Amanda Sweeney of Edgewood Apiaries
Amanda Sweeney, founder of Edgewood Apiaries, has a family history rooted in Virginia sustainable agriculture. Sweeney’s passion for healthy farming ecosystems and bee colonies inspires her to operate her business in sustainable, exceptional, and local networks. Sweeney aims to expand her business while remaining committed to her principles of quality, authenticity, and consumer connection with local beekeepers.
"Working with CV SBDC is rewarding in many ways. The return on investment is beyond quantification. I can guarantee that if you're willing to roll up your sleeves and work alongside the team, you will receive more than what you put in. Knowing when to bring in third party help is also important. Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy; knowing when to challenge your own thinking and knowing that you don't know what you don't know is critical to success.”
Learn more about Edgewood Apiaries
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One of your fellow entrepreneurs needs your vote! | | |
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Edgewood Apiaries is a finalist in the Virginia FAIRS Agricultural and Forestry Innovation Challenge “Bull Pen”, an entrepreneurial and innovation competition for eligible businesses across the Commonwealth.
Will you help this entrepreneurial beekeeper keep growing as a triple bottom line company (returning financially, environmentally and socially) by voting here? It takes less than 1 minute!
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Meet Our New Business Advisor!
Bryan Thomas has recently joined the Central Virginia SBDC as an advisor, focusing on financial reviews and financing opportunities. With 43 years of experience as a commercial lender, manager, and leader of various commercial banking teams in Virginia, he is eager to support the needs of startups and growing businesses in our area. Bryan looks forward to helping you navigate your financial needs as you embark on and expand your business journey.
Schedule a meeting today to learn more!
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Visit Our Agriculture Resource Page
According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), “agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry, providing over $82 billion in economic impact and more than 381,800 jobs.”
Your Central Virginia SBDC office has specialists who understand agriculture. We can help you access resources that will help establish and grow your small farm or agribusiness operation.
Learn More
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury has compiled a great resource guide specifically for small businesses located in Virginia. This guide gives you a comprehensive list of resources for Accessing Funding, Customers, and Technical Assistance.
Download your guide here.
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Don't miss your chance to be a part of the transformative experience in the CIC 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop!
Beginning in February, in Charlottesville or Orange-Culpeper, this workshop will equip you with the basic principles and skills needed to run a business successfully. Explore crucial topics such as cash flow, breakeven, marketing, customer discovery, time management, and more!
Apply by January 3, 2025 for the Spring 2025 sessions.
Find out more and apply here.
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Virginia Talent & Opportunity Partnership (V-Top)
V-TOP is a statewide initiative designed to increase college internships and other work-based learning opportunities, thereby connecting businesses with emerging talent. It also provides fiscal support to businesses who want to hire area college students as interns. In Region 9, the UVA Career Center is the V-TOP grant holder and Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development is a partner. Learn more here.
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Reminder to File Your Beneficial Ownership Information Report
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), effective in 2024, mandates that small businesses and certain entities report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This law aims to prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and illicit activities by requiring companies to disclose information about individuals who own or control 25% or more of the business or exercise substantial control. Companies formed before January 1, 2024, must file their initial reports by January 1, 2025, while entities formed on or after January 1, 2024, have 30 days from the date of formation to report. Learn more and file here.
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SBA–Working Capital Program
SBA recently launched a new financing pilot that is particularly suited for supporting manufacturing growth.
Working capital loans, in contrast to term loans, is money available to meet short term financial obligations such as purchasing inventory, paying short-term debt, and day-to-day operating expenses.
The Working Capital Program (WCP) Pilot is part of the SBA’s suite of guaranteed 7(a) loan programs and will support revolving lines of credit up to $5 million.The new WCP combines domestic and export financing under a single program.
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Agriculture Small Business Loan Fund for Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
The VSBFA's Agricultural Disaster Microloan Program provides support for Virginia's agricultural and forestry small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Loans range from $5,000 to $50,000 for disaster-related needs. Eligible applicants must be owners of qualifying businesses established before October 1, 2022, with satisfactory credit and in good standing with the State Corporation Commission. Businesses must operate within designated disaster areas in Virginia. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more and apply
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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. | |
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Regional Business Networking Mixer
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur in the Food & Beverage Manufacturing, Light Manufacturing, Financial & Business Services, or IT & Communications sectors?
Are you located in Nelson, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange, or Rappahannock?
Peer-led Small Business Circles (SBCs) provide a confidential, supportive setting where small business owners can share real-time challenges, learn, exchange ideas, discuss and solve problems with their fellow entrepreneurs.
Join us for a special Regional Business Networking Mixer on Wednesday, November 20, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Best Western Zion Crossroads!
For more information and to register.
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Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network | |
HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY | |
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Is Your Organization Hiring?
If so, be sure to register as an exhibitor at the 2024 Fall UVA Career & Community Fair, which will be held on November 14th from 10am to 3pm. Meet hundreds of job seekers from the community with a wide variety of skill sets! The event is free and open to all organizations. Learn more
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Join The Startup Series!
Wednesdays starting October 2 | 300 Preston Ave
Thinking about starting a company or enhancing your current venture? The Startup Series, starting October 2, 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.
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The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development presents the Future of Talent series, diving deep into the evolving landscape of work. Employers will learn new strategies to attract great talent and build a strong team. Learn More. | |
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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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