SBDC Day is a national, collective proclamation of the impact America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) have on the success of our nation’s dreamers, innovators, and doers – America’s small businesses.

SBDC Day unites the nearly 1,000 SBDC centers across the country and the hundreds of thousands of clients they serve by sharing, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts SBDCs collectively have on the small business community.

The theme for SBDC Day 2024 is “Nurturing Dreams. Growing Futures.” The nation’s largest and most trusted small business advising program nurtures the dreams of American entrepreneurs and drives prosperity and growth in communities across the United States and its territories. Explore the 2024 ASBDC Impact Report.

Here at Central Virginia SBDC, we are honored to help you nourish your dreams and grow your future. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey!

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS & RESOURCES

Last Chance to Apply to the ERC - Voluntary Disclosure Program

The IRS reminds businesses, tax professionals and others who want to learn more about resolving incorrect Employee Retention Credit claims to view this webinar about the ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program and other IRS efforts to help taxpayers who may have been misled by aggressive marketing and misinformation around ERC eligibility.

The deadline to apply to the Employee Retention Credit – Voluntary Disclosure Program is March 22nd.

Visit Your Local USDA Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs.

During your visit, you can:

• Register for a farm number to participate in USDA programs
• Discuss your business and conservation goals
• Make a plan to meet conservation compliance provisions
• Verify eligibility for USDA programs

Find your local USDA Service Center here.

Attention All Manufacturing Companies

GENEDGE has launched the Emerging Business Program to help small businesses scale their manufacturing operations. Participants of the program will be paired with a consultant to address business challenges and determine opportunities for growth and development. Learn more about the program here.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

$10K Grant Available

Main Street America and American Express have partnered to create the Backing Small Business Grant Program which will provide grants of $10,000 and an opportunity to be eligible for an additional $30,000. Review this slide deck or webinar to learn more. Applications will close April 7th or once 5,000 submissions have been received.

Reimbursable Grants for Farmers and Food Businesses

Are you a small farmer, food producer, local food systems advocate or interested in building your community’s local food and farming infrastructure? Learn more about the AFID Infrastructure Program and work with your locality to identify and develop suitable projects to receive a reimbursable grant. Applications open March 25, 2024.

Value-Added Producer Grants

The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. Apply by April 11th.

Black Restaurant Fund

LISC created the Black Restaurant Fund, made possible by a donation from Uber, to provide capital to Black restaurants and those serving the Black community. With this program LISC makes growth capital investments in restaurants ranging from $25,000 to a maximum of $250,000 with flexible repayment terms. Learn more here.

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.

Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and 

statewide training offerings for even more learning!

Virginia Food & Beverage Expo

March 27 | 9 AM - 4 PM

In Person (Richmond)

The 2024 Virginia Food & Beverage Expo is the perfect place for retailers, wholesalers, distributors, food service representatives and those in search of private-label brands to find products from Virginia that are packaged and labeled for retail or wholesale settings. Meet one-on-one with producers, select new items, and place orders right on the show floor. There is no cost to attend.

2024 VA Farmers Market Food Safety Summit

April 4, 9, 11 | 9 AM - 12 PM

Virtual

The Virginia Association of Farmers Markets (VAFMA) is hosting an online Food Safety Summit. The sessions will highlight food safety requirements and best practices for farmers market vendors. These classes are a great resource for food businesses.

Enroll in CIC's Financial Management Program, where you can benefit from up to 20 hours of private financial coaching, customized budgeting sessions, and a range of bookkeeping services.

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.