CV SBDC Garners Statewide and National Recognition!
Dear business owners and community partners,

We would like to thank you for trusting us as your partners in business, and share the spotlight with you. All of you have worked with us to build a strong small business service organization.

Thanks to you, your Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CV SBDC) has been recognized as the top performing SBDC in the Commonwealth of Virginia for two years straight, based on the level, by which, it exceeded 6 performance measures relating to client services. Our Director, Rebecca Haydock, has also been recognized for innovation and support of the Virginia SBDC network, as this year's Virginia State Star! One of our most exciting data points to share, of the 158 clients that secured over $25 million in funding assistance through the center in 2021, 129 of those clients were women and minority owned businesses!

Service has expanded in all categories, including support for rural, minority, veteran and women-owned businesses and small business starts, to international trade expansions and capital access in the millions for growing companies. This SBDC belongs to all of us. Thank you, for working with us to serve our region. These recognitions belong to you.

We also appreciate your patience. We've experienced some growing pains and are always listening for your input and feedback about how we can best serve. Please do share your feedback about what you would like to see to support your business and your small business community.

One additional shout out of thanks...the team and resources are possible thanks to America's SBDC, Virginia SBDC, Community Investment Collaborative, George Mason University, the Small Business Administration, the municipalities we serve, private organizations and generous donors. When you can, please join us in thanking our sponsors that make access to these free and confidential resources possible, as well as the many other entrepreneurship support organizations in our region that work together to strengthen our communities.

With great respect and appreciation,

Your SBDC team
CIC Recognized by Carter Bank and Trust
Each quarter, Carter Bank and Trust donates $500 to three local charities. Last week, CV SBDC host organization, Community Investment Collaborative, was recognized as one of these spotlight charities!

CIC Development & Communications Coordinator, Yvonnia Bryant, said "This donation means so much to us because it allows us to continue supporting entrepreneurs in and around the Charlottesville area. We've been doing this for 10 years now, so this will allow us to keep doing that and keep impacting the community"

Opportunities for International Business
The U.S. Census Bureau reported a $79.6 billion deficit (imports over exports) for our country. 
 
We are looking for businesses that would benefit from:
- identifying the best international markets for your goods or services
- expanding international sales
- learning more about how to develop an international business plan.
 
If we have enough interest, we will form a group of exporters and potential exporters in our region to connect to the many resources available to enhance success. Please email contact@cvsbdc.org with the subject 'International' if you are interested.
 
Small Business Development Centers provide the education to receive CGBP (Certified Global Business Professional) certification through NASBITE (North American Small Business International Trade Educators.) SBDC connects companies to resources to succeed in international business. 
Quad County Business Summit
The 7th annual Quad County Business Summit will bring together businesses from the counties of Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange, and others from Central Virginia for a half-day of networking opportunities. All are welcome to attend!

The Summit will include Kelli Palmer, Chief Diversity Officer at Willow Tree, as the keynote speaker discussing winning in talent attraction and retention. The event also features a local business owner panel discussion with Q&A, and the Annual QuadTank Pitch Competition.
Featured Upcoming Events
Government Contracting: 8(a)
HYBRID EVENT
online or at 300 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville
October 4 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 5% of that spend is allocated for Small Disadvantaged (8(A)) firms and 3% is allocated for HUBZone firms. This is a huge 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.
Fluvanna: Build Your Social Media Plan
IN PERSON EVENT
132 Main St, Palmyra
September 22 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Join us in Fluvanna 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
Cohosted by Fluvanna County, VA Economic Development Authority,
Fluvanna County Chamber of Commerce, and Fluvanna Economic Development
Marketing Monday: Grow Your Business with Digital Marketing
October 3 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Digital marketing creates growth for businesses - learn to understand the basics now! Learn about the basics of digital marketing, including social media, email marketing, SEO, and more.

Presented by Cameron Nelson, Chief Digital Advisor, CV SBDC and Virginia SBDC
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!

September 29 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Presented as part of Charlottesville Minority Business Month

October 11 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Taught by business advisors of Community Investment Collaborative, Central Virginia SCORE and Central Virginia SBDC.
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 events@cvsbdc.org for more information.

Presented jointly by:
Central Virginia SBDC, Capital Region SBDC, and Hampton Roads SBDC
Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and statewide training offerings
The Fall Resource Fair is Near!
September 28 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM
City Space (100 5th St NE, Cville)

Get free business consultations with business professionals, including attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, social media consultants, marketing professionals, business productivity coaches, and human resources consultants.

Reserve your free sessions now at cicville.org/resource-fair.

Registration ends today.
Happening in our community...

Apply for GO Start-Up program with the City of Charlottesville!
Black Business Expo
IN-PERSON: IX Art Park
September 24 | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
The Black Business Expo supports and celebrates local black-owned businesses. It is a FREE event designed to celebrate and encourage the success of black-owned businesses locally and beyond.

Registration for the Business Pitch Contest is open now! Sign up HERE

Learn more about the Black Business Expo HERE
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