Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | |
A Letter from CVSBDC Director Rebecca Haydock | |
|
Dear Colleagues,
It is with excitement, trepidation, and sadness that I share my intention to leave our much beloved Small Business Development Center in the strong hands of the Community Investment Collaborative and SBDC family. Many of you know that I'm a serial entrepreneur in the form of a builder and grower with roots in construction and farming. Following work undertaken in ecosystem development, I've been offered the full time role of CEO of Venture Central. It is with the blessing of many of our colleagues and a regional desire for Venture Central to "get to work" that I've decided to accept the offer.
Venture Central is designed to support the Central Virginia entrepreneurial ecosystem - to convene, connect, and support in collaboration with the business community. I look forward the work to achieve the regional vision of expanding and stabilizing vibrant communities through entrepreneurship!
I will begin in January, giving adequate time for a SBDC Director search and transition. Before I leave our award winning SBDC, I want to recognize those of you who have helped us serve. I must provide a special shout out to Stephen Davis, CIC President and SBDC host. He has been the brilliant, kind partner who was there for us consistently through all the phases of learning and growth. The same can be said for so many of you!
Some of you have heard me say that in 2020 CIC adopted “a giant, hungry toddler” by taking on SBDC. We were needy, crashing all over the house, making a mess. But we were nurtured and have grown beautifully, thanks to many of you as well, and the CIC and SBDC predecessors.
Thank you for your part in making Central Virginia so special. - Rebecca
| |
It's Not Too Late! Plan Your Black Friday Success with Expert Help
Haven’t started your Black Friday merchandising plans yet? It’s not too late to set your store or ecommerce business up for success!
Schedule a session with one of our advisors today.
| |
|
Building Resilience for Your Small Business
Being resilient as a small business means understanding risks, planning ahead, identifying key employee needs and responsibilities, and ensuring back-ups are in place. Check out the SBA’s new Business Resilience Guide to help you prepare in the event of a disaster. This comprehensive guide can assist your business in anticipating potential impacts and minimizing disruptions to your operations. Stay prepared and safeguard your business by planning for the unexpected.
| |
Strategic Partnership Program
The Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) is a free, intensive executive MBA-style course designed to help local small business enterprises, including minority-, women-, and veteran-owned construction firms, grow their capacity. Developed by Clark Construction Group, the program provides participants with essential business and construction management skills to prepare them for future opportunities and sustainable growth. Apply today!
| |
|
Funding Announced by USDA for Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
The USDA has announced funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2025. NRCS accepts applications year-round, but to be considered for the next funding cycles, apply by Dec. 20, 2024. Landowners and producers can apply for Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) or Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE) through their local NRCS office. For more details, visit the official USDA news release.
| |
|
The Farm Vitality Planning Grant is designed to assist Virginia farmers in working towards the long-term vitality of their operations, with a particular focus on planning efforts that support the adoption or expansion of regenerative practices and systems. Grants of up to $10,000 will be considered. Applications for the 2024-2025 grant cycle will be accepted October 15th through November 15th, 2024. Learn More
| |
|
Access Funding with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) provides a range of financing options to help small businesses grow and succeed. Whether you're seeking loans for expansion, equipment, or working capital, VSBFA offers programs designed to support businesses at various stages. Explore how your business can take advantage of these funding opportunities to fuel your growth. Learn more.
| |
All programs of the Virginia SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. | |
|
BET Starting Wednesdays in October | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Virtually
Business Essentials Training (BET) is a 5 week series for new entrepreneurs and growing businesses. Launch or grow your business by developing your business plan, creating profitability strategies and access tools and support for success.
Participants can take individual sessions or attend the full series and earn the Business Essentials Training Certificate. Learn More.
| |
|
Wednesday, October 23 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Culpeper Economic Development Center | 803 South Main Street, Culpeper, VA
Learn how to stand out from the competition and attract ideal clients through effective email marketing, social media, and paid advertising. This training will help you build a strong messaging ecosystem, boost brand credibility, and create emotional connections that drive sales. This event is free, but registration is required. RSVP Here for the October 23rd Event!
| |
Deadline to Apply for Pitch Preview is October 31st! | | |
|
|
Apply Now for Pitch Preview!
Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN) and the Virginia Small Business Development Center (VSBDC) are offering a unique opportunity for early-stage Virginia entrepreneurs to practice their pitch with accredited angel investors. This no-cost event provides invaluable, actionable feedback to help refine your pitch and prepare for future investment opportunities. Apply Now!
| |
Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network | |
|
Foodiepreneur Week Conference
Ready to elevate your food or beverage business, or take the leap into your next big idea?
Join us for Foodiepreneur Week Conference, a dynamic blend of in-person and virtual workshops, expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and more! This one-of-a-kind event is designed to equip current and aspiring food entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to scale, grow, and thrive in the local food industry.
Starts Monday, Oct. 21 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is a hybrid online and in-person conference in Roanoke, VA.
Learn more and register here.
| |
HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY | |
|
Join The Startup Series!
Wednesdays starting in October | 300 Preston Ave
Thinking about starting a company or enhancing your current venture? The Startup Series, starting in October, offers eight weeks of interactive sessions covering key topics like founding, intellectual property, and fundraising. Get hands-on experience and valuable insights every Wednesday at 4 PM EST. Don’t miss out—RSVP now! More Info Here.
| |
|
Central Virginia SBDC
Your Partners in Business:
Supporting Small Business - from Startups to International Expansion
Serving the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna,
Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Rappahannock.
Meet With Us
| | | | |
