LEBANON, VA – SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 – Custom event design and party rental services for weddings, anniversaries, award banquets, church gatherings, school events, community celebrations and other special occasions is a new service which became available in Russell County and throughout Southwest Virginia when Toni Richardson opened Plush Frog Designs, LLC in Lebanon, VA earlier this year.
Plush Frog Designs, 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.
“Plush Frog Designs, LLC, works to support creative tourism by enhancing events attracting visitors, increasing participation and supporting local venues, vendors and community organizations with its services,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects one full-time employee and five part-time employees within five years.”
“We provide stylish, affordable and high-quality event décor rentals and personalized styling services helping clients to create memorable, visually stunning events without the stress and expense of ownership,” Richardson said. “We have wide range of rental inventory, curated event packages and add-on services such as delivery, setup/breakdown, event design and customized décor.”
Richardson noted the concept for Plush Frog Designs, LLC was developed in response to a growing demand for stylish, convenient and cost-effective event solutions in rural and underserved markets.
“Our primary customers include brides and wedding planners, families hosting celebrations, small businesses and community organizations,” Richardson said.
Richardson said she used the VCEDA grant for the rental of additional storage units and for inventory additions.
“We have an active Facebook page where we showcase our inventory options and some of the events we have provided décor for,” Richardson said.
“The VCEDA grant has been a great relief,” she added. “It allows me to store my inventory in one area and to get it organized. That alone is a real timesaver.”
Richardson worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing his application to VCEDA. She received a letter of support from the Russell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
“We are always excited to see new entrepreneurs invest in Southwest Virginia by offering innovative and specialized services that strengthen our local economy,” said SWCC SBDC Executive Director Denise Harmon. “Toni’s creativity, professionalism and attention to detail have already earned her clients beyond Southwest Virginia, demonstrating the quality of her work and the potential for continued growth. It has been a pleasure working with Toni as she continues to build her business. The SBDC is proud to support her entrepreneurial journey and we look forward to watching Plush Frog Designs, LLC expand its reach while serving clients throughout Southwest Virginia and beyond.”
“Plush Frog Designs brings a creative, polished touch to events across Russell County and that kind of quality décor plays a real role in our tourism economy,” said Russell County IDA Executive Director Laura Gilmer. “By helping weddings, corporate gatherings and community celebrations shine, this business encourages visitors to stay longer, supports our local venues and vendors and helps showcase the character and hospitality that make our region special.”
For more information about Plush Frog Designs, LLC, interested persons may call 815-325-4077, or visit or message their Facebook page.
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: Toni Richardson opened Plush Frog Designs, LLC in Russell County, VA to provide custom event design and party rental services for a variety of occasions. Plush Frog Designs, LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.)