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The first-ever Piedmont Ascent Business Conference is just around the corner! This is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs of all stages to grow their industry knowledge and develop meaningful connections within the community.
Why buy a ticket?
Just $20 will get you:
- Access to multiple breakout sessions and panels featuring local experts
- A networking reception complete with refreshments
- A live pitch competition featuring 6 local entrepreneurs competing for a chance to win money for their business
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SKV, Charlottesville-Based Financial Services and Wealth Management Firm Sponsors Piedmont Ascent Business Conference
SKV Co-Founder Michael Kaminski is a long-term Charlottesville resident and financial figure in the community having served a long period with Merrill Lynch before opening SKV. The SKV Group aims to become the sole financial services, wealth management advisors for kind, decent people who are seeking financial advice. Kaminski stated "Many of our clients are entrepreneurs and our team respects the faith, discipline and patience it takes to grow a business. Supporting local entrepreneurs as they compete to fund their businesses is a thrill for all of us at SKV. This is going to be a great event and we are happy for the opportunity to assist in putting the conference together."
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It's National Small Business Week!
Small businesses aren’t just the backbone of Virginia’s economy—they’re the driving force behind job creation, innovation, and community development. Virginia’s diverse small businesses are integral to our growth, whether they're in the bustling urban centers or rural communities. The Virginia SBDC Network is proud to support every industry—from technology innovators to restaurant owners and craft brewers. By offering free advising, training, and resources, we help businesses scale, access capital, and expand their reach.
You can schedule an appointment with us and find out more about how we can assist you by visiting our website.
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CV SBDC is hiring!
The Central Virginia SBDC is looking for a part-time rural business advisor who will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations with an emphasis on business advising to entrepreneurs in the designated counties. The position will provide assistance, coaching, and strategic direction for new business startups and growing businesses in Central Virginia. The Business Advisor will deliver professional training classes; represent the Central Virginia SBDC at regional professional events and associations; and work with other directors and management within CV SBDC and CIC to support services and offerings to small business owners.
Find the job description and application info here.
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Apply for Pitch Preview!
Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN) and Virginia Small Business Development Center (VSBDC) have joined forces to help you polish your pitch presentation.
CAN and VSBDC are offering pitch practice opportunities, with accredited angel investors in attendance. There is no cost to participate and presenter(s) will leave with actionable feedback from these angel investors. Pitch Preview is held virtually on the first Thursday of the selected months from 12 – 2 pm. Pitch Preview is not a formal request for funding. Instead, it is an opportunity to practice your pitch and receive feedback from investors before seeking funding.
Apply for the June 5th session here.
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VIPC Launch Note Grant
VIPC offers convertible notes of up to $150,000 through its Launch Note program, providing a next step for previous Launch Grant recipients or an initial entry into direct capital investments. To qualify, companies must be pre-MVP, earn less than $200,000 ARR, and have equity or near-equity investment up to $750,000. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. More information about eligibility can be found here.
Apply here.
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Creative Business Boost Initiative
The Creative Business Boost Initiative, presented by Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), with support from Etsy's Uplift Fund! 100 creative entrepreneurs will be selected from eligible entrants to receive a $5,000 grant and access to an exclusive Boost Camp coaching program, helping them access capital and resources they need to foster growth and success. Applications are open now through May 9, 2025 at 6 pm. To be eligible, applicants must be for profit business, established a minimum of 12 months at the start of the application, with an existing product or service, and demonstrated need for funding and access to virtual business coaching.
Apply here.
| | 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. | | | | |
VTC Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program Workshop
May 13 | 12 PM - 1 PM | Virtual
Learn about this valuable funding opportunity designed to boost tourism-oriented small businesses during the September to May shoulder season, with the next application round opening mid-June 2025. CVSBDC experts will also guide you through the essential steps to become grant-ready, increasing your chances of securing these competitive funds. Don’t miss this chance to position your tourism business for success and contribute to Virginia’s thriving travel economy!
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Charlottesville Entrepreneurs + Espresso (C-E2)
May 20 | 9 AM - 11 AM
In Person (Charlottesville)
Charlottesville Entrepreneurs and Espresso, or C-E2, a monthly event series, is a casual, caffeine fueled gathering of learning for entrepreneurs at all stages of venture creation. This is a free event open to the entire entrepreneurship community. This month's event is from 9 - 11am, a change from previous months.
Register here
| | | Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network | | HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY | | |
Securing Global Trade: Cybersecurity Compliance and Certifications
May 21 | 10 - 11 AM | Virtual
In today’s global economy, cybersecurity is a necessity and a critical component of sustainable business growth. Join VEDP - International Trade for this engaging webinar as we explore the critical role of certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR compliance, and HIPAA in safeguarding your business. Discover how to identify the certifications most relevant to your organization and understand their importance in maintaining compliance, building trust, and ensuring secure global operations.
Learn More and Register Here
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National Institute of Health SBIR Proposal Prep Training
May 22 | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM | Charlottesville, VA
Join Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation for this special opportunity to learn from experts, learn about recent updates, and prepare a more compliant NIH proposal in these increasingly challenging times. Through this training, you'll learn an overview of the SBIR/STTR program, a section by section discussion of proposal prep tips, requirements, and grantsmanship, and NIH proposal prep, including specific aims and commercialization plan requirements.
Register here.
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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
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