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Meet Our New Rural Advisor!
Elizabeth Ladner is a Rural Business Advisor for the Central Virginia SBDC, serving the counties of Fluvanna, Orange, and Louisa. She earned her AB from Duke University and her MA from the University of Virginia, and brings nearly 20 years of project management experience across academic, non‑profit, and private sector settings. In 2020, she launched Let’s Create Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses build strong foundations, refine their strategies, and grow their online presence. With expertise in business planning, marketing, website design, and systems implementation, Elizabeth excels at connecting entrepreneurs to the tools and resources that best fit their unique ventures. She is passionate about guiding small business owners from concept to launch, and providing ongoing support as they evolve. Today, Elizabeth is excited to join the CVSBDC team to further foster a thriving, resilient, and innovative small business community.
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A Farewell to Terry, Our Rural Ecosystem Builder
After two meaningful years of service, we're saying goodbye to Terry Woodworth. During his time with us, Terry has been instrumental in strengthening the bonds that connect our rural communities and fostering relationships that will continue to flourish long after his departure.
While we'll miss his insight, passion, and genuine care for our rural communities, we're grateful for the foundation he's helped establish. The connections he's nurtured and the trust he's built will continue to serve our communities well into the future.
We wish Terry all the best in his next chapter and thank him for his invaluable contributions to our mission.
Please join us in thanking Terry for his dedicated service to our rural communities.
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Register for Charlottesville's Tourism for All Cohort
The City of Charlottesville's annual Tourism for All cohort will run for its third year from September 2025 to February 2026. Registration for the cohort will open Monday, July 7. This program is available to Charlottesville and Albemarle County businesses, attractions, and community leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry who are committed to creating a welcoming environment for all.
Click here for more information.
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SBA Reinstates Rule to Return Federal Contractors to Work
U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it would be reinstating a rule to require government contractors to return to work. Effective Oct. 1, participants in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program will once again be required to have an actual, physical office within the geographic area in which they are bidding on federal construction contracts. The temporary COVID-era suspension of this rule ends Sept. 30.
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Remy Martin This is My City National Grant
Are you a community-focused creative entrepreneur making a lasting impact? Rémy Martin's This is My City grant program seeks visionary artists, musicians, designers, DJs, radio personalities, fashion creatives, community space operators, and entrepreneurs who are driving cultural change and creating economic opportunities in their communities. One local leader will receive a $20,000 grant, paired with one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders, to amplify their community impact. Applications are due July 18th.
For more information and to apply.
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Virginia Tourism Corporation Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program Grants
VTC is giving away $5,000 as part of its reimbursable grant program to leverage existing marketing funds. Small tourism-related business with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, including boutique retail, restaurants, food trucks, small attractions, craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, boutique lodging and B&Bs, and events focused on shoulder season visitation are eligible to apply until applications close on July 24th.
More information.
| | 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. | | |
Charlottesville Entrepreneurs + Espresso (C-E2)
July 15 | 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.
Register here
| | | Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network | | HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY | | |
ServSafe Managerial Training
July 7 | 9 AM - 5 PM | Culpeper, VA
The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification is recognized by the Virginia Department of Health as meeting the requirements to be a Certified Food Protection Manager. VCE offers the program locally to food service workers at restaurants, hospitals, schools, and child care centers. Participants receive instruction about food safety concepts such as sanitation, food storage, safety regulations, pest management, and safe food handling practices. The Virginia Food Regulations require that each food establishment employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has supervisory and management responsibilities.
Register here.
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CBIC Innovation Mixer
July 8 | 5 - 7 PM | Charlottesville, VA
CBIC's recurring event (formerly known as Tech on Tap) provides a monthly opportunity on the second Tuesday of each month for tech startups, founders, professionals, innovators, and tech enthusiasts to socialize, collaborate, share ideas, and form professional relationships. Designed specifically for the entrepreneurial, high-tech community, this happy hour is casual. No panel discussions and (usually) no formal program.
Register here.
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Annual Mid-Atlantic Advanced Biomanufacturing Symposium
July 17 | 8 AM - 6:30 PM | Charlottesville, VA
The Center for Advanced Biomanufacturing at the University of Virginia is bringing together experts from industry, government, non-profits and academia to discuss foundational research, technology development and product commercialization toward creating an advanced biomanufacturing industry for the United States. Our invited speakers and panelists will discuss ongoing research in biofabrication and cell manufacturing, government funding and regulatory considerations for biomanufactured tissues and organs, and clinical implementation of regenerative medicine products.
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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