SBDC RESOURCES

Welcome, Our New Business Advisor: Kate Zuckerman!

Kate Zuckerman is a Business Advisor with Central Virginia SBDC and the principal of Conscious Consults, a firm supporting small businesses and nonprofits. She previously co-owned Blue Ridge Bucha, where she managed all aspects of the company’s strategy and operations, driving significant growth and regional distribution. Kate’s specialties include start-up, strategy, growth, marketing, company culture, work-life balance, and social and environmental impact. Please join us in warmly welcoming Kate to the team!

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Small Dollar Lending to Underserved Entrepreneurs Rises


Over the past four years, 19 million new business applications have been filed nationwide, with a significant rise in entrepreneurship among women and people of color, particularly Black business ownership, which has doubled since 2019. SBA lending to historically underserved entrepreneurs has grown substantially, with average monthly loans to Black, Latino, and women-owned businesses more than doubling.

SBA to Host Third Annual Small Business Cyber Summit


The SBA will host its free Small Business Cyber Summit on October 16 and 23, offering tools and resources to help America's 34 million small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity. The summit includes hands-on advice, forensic assessments, and expert panels, in collaboration with multiple federal agencies.

National Small Business Week


SBA is accepting nominations for the National Small Business Week awards which recognize SBA-assisted small businesses’ inspirational achievements and contributions to their communities and our nation’s economy. All nominations must be submitted electronically by 4 p.m. EDT on December 5, 2024. The awards will be presented during the National Small Business Week awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 4-5, 2025.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Virginia FAIRS Agricultural and Forestry Innovation Challenge "Bull Pen"


VAFAIRS (Virginia Foundation for Agriculture Innovation and Rural Sustainability) presents Bull Pen, an opportunity for business owners to compete for up to $30,000 in cash prizes which can be used to advance their business ideas and enterprises. Application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET, September 16, 2024.

PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos Grant Program



PepsiCo and Hello Alice are proud to announce the PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos Grant Program! This program is providing $10,000 grants to 20 women-owned small businesses in the food and beverage industry. Apply before September 27 at 6 p.m. ET.

Rural Energy Program: Renewable Energy & Efficiency Loans/Grants


The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Learn more and apply by September 30th.

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.

Tuesday, September 17 | 8AM - 10AM | CODE Building

c-e2 is a casual gathering of learning for entrepreneurs at all stages of venture creation. Get inspired, meet fellow entrepreneurs, share lessons learned, and become a part of Charlottesville’s vibrant and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. RSVP HERE!

Curious about grants for your business?


Attend this month's Facts & Snacks hosted by Be A Culpeper Local.


Rosi Beachy will be presenting information on how to get started with grants and where to find federal, state, and private sector grants.


This event is free, but registration is required. RSVP Here for the September 25th Event!

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.

The Charlottesville Angel Network and Central VA SBDC are teaming up for a Pitch Preview Event! Apply to Pitch at the November 7th event!

Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network

The RFP: Who? What? When?

September 4 | 12 PM EST


Trade Talk: Leveraging Free Trade Agreements

September 5 | 11 AM EST


Franchising 101: Starting a Business

September 10 | 12 PM EST

Business Foundations - Management

September 10 | 12 PM EST


Success Through e-Commerce

September 17 | 12 PM EST


Home-Based Business: It's Not Too Early for Tax Preparation

September 19 | 12 PM EST

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and 

statewide training offerings for even more learning!

HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY

Pet Industry Event

September 5 | 6 PM - 9 PM | In Person (Arlington)


Attend an evening at Nestle NA headquarters for networking, food, drinks, and expert insights. Enjoy watching the Pitch Competition, hosted by Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and TEDCO, featuring contenders vying for two $5,000 prizes!

Idea Factory


Whether you’re expanding a business, innovating your industry, or aspiring to be an entrepreneur, the Idea Factory powered by Startup Virginia helps you build solutions people want based on insights, not assumptions. Apply by September 6!

Coffee with VA Venture Partners

September 6 | 9 AM - 10:30 AM | Virtual

Virginia Venture Partners (VVP) places equity investment in Virginia founders and takes Limited Partner positions in venture capital funds to generate significant economic returns for entrepreneurs, General Partners (GPs), co-investors, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. During this online session meet with VVP to learn about funding and have your questions answered.

The Future of Talent: Gen Z & Multi-Generational Workforce

September 12 | 9 AM - 11 AM | In Person (Charlottesville)


Dive deep into the evolving landscape of work and learn new strategies to attract great talent and build a strong team. In this first session, hear from Lesa Hanlin, EdD., Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Relations, University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Leveraging AI for Global Business Success

September 12 | 2 PM - 3 PM | Virtual

In today's digital age, AI offers transformative opportunities for businesses to streamline operations, boost productivity, and enhance customer engagement. Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this session promises practical insights and actionable steps tailored to give your business a competitive edge.

Presented by CvilleBioHub and Cooley LLP, the 3rd CvilleBioHub BioDiscovery Summit will feature a panel discussion on The ABCs of Healthcare Innovation, keynote conversation with Thomas Thorpe of Afton Scientific and a networking reception.


Connect with biotech and medtech professionals, life sciences entrepreneurs, and other members of the innovative biotech community. Register Here!

Strategies for Rural Small Business Growth

September 24 | 2:00PM | Virtual


The program will feature an in-depth interview with two successful rural small business exporters. This will be followed by an overview of some of the variety of programs and services that can support your business expansion.

Apply Today!


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

Facebook  X  Instagram  Linkedin  

The Virginia SBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business AdministrationGeorge Mason University‐Mason Enterprise, and local host institutions. The Virginia SBDC is nationally accredited by America’s SBDC.


All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Business owners can access the services of their nearest SBDC at VirginiaSBDC.org.