In the heart of rural North Carolina, where opportunity can feel out of reach, Emiliano Dunton saw a gap and decided to become the bridge. As a single Black father, a survivor of gun violence, and a quadriplegic, Emiliano faced more than his share of barriers. But instead of letting those challenges define him, he used them as fuel to create something transformative: AA8 Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved communities through technology, creativity, and education.
Founded in Granville County in May 2024, AA8 Corporation was born from a deeply personal mission. Emiliano had witnessed firsthand how the digital divide was leaving rural youth—especially underrepresented students—behind. His daughter’s school lacked access to basic technology tools, and the pandemic only widened the gap. Drawing from his own experiences as a local student, Emiliano knew this wasn’t just a momentary issue but a systemic problem affecting communities for generations. He recognized that addressing it would require more than a quick fix. It demanded structural change, long-term commitment, and a collective effort to challenge underlying issues.
AA8 Corporation: Turning Challenges into Opportunity
What began as a vision during the pandemic quickly evolved into a movement offering a wide range of programs. Today, AA8 Corporation is more than an nonprofit organization; it’s a beacon of possibility. With a small but mighty four-person staff and over 15 dedicated volunteers, they’re launching new initiatives like the Comm.Unity Robotics Club, expanding their Horticulture Innovation Lab, and even partnering with Biogen CoLab for immersive STEM experiences.
AA8 Corporation initiatives don’t just prepare young people to thrive in a technology-driven economy—they inspire them to lead it. Through AA8, young individuals can now participate in a variety of industry-driven programs designed to build real-world skills, connect with professionals, and prepare for high-demand careers. These programs include:
- Cisco Cybersecurity & Networking Certifications (CCST, CCNA)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy and Game Development
- K-12 Robotics Labs
- Esports, Podcasting, and Creative Media Labs
- Bioprocessing and Horticulture Innovation Labs
- Laptop and Hotspot Distribution for Digital Access
AA8 Corporation not only teaches skills, but it also opens doors to careers and reshapes what’s possible for youth who have historically been left behind.
Emiliano Dunton: AA8’s Founder and Visionary Leader
For Emiliano Dunton, a VGCC Biotechnology graduate, having AA8 named Vance-Granville’s Small Business of the Year is more than an award. It’s validation of every obstacle overcome and every young life changed.
“This recognition isn’t just for me,” he says. “It’s for every innovator who now sees themselves in tech, in business, and at the table of innovation. It validates every barrier I’ve broken and every dream our youth have. This is for every young innovator who now sees that they belong in tech, in leadership, and in the future we’re building together.”
Emiliano’s path to entrepreneurship is a story of courage, innovation, and unwavering commitment to equity—but the journey wasn’t easy. As an entrepreneur with a disability, Emiliano had to carve out his own path. Traditional systems weren’t built with someone like him in mind, so he built his own. His first venture, a creative clothing brand called aMillie, laid the foundation. AA8 became the true embodiment of his purpose: to equip the next generation of innovators with the tools to thrive in a technology-driven world. Emiliano turned personal adversity into a mission-driven organization that now changes lives across rural North Carolina.
His advice to other entrepreneurs? “Community is your currency. Start where you are [and] lead with purpose. Your story is your strength.”
VGCC Small Business Center: A Backbone of Mentorship and Momentum
Support from organizations like Vance-Granville Community College, VGCC’s Small Business Center, and Duke Energy played a pivotal role in the growth and development of AA8 Corporation. Duke Energy’s “Powering Local Economies” Small Business Grant helped AA8 expand its reach, fund youth-designed merchandise, and elevate its brand. VGCC’s Small Business Center provided critical training in networking, grant-writing, and marketing, helping Emiliano secure the resources needed to grow.
The Small Business Center didn’t just offer tools—it offered belonging, access, and strategy. VCGG’s small business ecosystem helped Emiliano legitimize his nonprofit, refine his narrative, and connect with decision-makers and mentors who shared his belief in equity and innovation. From its earliest stages, AA8 has received transformational guidance from the VGCC Small Business Center through services like:
- Grant-writing workshops with Isaac Blount
- Marketing and branding sessions with Tabletop Media Group
- Participation in the “Pitch Your Business” competition where Emiliano forged powerful connections with local small businesses
- Networking opportunities through vendor fairs and Granville County Chamber of Commerce
The VGCC Small Business Center provides high quality, readily accessible assistance to new and existing small businesses in the College’s four-county service area. To learn about resources the Center offers at little to no charge, contact Carolyn Perry at (252) 738-3240 or [email protected].
