Business News NOW
From the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center

October 4, 2022
Content Writers Wanted!
We've received a high volume of requests for content writers for social media marketing. If you are a content writer, or if you know of one that is amazing that works with small businesses, please drop us a line at admin@cvsbdc.org. We have a couple folks that have been recommended by clients, but could use more.

Thank you! - your SBDC team
Help improve what’s known about small businesses: Survey now open
The Federal Reserve’s 2022 Small Business Credit Survey is open for responses, and Virginia SBDC is a partner on this effort. By taking the survey, you contribute to data that directly informs the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—ultimately benefitting your business and other businesses like yours.


The survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. All responses are confidential.

The survey closes November 4, 2022.
Questions? Contact Grace Guynn at grace.guynn@atl.frb.org.

Grants & Pitch Prizes
Grant Opportunities for Small Businesses

Alibaba launched its Manifest Grants Program, which will provide a total of $750,000 in grants to American small businesses. For the current year, they will provide $10,000 grants and $5,000 in logistical support. Last year they gave out 50 grants out of a pool of 12,000 via their partnership with Hello Alice. The new iteration is being offered via IndieGoGo, AMZScout, and Black Entrepreneurs Day, will also provide a crowdfunding campaign and a one-on-one mentorship session with Daymond John for a single recipient.

ZenBusiness is now offering grants via #MomsMeanBusiness campaign to cover small business costs for moms to start their own business. The application window closes on October 15th. There is no specific amount being provided. The focus of these grants is to cover the costs associated with the process for establishing their firms, including registering with state and local government bodies, etc.
All are welcome to attend! This free business event is held at beautiful Bluegreen Shenandoah Crossing Resort Gordonsville, VA.

The 7th annual QuadCounty Business Summit will bring together businesses from the counties of Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange, and others from Central Virginia for a half-day of networking opportunities. Hear from a keynote speaker Kelly Palmer, a panel of local business owners, and watch the highly anticipated QuadTank Pitch Competition!

For all attendees registered by Oct 7, there will be door prizes at the event! Register early for a chance to win prizes such as Kings Dominion packages and more!
Featured Upcoming Events
Fem Founder Financing
HYBRID EVENT
online or in person at Northside Library
(705 Rio Rd W, Charlottesville)
October 26 | 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Join to hear from a panel of experts about various sources of capital for small businesses. Women entrepreneurs who have successfully funded their businesses from the ground up will also be available to answer questions and share their stories.
Founders' Education Series

Are you ready to launch with confidence or evaluate an existing business? The Founders' Series is a 5-week series to prepare a solid foundation to start or expand.

All classes will be held via Zoom from 4:30-6:30pm


We encourage taking the sessions in order to complete an optional 
Entrepreneurship Certificate. More information can be found here.

There is a $5 administrative fee for each session of the Founder's Series. Email events@cvsbdc.org for more information.

Presented jointly by:
Central Virginia SBDC along with Shenandoah Valley SBDC, Capital Region SBDC, Laurel Ridge SBDC, SBDC Lynchburg Region, and Virginia State SBDC have partnered with Grow with Google to bring even more training opportunities to small businesses!

Grow with Google offers free training, tools, and resources to help you grow your skills, career, or business. Presenter, Randi Penfil, will present 4 webinars throughout the remainder of 2022.

Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
Oct 11 | 12:00 - 1:00pm

Sell Online with E-Commerce Tools
Nov 1 | 11:00am - 12:00pm

Use YouTube to Grow Your Business
Dec 1 | 1:00 - 2:00pm

Make Better Business Decisions with Google Analytics
Dec 13 | 1:00 - 2:00pm
Starting Your Business

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 and financial projections. This workshop is offered twice monthly.

Oct 11 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
ONLINE via Zoom, taught by Central Virginia SCORE

Nov 2 | 9:00 - 11:00am
HYBRID event: In person at Orange County Economic Development
(109 W Main St, Orange) or online via Zoom. Taught by Central Virginia SBDC

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and statewide training offerings

CIC10 is only one month away!
Are you joining us?!
Make plans to attend our 10-year anniversary and alumni reunion! On November 5th, from 5 to 8pm, we'll be at Ix Art Park, surrounded by friends, fantastic food, and music! It'll be a night to remember; get your tickets now: https://cicville.org/cic10/
Happening in the Community
ce-2
October 18 | 8:00 - 10:00am
HYBRID event: In-person at Irving Theater at the CODE Building, 225 W Water St or online via Zoom
Get inspired
Meet fellow entrepreneurs
Share lessons learned
18th Annual CBIC Tech Tour
November 11
For 18 years, the CBIC Tech Tour has provided an opportunity for middle and high school students in the area to learn about innovation and careers in dynamic high-tech companies.

Designed to help students envision themselves as tech employees, professionals, and entrepreneurs, this annual event draws upwards of 400 middle and high school students from more than 24 schools who visit more than 60 participating companies that offer hands-on “tours” of their operations and the opportunity to experience their technology.
SWaMfest
Oct 26 - 27
Main Street Station, Richmond, VA
For the first time since 2019, the Commonwealth’s premier networking, educational, and professional development event for small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses will return to an in-person format. SWaMfest 2022 takes place October 26-27 in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom at Main Street Station. The signature event of SWaMfest is the Vendor Affair on the evening of October 26th.

Central Virginia Small Business Development Center | Visit our website
Covering the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Rappahannock. Main office phone: 434-295-8198