Photo by Joselyn King Carly Wilson, owner of LC Learning Services, thanks those who voted her the winner of “Show of Hands,” a business presentation contest organized by Wheeling Heritage. Wilson took home a prize of more than $5,463.

WHEELING — A provider of reading and math education enrichment knows there is a big need for tutorial and intervention services locally, and she will now have additional funds to improve and increase her teaching space.

LC Learning Services owner Carly Wilson was the winner of the Show of Hands business presentation competition happening Wednesday night at the Wheeling Artisan Center, and she took home more than $5,463.

LC Learning Services provides a student-centered learning environment providing Orton-Gillingham-based reading instruction, math intervention, and nature-based learning through the Tiny Taste Makers program.

Wilson plans to use the funding to purchase new instructional and enrichment resources, as well as classroom furniture to expand hands-on learning and increase accessibility for families. In addition, she seeks to have raised flower beds constructed to provide a better atmosphere for outdoor learning.

She said she also wants to have a professional website created, and has an eye on perhaps increasing her learning space area.

Wilson is presently the only tutor at LC Learning Services, which is located within the Flying Spoon business in South Wheeling.

She hinted that in the coming months she may hire additional tutors.

A reading specialist with additional certifications, Wilson sees a literacy crisis happening in the community.

She worked with as many as 18 students during the summer, and currently has 12 clients.

“I am so passionate about this work because I have seen how it can transform a child’s life,” she said.

Wilson also wants to establish a donation fund at the business so that learning help is available to those students whose families might not otherwise not be able to afford it.

Those attending Show of Hands contribute $5 at the door, then receive a dinner and a ballot containing the names of the four business owners who present in the contest.

Attendees then vote for their favorite presenter, with the winner taking home a guaranteed $4,000 prize from Orrick in addition to all other contributions from community partners and money collected at the door.

Other presenters on Wednesday night included the following:

– D23 Digital Creatives (Danny Schultz): A web design and digital media business that helps small businesses with affordable websites, logos, and marketing. Funding will be used to upgrade equipment, support paid ad campaigns, and offer workshops in Wheeling to help local businesses strengthen their online presence.

– Mel’s Alternative Images (Melody Petras): An analog photography studio specializing in the vintage wet plate process, offering tintype and wet plate photoshoots in-studio and through a traveling photo booth at festivals and events. Mel also provides film photography sessions and VHS videography. Funding will help launch film development services for local photographers, upgrade studio and booth lighting, and add a business sign.

– Unique Miniatures (Wendy Barbeau): A business specializing in handcrafted resin-cast architectural miniatures. Unique Miniatures plans to open The Itty Bitty Bungalow, a retail store at 1128 National Road. Funding will support inventory through resin-casting materials and wholesale crafting supplies for miniature enthusiasts.

Now in its 11th year, Show of Hands has raised more than $150,000 since its inception to help launch and grow thriving local businesses, according to information provided by Wheeling Heritage.