Business News NOW
From the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center

January 5, 2022
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What do power outages, broken trees blocking roadways and New Year's resolutions cause us to do? Adapt! Winning any battle requires A PLAN. We are here to fight the business battle with you - giving you all the best tools in our arsenal.

Let's roll up our sleeves, together, and show 2022 who's the boss!

LOOKING FOR GRANTS?
Click below to view current sources we've found.

Contact us at [email protected] or 434-295-8198 to meet with an advisor to discuss these funding sources or other potential funding opportunities for your small business.
“I’m honored to be a part of the SBDC team here in Central Virginia and so excited for the opportunity to partner with the amazing entrepreneurs and existing small businesses here in our region. I love diving into product strategy and developing sustainable business models. I look forward to hearing from you!”
Meet Tom Kelly
Tom Kelly joined the CVSBDC in late 2021 and has already proved to be a valuable member of the team. With his experience working in large corporate environments and as the owner and operator of his own sourdough bread business, he brings personal experience as a small business owner along with years of working in marketing and product development.

Tom hit the ground running in late 2021, presenting popular Brand Equity and Product Launch Strategy training events while working with several of SBDC clients. His whiteboarding sessions have been very well received and he’s collaborated with multiple SBDC advisors to bring a broader perspective for our clients.

To meet with Tom:
[email protected] | 434-295-8198
International Business
Build Your International eCommerce Roadmap

Join the Global eCommerce Accelerator Program and fast-track your expansion into new international markets. Working with our eCommerce advisor during online workshops, you will build your eCommerce internationalization roadmap, complete with valuable resources and clear next actions to achieve your online goals. Track your progress entirely online on a unique platform combining training content, quizzes, interactive tools, and resources. To learn more, contact Aaron Miller: [email protected].

Apply to Join Our Export Compliance Training Cohort

In order to succeed in foreign markets, small businesses must have a plan in place to deal with export compliance. In this new hybrid course, the IBD team will help up to 10 companies to build tailored export compliance programs through a mix of in-person cohort training and virtual 1-on-1 counseling. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the February 5th deadline. Apply today! Contact Aaron Miller for more details: [email protected].

Minimum Wage Increase
Starting on Jan 1, 2022, Virginia minimum wage has increased to $11 an hour. CVSBDC Access to Capital Advisor, Greg McFetridge, talked with NBC29 about this minimum wage increase and what it means for local small businesses and employees.

This most recent minimum wage increase is part of the plan to increase Virginia minimum wage to $15 an hour in 2026.
Contact the CV SBDC team to discuss how the minimum wage increase might be effecting your small business at [email protected]
or 434-295-8198.
Free Websites!
Check out our Website Jump Start Portfolio to see examples great websites we've created with local businesses, and apply today for yours!
Featured Upcoming Events
Want to hone your business skills?
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs?
Engage with experienced Advisors?
Entrepreneurship Certificate
Classes can be taken in any order. SBDC clients can take any of the Entrepreneurship Certificate classes whether or not they are working to complete the certificate. The full 4-part series will be offered again in 2022.

For more information about the Entrepreneurship Certificate,
Starting Your Business

Entrepreneurship Certificate Part 1

Thinking about starting a small business?
Have you started…but maybe missed some critical information?
This workshop is for you!

In this workshop, we review the steps for a successful start, the registrations and regulations, and the components of sound business planning, including financial projections. This workshop is offered twice monthly.

Jan 11 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Jan 27 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Business Model and Pricing
Jan 13 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Entrepreneurship Certificate part 3

Do you have a "living" business plan that feeds your tactics? Not sure if your pricing is right? In this interactive webinar, discuss how to find a business planning tool that works for you and explore the operational and logistical needs of starting your business, including pricing strategies. Tools and strategies to identify market fit, marketing and sales development, planning and execution will be discussed. A number of tools to advance your sales and marketing plan will also be shared. 

Taught by Dillon Franks and Tom Kelly
Money and Recordkeeping
Jan 20 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Entrepreneurship Certificate part 4

In this interactive webinar we will share sources of capital, establishing credit, and tips for success in record keeping and cash flow management. We help you make the often dreaded recordkeeping work for you, giving you tools to help you sleep at night knowing you are 1) making money, 2) can pay your bills and 3) will be able to access additional capital when you need it. 

Marketing Monday is back for 2022!
Join the CV SBDC team for lunch hour, noon-1:00pm on the first Monday of each month. Marketing Monday workshops are offered online via Zoom.

Grow Your Business With Digital Marketing
Jan 10 | noon - 1:00pm
Presented by Cameron Nelson, Chief Digital Advisor, CV SBDC and Virginia SBDC

Facebook Ads Tips & Tricks
Feb 7 | noon - 1:00pm
Presented by Molly Bossardt, Bread and Butter Digital Marketing
Entrepreneurs and Espresso
Get inspired
Meet fellow entrepreneurs
Share lessons learned

Jan 18 | 8:00 - 10:00am
Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and statewide training offerings
From Virginia SBDC
February ICAP Cohort
Applications for the February Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) Cohort are due on Jan 17 by midnight.

ICAP is focused on assisting Virginia-based technology and innovation-driven startups on their path to success. Join the virtual cohort and work with the experienced team of ICAP Mentors!

Cybersecurity Livestreams
Cybersecurity expert, Tom Stamulis, offers weekly tips to understand the basics and what it takes to keep data secure.

Join the Virginia SBDC every Tuesday at 12:30pm EST on their Facebook page for the Cyber Security Livestreams.
Build your business with CIC!
Kick off the new year with a new business!  Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) offers a 16-week intensive series of workshops to cover all of the fundamentals you need to become a successful entrepreneur. If you or someone you know wants to take the first step in creating generational wealth and establishing your unique legacy, consider this program. The application deadline is only two days away (Jan 7). Take a moment to invest in yourself and apply today!

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