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Lee's Mini Market Celebrates Ribbon Cutting in Louisa
Kau and her husband Richard are bringing a fresh concept to the heart of Louisa with Lee's Mini Market—a one-stop shop offering everything from everyday essentials to unique finds. Inspired by the all-in-one markets she frequented while living in Manhattan, Kau envisioned a space where customers could pick up groceries, pet products, baking goods, makeup, handbags, candles, gifts, and more—all under one roof. And now, that vision is a growing reality.
Years prior to launching her current venture, Kau operated a small women’s boutique. After relocating from Florida, she felt the pull to start something new—something that met the community’s daily needs. “I wanted to start something that people had a need for,” she said. “Everybody needs food and toiletries and basic products.”
Louisa has proved to be the right place for Lee's Mini Market. “Meeting all the new customers has been so rewarding. The regulars who come in once a week feel like friends now. I’ve lived everywhere around the world, and this little town is one that really feels like home.” On May 5th, the Louisa community came together for the market's ribbon cutting, celebrating the months of hard work the Lees put in to make their business a reality.
Kau credits the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center with playing a key role in her entrepreneurial journey - she connected with advisor Rosi Beachy early on in the process, who helped her build connections with local farmers, producers, and other small grocery store owners—relationships that have enriched the store’s offerings and operations.
For anyone who hasn’t visited the market yet, Kau offers a warm invitation: “Come by and visit the market—there’s a lot to see. We’re always changing things up.” And for those considering starting their own business, she adds, “Go on the SBDC website and check out the programs. I use to sit in on every single webinar that applied to my need at the
time—they’re full of helpful information."
"Find out who your local [SBDC] advisor is and build that relationship. It really takes a community.” - Kau Lee, owner
| | A Farewell to Our Intern, Katie | | |
Over the past 3 years, we've had the pleasure of having Katie Rogers in our office as our Operations Intern. From administrative tasks to client outreach, and even just being an extra set of hands during busy months, Katie has been a tremendous help to our team. This past weekend, she graduated from UVA's McIntire School of Commerce, and this summer, she'll start her new adventure in New York. We appreciate all of her contributions and we wish her the best of luck!
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Apply for CAN's June Pitch Preview!
Virginia early-stage entrepreneurs: Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN) and Virginia Small Business Development Center (VSBDC) have joined forces to help you polish your pitch presentation. CAN and VSBDC are offering pitch practice opportunities, with accredited angel investors in attendance. There is no cost to participate and presenter(s) will leave with actionable feedback from these angel investors.
Apply for the June 5th preview by May 26th.
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Look Out for Small Business Scams
Recently, scammers have been targeting small businesses and business owners in an attempt to steal sensitive information, such as bank statements or personal info. Stay vigilant! Always verify unfamiliar contacts, double-check payment requests, and don’t share sensitive information unless you're sure it's secure. When in doubt, pause and investigate. Protect your business by staying informed!
Check out this article from the Better Business Bureau about how to avoid scams.
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FSA Customer Kiosks
The new customer kiosks from USDA’s Farm Service Agency are now available at every county office nationwide. These kiosks help to streamline your visit to your local county office and easily access a variety of features such as signing FSA documents, utilizing the Loan Assistance Tool, browsing USDA programs, accessing the internet, and accessing necessary personal information. Future kiosk functionality enhancements include a customer check-in application, self-service option for FSA program applications and documents, financial inquiries and more.
To find a customer kiosk near you, visit your local county office.
| | An SBDC advisor can assist you in applying for this loan. Request an appointment here. | | |
Seed Capital Pitch Competition
This competition is part of the Good Soil Forum, presented by Wells Fargo, a $500,000 investment initiative into small businesses that are ready to grow. This competition includes $200,000, $100,00, $75,000, and $50,000 prizes. All finalists will also be invited to join the Good Soil Accelerator, a year-long program that provides intensive mentorship, resources, and support to help grow your business and improve fundability. Applications are due May 23rd at 6 PM.
For eligibility requirements and to apply.
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Digital Ready Grant Program
Digital Ready is giving away $10k grants to deserving business owners and starting to accept applications this spring. Business owners must take two free online courses of their choice and submit a proposal by June 30th.
Register here to become eligible to apply.
| | Every program of the Virginia SBDC is open to all members of the public. | | |
The first-ever Piedmont Ascent Business Conference is next Thursday!
Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to gain insight into marketing, capital, AI, and more tips for your business development. This conference is designed to benefit entrepreneurs in any industry or at any experience level. After the conference, attend the Piedmont Pitch competition, featuring 6 local entrepreneurs. Join us on May 29th to learn, grow, discuss, network, and make your mark on the local entrepreneur community. Registration closes Wednesday, May 28th at noon. Reach out to events@cvsbdc.org with questions.
Register here.
| | Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network | | HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY | | |
UVA Small Business Expo
June 11 | 12-2 PM | Charlottesville, VA
Register for the Small Business Expo at Newcomb Hall to connect with over 50 Local and Small businesses, and purchasing representatives from local government agencies.
This event will provide University purchasers with the opportunity to discover new businesses, to connect in person with their favorite local and small businesses, and to learn more about the University’s Small Business initiative. Only SWaM-certified or local businesses may exhibit at this event.
Secure your spot here.
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National Institute of Health SBIR Proposal Prep Training
May 22 | 8:30-4:30 PM | Charlottesville, VA
Join Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation for this special opportunity to learn from experts, learn about recent updates, and prepare a more compliant NIH proposal in these increasingly challenging times. Through this training, you'll learn an overview of the SBIR/STTR program, a section by section discussion of proposal prep tips, requirements, and grantsmanship, and NIH proposal prep, including specific aims and commercialization plan requirements.
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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