Did you know that beekeepers and those establishing/maintaining pollinator habitats are eligible for some types of public and private sector support?

This includes grants, loans, loan guarantees, incentive payments, hive distribution programs, and other resources. For more information, check out this Beekeeper Resource Page created by Business Advisor, Mary Foley.

Technical Assistance Availability

Do you need a website check? Help with a press release? Create a Marketing Plan?

We have a team of technical advisors available to assist you, free of charge, with various aspects of your business.

Call 434-295-8198 or email us contact@cvsbdc.org to get scheduled for a meeting.

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

U.S. SBA-Backed Surety Bonds Available!

SBA guarantees bid, performance, payment, and maintenance bonds to support small businesses. These bonds can be as large as $9 million for government or private contracts, and up to $14 million for direct federal contracts.

SBA Certification Update

Beginning August 1, 2024, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will upgrade its system to process applications for socioeconomic contracting certifications, such as the 8(a) Program and HUBZone certifications. The upgrade is expected to be completed in early September. During the upgrade period, the SBA will not accept new applications but will continue processing previously submitted applications.

Working Capital Pilot Program

SBA announced the launch of the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) Program. The WCP offers a newly structured line of credit, made by 7(a) lenders, and backed by the SBA, designed to give greater flexibility than a traditional term loan.

The WCP represents a significant expansion of the SBA’s loan programs by adding a line of credit product with an innovative fee structure engineered to increase flexibility for small businesses and lenders, providing more options when structuring a line of credit to meet businesses’ specific needs. The WCP will support lines of credit up to $5 million.

Cake Pop Bill

This legislation went into effect July 1st, 2024, and clarifies that advertising or promoting homemade goods on social media doesn’t count as selling them via the Internet as long as all the transactions occur in person. To learn more read Virginia Mercury's article about the Virginia House of Delegates decision.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

$5k Grant for New Retail Stores

Select stores will receive $5,000 to stock their shelves with products from Faire. The grant is open to independent retail stores based in the U.S. that started their business in 2023-2024 or plan to open in 2024. Learn more and apply by August 31st.

$10k Grant: Queer to Stay Grant Program

Queer to Stay is a small business grant program that awards $10,000 to Queer-owned and LGBTQIA-serving businesses across the country. Learn more and apply by August 31st.

$10k Grant: Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund



Funded by DoorDash in partnership with Hello Alice, the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund provides $10,000 grants to local restaurants affected by state- or federally-declared natural disasters. If you’ve been affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Beryl, don't wait to apply. Apply before September 3rd, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Startup Runway Pitch Competition

Startup Runway is a pitch competition and investor introduction platform for businesses led by women and founders of color. Apply to the showcase for an opportunity to show off your work and get access to funding. Learn if you're right for venture capital and apply here today!

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.

Do you want to present at a future Ce2 event to showcase your early-stage company or to share your journey as a seasoned founder? Click here to apply!

Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and 

statewide training offerings for even more learning!

Get ready for the Pegasus Tech Ventures Startup World Cup Virginia Regional Finals - where the best startup companies in Virginia will battle it out to win a chance to compete for $1,000,000 in investment capital! Network with mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Apply by August 14th for a chance to win!

This panel of professionals will discuss the minimum viable infrastructure necessary for early-stage companies to develop and grow, and how founders can quickly move up the learning curve in business disciplines that may be outside their experience. Secure your ticket for August 27th.

The SCORE Elevate & Pitch Summit is a hands-on event tailored for small business owners ready to take their ventures to new heights. This one-day summit features interactive sessions where you'll engage directly with business tools and strategies, hear from seasoned speakers with real-world experience, and participate in a dynamic pitch competition. Register to attend or apply to pitch!

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.