residential and commercial construction, Morris began his new business venture, Ardent Construction, LLC.
Ardent Construction, 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.
“Ardent Construction, LLC, is focused on providing home improvement services in the area,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “VCEDA, with input from local economic development directors, identified construction-related trades as a business need in the region and Ardent Construction will be working to meet some of those needs. The new business projects 10 full-time employees within five years.”
Soon after he started Ardent Construction, Morris began working with Clinch Independent Living Services (CILS) helping to make residential improvements for CILS clients, including building wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers and more. While his business is currently focused on Tazewell County, he plans in the future to branch out and offer Ardent services in surrounding counties including Buchanan, Dickenson and Russell counties. He has more than 20 years experience in both residential and commercial construction.
“Our mission is to strengthen the community by improving homes with honesty, integrity and quality craftsmanship,” Morris said. “We are dedicated to providing reliable and efficient home improvement services that enhance the safety, accessibility and comfort of our clients – especially veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities and underserved families. By delivering exceptional workmanship and fostering a culture of care, we strive to make a lasting, positive impact – one home at a time.
“Ardent is committed to strengthening the local workforce,” Morris continued. “With the construction industry experiencing a decline in skilled tradespeople, the company seeks to create employment opportunities for individuals interested in the field. By investing in training and workforce development, Ardent Construction, LLC aims to build a skilled team that contributes to the long-term growth and sustainability of the community.”
Morris noted the VCEDA seed capital grant is being used to purchase tools and for operating expenses, including bringing on employees.
“The grant is a great head start to my business. It has helped me to start up and given me the ability to grow,” Morris said. “I want Ardent Construction to be a mainstay here. I want to help train the next generation of people to do this work.
“We have a deep-rooted commitment to service, quality and community engagement,” he added. “Ardent Construction, LLC strives to become a trusted and enduring presence in Tazewell County.”
Morris worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority.
“Ardent delivers high-quality construction service — focused on both standard infrastructure projects and ADA compliant improvements,” said Denise Harmon, director of the Southwest Virginia Community College SBDC. “It’s rewarding to partner with companies like Ardent that are not only creating local jobs but are also building a stronger foundation for our communities.”
“The Tazewell County IDA is pleased to support Ardent Construction’s VCEDA seed capital application,” said Tazewell County IDA Director Tim Danielson. “Tazewell County is in need of the construction trades and specialty trades for our citizens home improvement and local business facility growth needs. The IDA appreciates the effort VCEDA provides to assist new entrepreneurial business establishments in our community.”
Ardent Construction may be reached by calling 276-385-7121.
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.