LEBANON, VA – JANUARY 28, 2025 – From search and rescue, to photography, videography and more, Joshua and Kelli Stevens offer a variety of services utilizing drone technology and have plans to expand their drone fleet as their new business, Stay Fly Drone Service, LLC, grows.
Stay Fly Drone Service, 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.
“Stay Fly Drone Service, LLC offers a unique service in an emerging field in our region and beyond, utilizing drone technology for search and rescue, to assist in downed deer/game recovery, photography, videography and more,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects one full-time employee.”
Based in Lebanon, VA, Stay Fly Drone Service, LLC was established last April and in addition to offering services utilizing their drones for aerial drone photos and videos, they also offer 3D dollhouse tours for real estate listings as well as still photos for property listings.
“Our drone fleet also includes thermal drones that we utilize for missing pet or livestock searches and deer/game recovery,” said Kelli Stevens. “Our clients include real estate agents, tourism departments, event coordinators, property owners, pet owners and business owners.”
Josh Stevens is an FAA Part 107 drone pilot, certified in level 2 thermography.
The Stevens’ noted in addition to the services they offer to individuals and business owners, they also volunteer their time and use of their drones for community search and rescue needs, if necessary, in the event of an emergency.
Another unique use of the drones is in locating missing pets and it is that aspect of the business they hope to expand with the use of the VCEDA grant.
“We hope to expand our pet search availability to include trapping services with access cameras,” Stevens said. “This would require us to purchase live feed cameras, and a variety of live traps for dogs and animals of different sizes. With this service, we would be better able to assist lost pet owners to not only locate their animal, but to recover it.”
The Stevens’ noted another planned use of the grant is toward the purchase of an underwater drone for use in search and recovery and lost item recovery.
Currently, Kelli Stevens noted they receive calls about twice a week for pet searches and during this past hunting season, assisted about 25 hunters with their thermal drone cameras in downed deer recovery in accordance with Virginia law.
“We are so grateful for the VCEDA seed capital grant,” Joshua Stevens said.
“It will really help further advance our business,” Kelli Stevens added.
Stay Fly Drone Service, LLC will travel within a two to three-hour range of Lebanon, VA to provide services.
The Stevens’ worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing their application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Russell County Industrial Development Authority
“The Southwest Virginia Community College Small Business Development Center (SWCC SBDC) is delighted to support Stay Fly Drone Service, founded by Josh and Kelli Stevens,” said Denise Harmon SBDC director at SWCC. “This innovative business offers a wide range of drone services, including tourism promotion, advertising solutions and even pet search and rescue operations, providing invaluable resources to the region. We are excited to continue collaborating with Stay Fly Drone Service as they expand their offerings and impact the community. Supporting forward-thinking entrepreneurs like Josh and Kelli is at the heart of our mission to drive innovation and economic growth in Southwest Virginia.”
“Russell County IDA is excited to support Stay Fly Drone Service,” said Ernie McFaddin, Russell County IDA executive director. “This unique service has the opportunity to aid our local farmers; assist with search and rescue efforts in the region; and provide a way to assess property (either property value or storm damage). We wish Stay Fly Drone Service, LLC the best of luck.”
Stay Fly Drone Service, LLC is a member of the Russell County Chamber of Commerce and may be reached by calling 276-971-2263. The business also has a website at https://stayflydroneservicellc.com/ and a page 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.