Challenges in accessing money for your business?
The most recent Small Business Majority survey showed that 75% of business owners have experienced challenges in raising capital. If you are one of these people, your CV SBDC team has 4 experienced advisors that will meet with you, confidentially and free-of-charge to discuss options for capital. Our region is uniquely positioned with risk capital sources and lenders that work with us to identify creative solutions. We can also connect you with resources to work on building personal and business credit.
-- your partners in business, CV SBDC
Welcome Ariel Bredder!
We are excited to introduce you to Central Virginia SBDC's Assistant Director, Ariel Bredder. Ariel is a certified mentor, professionally trained coach, and has strong marketing, financial, and business startup experience. She is an entrepreneur, business advisor, and offers a weekly podcast, It's Time to Be YOU.

Ariel is looking forward to supporting the small business community in Central Virginia in her new role with CV SBDC.

WE ARE HIRING!
Central Virginia SBDC is hiring for another Assistant Director position! This role will have primary responsibility for service in our northern territory; the counties of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock. We have great partnerships in these communities and are seeking a full-time, experienced business advisor. The role will work out of our Culpeper office two days a week, Charlottesville one day a week, with travel and remote options on the other two days. 

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our caring, conscientious and collaborative team, please respond to the posting on our jobs page. Reminder: CV SBDC is hosted by Community Investment Collaborative; therefore, this role is a CIC employee and part of our bigger CIC/CV SBDC family.

Our Values
Integrity: Demonstrate honesty, confidentiality, accountability and conduct above reproach.
Trust: Provide quality service, innovative approaches, practical advice and objective guidance.
Respect: Recognize the views and opinions of all clients, stakeholders, partners and colleagues, and be responsive to their needs regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin.
Continuous Improvement: Expand our effectiveness through professional accreditations, increasing impacts, implementing effective and innovative programs, and developing staff's skills and expertise. 
And the winner is.....

Southern Revere Cellars
Sheridan Grime and Paula Spencer

The fourth annual QuadTank Pitch Competition had 11 submissions that competed in a preliminary round to determine the 4 finalists that would present their pitches for the 5 judges at the QuadCounty Business Summit.

Sheridan Grime and Paula Spencer from Southern Revere Cellars were awarded the $6,750 prize.
"We were very honored to be selected since all the finalists had impressive presentations and we love to support fellow small businesses. But of course we were very excited that our hard work and perseverance paid off! Especially since this was our second attempt. (We also pitched in 2019 before we opened, and made it to the finals but didn't win.) It goes to show that you should always keep trying for something you believe in. We plan to use the prize money to make outdoor seasonal improvements that allow us to keep serving the community year round (additional lighting, patio heaters, and maybe even a tent for private parties)." -- Sheridan Grime, Southern Revere Cellars
Photo by BC Photography
SWaMfest 2022: Verses
Oct 26 - 27
SWaMFest is a networking, educational and professional development event for Small Businesses seeking government contracting connections. SWaM = small, women and/or minority-owned.

SBDC clients receive $25 off registration (new total of $124) with the code below.

Code: AGSWM-BLK
Census Bureau Launches First-Of-Its-Kind
Venture Fund to Improve Data Collection
Does your business process data in a unique way?
You might be eligible to apply for a $10,000 grant. 

StatVentures, an initiative of Census Open Innovation Labs, will scout technology through collaborations with nongovernment innovators to ensure the Census Bureau continues to provide quality data effectively and efficiently. Through multiphase competitions, StatVentures will invite participants to propose new ways the Census Bureau can collect and improve the nation’s supply chain data. 

Applications open Oct 26.
Small Business Majority Holiday Gift Guide 2022
applications are open!
Last year, more than 2,500 visitors shopped from nearly 300 small businesses on the Small Business Majority guide. This online directory is a way for you to freely promote your business and your products this holiday season. Approved applicants will be featured in the holiday guide on our website from November 22, 2022 - January 1, 2023 and will receive a promotional toolkit to share the gift guide with your customers. 

There are no fees associated with this directory. 

Founders' Education Series

Are you ready to prepare for launch with confidence or evaluate an existing business? The Founders' Series is a 5-week series to prepare a solid foundation to start or expand.

All classes will be held via Zoom from 4:30-6:30pm


We encourage taking the sessions in order to complete an optional 
Entrepreneurship Certificate. More information can be found here.

There is a $5 administrative fee for each session of the Founder's Series. Email [email protected] for more information.

Presented jointly by:
Social Media Workshop - walk away with a plan!
IN PERSON EVENTS
October 27
Hardware Hills Vineyard, 5199 W River Rd, Scottsville
Looking to up your social media game? Join us for the afternoon at the beautiful Hardware Hills Vineyard (5199 W River Rd, Scottsville, VA) for a presentation and extended workshop led by social media marketing expert Greg Dorazio of Dorazio Communications.

This event (lunch provided) supports the Fluvanna Chamber of Commerce so there is a fee for the presentation and the workshop: $15 for members of Fluvanna Chamber of Commerce. $20 for non-members. Networking from 4-6pm is free, wine included.

Attend one or both of the sessions and then stay for a networking social hosted by the Fluvanna Chamber!


Build Your Social Media Plan
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Fee: $10 chamber members, $15 non-members

Join us for a fun and interactive event! Social media can help you build stronger relationships with your customers and even meet new ones, but success on social isn't magic. Presenter Greg Dorazio will share strategy and tactics to help you post with style and confidence.

Lunch will be provided


Guided Social Media Plan Building - WORKSHOP
2:00 - 4:00 PM
Fee: $5 Chamber members / non-members

This workshop is designed to build on "Build Your Social Media." Presenter Greg Dorazio will walk you through creating images and context for posts using free media services and tips of the trade. By the end of the session you will have a month of posts created and ready to share!



Presented with Fluvanna County Economic Development, Fluvanna County Chamber of Commerce, and Fluvanna Economic Development Authority
Government Contracting: HUBZone
HYBRID EVENT
online or at 300 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville
November 1 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 3% is allocated for HUBZone firms. This is a big opportunity for small firms who qualify to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of Government Contracting through set-aside opportunities.

Join Lisa Wood, Director of the Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), for this informative presentation – a “must” for those who are considering the Federal Government contracting market and want to learn how to prepare for/navigate this huge potential market. This class offers tips and tricks on how to win Federal business.
Starting Your Business

Thinking about starting a small business?
Are you in business but aren't confident everything is in order?
This workshop is for you!


November 2 | 9:00 - 11:00 AM
HYBRID event: In person at Orange County Econ Dev (109 W Main St, Orange) or online via Zoom

Taught by business advisors of Community Investment Collaborative, Central Virginia SCORE and Central Virginia SBDC.
Marketing Monday: How to Become and In-Demand Brand
November 7 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM
HYBRID event: in person at 300 Preston Ave (free on-site parking) or online via Zoom
When you have messaging that truly connects and converts, you will see an increase in more people who are ready to buy from you shortly after they experience you, WITHOUT you needing to do any hard selling. In this session, we are going to show you the elements needed in your marketing and messaging to create a DEMAND for your offer with messaging that connects and converts.

Presented by Amy Hager, an executive coach and marketer with over 15 years in managing businesses and non-profits to guide CEOs as they build their team and business. Amy was also the communications strategist for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Her creative, people-oriented solutions are designed for busy business owners.
Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and statewide training offerings
Meet us at CIC10 for a night to remember!
On November 5th, at Ix Art Park, we'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary! Bring your friends, family, and colleagues to join in on the fun!

Secure your tickets now:

Fee: General Admission $100
CIC Graduates and Borrowers: contact Yvonnia at [email protected]
for a discount code!
Central Virginia Small Business Development Center | Visit our website
Charlottesville main office phone: 434-295-8198 | Culpeper direct phone: 540-727-0638
Culpeper office: 803 South Main Street, Culpeper, VA 22701