The Downtown Franklin Association donated $34,500 to Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. to support and sponsor future editions of the STARTUP Franklin Southampton program. FSEDI has described STARTUP as a business plan competition that serves to provide financial assistance and business training within the city of Franklin and Southampton County limits. Among its participants, STARTUP has contributed to the opening of 18 businesses… and counting. We commend the DFA for its support of this highly successful program. Pictured are, from left, Brian Hedgepeth, FSEDI Board of Directors; Jackie Newsome, vice president of the DFA; Victor Story, president of the DFA; Beneta Cofield, treasurer of the DFA; and Dan Howe, retired executive director of the DFA. (Send “Way to Go!” photos with a description and names to editor@TheTidewaterNews.com.)