Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Guardian Angels Up Above Celebrates One Year of Serving the Community

Guardian Angels Up Above, founded by Alexis Jackson, is a licensed child care center in Louisa County, serving children ages 2 to 5. Rooted in faith-based values, the center provides affordable, high-quality care with a strong focus on early education, emotional growth, and a nurturing environment. Alexis’s lifelong passion for working with children—shaped by years of volunteering in church programs—laid the foundation for a business centered on love, learning, and meaningful connection.

Alexis has worked closely with the Central Virginia SBDC to strengthen and grow her business, and Guardian Angels recently celebrated one year in business on September 23rd. With guidance from Virginia SBDC Childcare Expert Diane McCarthy, she received support in financial planning, marketing, and overall business development. This partnership has helped Alexis reach more families and operate more effectively.

"I'm really excited about the growth of my business. Each new child we welcome and each family we serve is an opportunity to expand our impact and continue building a nurturing, positive environment for children to learn and thrive. Seeing that growth firsthand is truly inspiring and motivates me to keep moving forward," she said.

“Working with the CV SBDC is an incredible resource for any business owner. They provide knowledgeable, supportive, and practical guidance that helps you feel more confident. They truly want to see you succeed.”

- Alexis Jackson, Owner

CV SBDC is Hiring!

The Central Virginia Small Business Development Center is currently accepting applications for a business advisor. The position will be a minimum part-time, with potential for full-time based on organizational needs and operational priorities. The CV SBDC Business Advisor will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations with an emphasis on business advising to entrepreneurs in the designated Counties.

View the full job description and application info here

Help the CACVB Feature You!

The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau is eager for stories about the holiday season and how we’re celebrating in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Please submit upcoming events to the CACVB events calendar as soon as possible. Your business could be featured in media outreach and promotions. And if you have a special menu, exciting décor, or other seasonal changes to your regular operations, please email us directly at marketing@visitcharlottesville.org.

Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey

The Small Business Credit Survey is a national sample of small businesses or firms aimed at providing insight into firms' financing and debt needs and experiences. Analysis of this dataset is issued through a series of reports. Your confidential response to the Small Business Credit Survey will help the Federal Reserve share vital information on the current business climate. The survey takes 10–12 minutes to complete and is open to all for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The survey is open through November 14th.

Take the survey here.

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Department of Transportation Redefines DBE Eligibility Standards

On October 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced a major policy change that reshapes how small businesses qualify as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBEs (ACDBE). From now on, all applicants—and even currently certified firms—must prove disadvantage on an individual basis. This marks a new era of individualized eligibility, where certification depends on personal experience and documented evidence rather than group membership.

Read more here.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

An SBDC advisor can assist you in applying for this loan. Request an appointment here.

Every program of the Virginia SBDC is open to all members of the public.

Pitch Preview

November 6 | 12 PM - 2 PM

Virginia early-stage innovative entrepreneurs:  Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN) and Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC) have joined forces to help you polish your pitch presentation.There is no cost to participate and presenter(s) will leave with actionable feedback from angel investors. This is not an application for funding or a formal presentation to request investment.

Applications are due Friday, October 24th.

Apply and find more information here.

Charlottesville Entrepreneurs & Espresso (C-E2)

October 28 | 9 AM - 11 AM

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.

RSVP here.

Turning Your Hobby into a Business

November 18 | 1 - 2 PM | Virtual

Looking for a way to turn your creative outlet into something profitable? Whether you craft, bake, take photos, garden, or another hobby, CV SBDC advisor Rosi Beachy will walk you through how your interests can grow into a successful business. Whether you're just starting to think about monetizing your skills or already selling on the side, this session will offer practical insights, inspiration, and guidance to help you take the next step. 

Register here.

Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and 

statewide training offerings for even more learning!

Data Centric Summit & Career Fair

November 6 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Charlottesville, VA

The Data Centric Summit 2025 is a premier event focused on empowering organizations to navigate the complex data landscape. Attendees will gain valuable insights into data management strategies, discover innovative solutions, and network with industry experts. The summit will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and a workshop covering a wide range of topics, including data governance, data security, AIML, and emerging data technologies.

Learn more and register here.

CACVB's Destination 20+45

November 12 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Charlottesville, VA

Join the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau and your industry peers for one of our lively Destination 20+45 events. In just about an hour, you’ll get a quick, engaging 15–20-minute tourism industry update—followed by 45 minutes of coffee, conversation, and networking with fellow tourism pros. These events are free, full of fresh ideas, and a fantastic way to connect… all you have to do is register and show up!

Register here.

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

The Virginia SBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, George 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.