For a chance to meet Mary and learn more about Seek Lavender, attend the Holiday Open House for lavender and herbal sips and bites on Dec 8th and 9th from 10am - 3pm. 15528 Bradford Rd, Culpeper, VA.

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Subcontractor Security Warning

There is a common thread happening in the software and IT industry, particularly those in remote work. Employees of reputable firms are moonlighting under different profiles and subbing out work to workers in India and China (in particular). They often don't show up to meetings, but rather send someone else in their place (when video isn't required). A SBDC network client had a subcontractor that, thankfully, a recruiter warned them about. In doing so they found that there were logins from multiple countries for extended amounts of time from the employee's SSL. There really was no way of knowing that it was happening, since it's a company that has offices in other countries; therefore, a non-U.S. login wouldn't set off red flags. This is a security risk and our Virginia SBDC network has now heard of multiple such cases.

One Solution: use a recruiter who will vet the employees or subcontractors for you.

IRS Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring and employing individuals from certain targeted groups who have faced significant barriers to employment.

Accounting for BIPOC Farmers

FoodShed Capital has partnered with American Farmland Trust to offer BIPOC farmers a free year (or more) subscription to QuickBooks accounting software, and help setting it up. Email erica@foodcap.org to learn more.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Hello Alice Grant Opportunities

• To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters like fires, floods, and hurricanes, and provides relief through $10,000 grants. Application deadline December 29, 2023.
• The American Dream Awards shine a spotlight on small businesses that epitomize the modern American Dream through their innovative solutions, outstanding community contributions, and commitment to sustainable business practices. Application deadline April 30, 2024.

Dec 7th | 10 AM -12 PM

Review the steps for a successful start, learn the registrations and regulations, and understand the components of sound business planning, including financial projections.

Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and 

statewide training offerings for even more learning!

Workshop #1 - Intro to Selling to VA

This session will provide a high level overview of the Commonwealth’s purchasing process, including purchasing policies that affect how buyers use the eVA system to “shop” and the eVA tools used by our buying community.

Workshop #2 - Generate Leads Using eVA

Learn how to identify buyers who are buying what you sell, determine prices being paid for goods/services, identify who’s getting business and how & when eVA builds a lead list for you.

ServSafe® Manager Training

Dec 11 | 9 AM - 6 PM

In Person (Charlottesville)

The Virginia Food Regulations require that each food establishment employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has supervisory and management responsibilities. and the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification is recognized by the Virginia Department of Health as meeting the requirements.

Lighthouse Labs Application for Spring 2024 Cohort

Founder-focused program for early stage startups to receive tailored mentorship, extensive education in scaling and participate in a cohort community.

Apply by Thursday, December 14th at noon.

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.