Client Spotlight

Founded by Crystal Napier, Renee’s Boutique provides a safe space for women to shop and embrace their bodies while understanding and loving that each of us is wonderfully made.

Crystal offers personal styling sessions, bra fittings, and personal shopping services. After building her business from her house, Crystal was able to open up her showroom in 2023.

With this new transition, Crystal has been working with Central VA SBDC to better manage her QuickBooks, understand her financials, and develop her marketing strategy.

According to Crystal, "Working SBDC this year has been instrumental for the progress of my business. Meeting with Ariel Vaughan and Rebecca Haydock last week left me equipped with new knowledge and tools that are bringing clarity and setting realistic goals for the success of my business. Jamee Dion has also been extremely helpful in assisting me cleaning up and managing my books. She has educated me on various aspects of QuickBooks and has saved me time and money!"

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

VIPC Partners with VC Funds to Invest $100 Million in 100 Startups

The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corp. is partnering with seven venture capital fund managers to invest $100 million in 100 Virginia-based startups. Through the partnership, announced on May 20 by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and named Virginia Invests, VIPC will commit $40 million to the seven funds using previously awarded funding from the U.S.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Energy Efficiency Grant

Receive up to $2,000 for energy upgrades in 2024!

This grant is available to small businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County for energy efficiency upgrades (appliances, lighting, heating/cooling systems, etc.).

Learn more and apply by July 31st.

Tourism Marketing Grant

Does your business help attract out of region visitors?

You may be eligible for the Virginia Tourism Corporation Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program. This is a reimbursable grant to help you with your marketing efforts and support tourism. Applications are open through August 22nd.

Farm Project Grant

Are you a Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher?

RAFI is now accepting applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant to receive up to $10,000 in funding. RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers (USDA definition) for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition. Learn more and apply by August 9th, at 5pm.

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.

Pitch Preview is an opportunity for early-stage innovative entrepreneurs to polish their pitch with live feedback from the Charlottesville Angel Network and the Virginia Small Business Development Center. Apply by July 25th for an opportunity to pitch on August 1st.

Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and 

statewide training offerings for even more learning!

The NSF and NIH SBIR/STTR programs rely on the applicant describing the market opportunity at many levels. Market size, value proposition, letters of support, competition, and more. But how do you go about this? How much do they want? How do NSF and NIH differ in their requirements in Phase I and II? Register here to learn this and more at this special webinar!

Strengthen your proposal by learning the SBIR objectives, understanding the evaluation criteria and how to write a compelling commercialization strategy. Register here!

SCORE - Marketing and Branding

August 10 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

In Person (Fredricksburg)

Elevate your brand's presence and connect with your audience like never before. Join SCORE's workshop to forge marketing and branding strategies that leave a lasting impression. Reserve your spot now!

VEDP Import Compliance Program for Supply Chain Optimization

August 20 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Virtual

This training is essential for both experienced and first-time importers to ensure they understand U.S. import regulations and avoid fines, delays, and potential loss of import privileges. The session will cover importers' roles and responsibilities, proper bonds and valuations, strategies to reduce delays and demurrage, a compliance checklist, and the ten best practices of compliant companies.

The Accelerate Investor Conference

October 23 & 24

In Person (Arlington)

The Accelerate Investor Conference is a venture investor and startup competition highlighting the region's innovation and business opportunities. It promotes growth by presenting leading new tech startups to potential investors.

Want to compete in the competition? Apply by Tuesday, July 30, at 12 pm.

The competition features numerous top tech companies and over 20 student teams, aiming to support early to mid-seed stage, high-growth businesses that can positively impact the local economy.

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.