BIG STONE GAP, VA – APRIL 1, 2026 – If it’s motorcycles – repair or custom frame builds — Black Horse Cycle LLC in Wise County, VA, owned and operated by Joey Grubb, is the place to go in Big Stone Gap, VA. Beyond traditional repair services, the business designs and produces one-of-a-kind motorcycles by modifying frames, fabricating custom parts and applying specialized paint and pinstriping techniques.
Black Horse Cycle 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.
“Black Horse Cycle LLC not only fabricates motorcycles by building custom frames, but also does repair work and finishing of motorcycles and motorcycle components,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects two full-time employees within five years.”
Grubb noted the business, located at 104 E. 5th Street North in Big Stone Gap, specializes in the fabrication, customization and finishing of motorcycles and motorcycle components.
He is an authorized parts dealer with Harley Davidson/Hogworkz, as well as with Partzilla and Barnett. He is in the process of adding additional brands to his distributorship.
“Each project we do transforms a standard vehicle or component into a newly manufactured product with enhanced performance and unique artistic value,” Grubb said, adding, “we are not limited to local demand, but have regional potential across state lines, contributing to both economic development and the growth of artisan manufacturing in Southwest Virginia.”
Grubb has training in welding and holds his AWS certification. In addition to custom builds and modifications he makes, Grubb said on full custom build jobs, it is a big undertaking to get it right and to get all the parts needed.
In addition to the customization services offered, Black Horse Cycle also offers tire mounting and balancing, oil and transmission changes, clutch replacement, exhaust and handlebar upgrades and custom pinstriping. A bring-your-own tire policy, not offered at most dealerships, provides a competitive advantage.
Grubb said he used the VCEDA grant for a new tire and balancing machine and a table that helps to keep motorcycle frames aligned while they are being worked on. He also used some of the funds for marketing and advertising. He is considering the purchase of a small lathe to be able to fabricate his own brackets.
“It was definitely a tremendous leg up to receive the VCEDA seed capital grant,” Grubb said. “It is helping me do what I need to do and giving my customers good quality stuff they can enjoy and be safe on.”
Grubb worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Wise County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
“The MECC Small Business Development Center was proud to guide Black Horse Cycle in Big Stone Gap through the VCEDA Seed Capital process,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “Black Horse Cycle brings specialized skill and craftsmanship to our region through motorcycle repair and custom fabrication — services that support local riders, working customers and visitors who travel through Southwest Virginia. Businesses like this strengthen the local economy by keeping dollars local, supporting skilled trades and building pride in our communities. The SBDC enjoys helping businesses start and grow in local communities, building local economies one business at a time.”
“Manufacturing can take many forms and Black Horse Cycle is a great example of that,” said Wise County IDA Executive Director Brian Falin. “The company fits a niche market and caters to those motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a truly customized, one-of-a-kind motorcycle. The Wise County IDA was proud to support Black Horse’s application for the VCEDA seed capital grant program and is excited to see the new company grow in the Big Stone Gap community.”
For more information about Black Horse Cycle, interested persons may call 276-220-8011; check out the website; 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.