From the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center
March 9, 2023
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Dear partners in business,
In just two days 16 new people have asked to meet, exceeding 130 new client service requests this year. This is exciting for Central Virginia as more people are buying, reinventing, or starting new businesses - creating more jobs and great experiences. As you might expect, this is also challenging our small staff. While we prepare to celebrate SBDC Day (the day where we recognize the team for their service) we ask you for your patience as our calendars are booking out two to three weeks or more.
Wishing you all a beautiful start to Spring, and thank you, as always, for being a part of our vibrant community and SBDC family. - Your CV SBDC team
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#SBDCDay is a national, 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.
Share your stories on social media of working with the SBDC and encourage local small businesses to check out our 1:1 advising and training events!
Tag us @CentralVASBDC across platforms.
On #SBDCDay and every day, we are proud to be Your Partners in Business.
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It’s not Begging, it’s Investing
When I ask clients why they’ve put their new business idea on hold, sometimes I hear, “I don’t want to
ask people for money.”
I spent 5 years as chief fundraiser for a small nonprofit and soon realized: I wasn’t asking people for
money, I was allowing them to invest in a dream.
When I started with the SBDC, I had a big misconception about Angel Investors. I thought they were like Oprah and just gave people money for their idea! Not true! Angel Investors expect a return on their money. They are investing in a solid business concept, in people (sometimes one) they believe in, and what they think has a high chance of success. There are many kinds of Angel Investors. They can be individuals, groups or a corporation. Your friends and family are your most accessible Angel Investors.
Launching a successful business takes hard work. But if do your customer discovery, refine your product and market, and prepare your business for a successful launch, those people you asked to invest will be very proud they supported your dream.
~ Rosi Beachy, CV SBDC Assistant Director
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Featured Grant Funding Opportunities |
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American Express Backing Small Businesses grant program |
Applications open March 20, 2023 for 350 small business grants of $5,000 to eligible businesses in the U.S. and territories.
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Verizon Small Business Digital Ready grant program |
Now through May 12, 2023, the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal is open for applications. Small businesses that complete the application will be eligible to receive a $10,000 grant. |
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To explore grant or other capital options specifically for your business, contact CV SBDC.
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Celebrate Women's Month with the SBA |
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March 14 | 2 PM EST
March 16 | 10:30 AM EST
March 16 | 12 PM EST
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March 17 |
12 PM EST
March 20 | 12 PM EST
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Reach out for virtual meetings or in person in our Charlottesville & Culpeper offices. |
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Business Essentials Training (BET)
5-session series to start or expand your business
One session/week: Mar 8 - Apr 26
Wednesday afternoons, 3:00 - 5:00pm
In-person at 300 Preston Ave, 2nd floor or online via Zoom.
Come learn with fellow entrepreneurs! Good company & parking are free!
Want to earn the Business Essentials Training Certificate?
More information can be found here.
There is a $10 administrative fee for each session. Scholarships are available. Email events@cvsbdc.org for more information.
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ce-2
Mar 21 | 8:00 - 10:00am
HYBRID event: In-person at Irving Theater at the CODE Building, 225 W Water St or online via Zoom
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Get inspired
Meet fellow entrepreneurs
Share lessons learned
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Gov Contracting:
Finding Opportunities in Today's Environment
Mar 21 | 12:00 - 1:30pm
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The Federal Government buys nearly everything you buy! Join us and learn where government dollars are spent and how to look for opportunities!
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More Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network |
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March 9 | 12:30 PM EST
March 13 | 1:00 PM EST
March 15 | 11:00 AM EST
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(Spanish Webinar)
March 15 | 6:00 PM EST
March 16 | Noon EST
March 17 | 10:00 AM EST
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statewide training offerings for even more learning!
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Tom Tom Festival and the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) are hosting the 10th Annual Crowdfunded Pitch Night on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 6:30pm, at The CODE Building. Ten local entrepreneurs will pitch to a live audience excited to pledge funds to their favorite contestant. It's a three-minute chance to share your vision with the community and inspire the crowd to action! |
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Happening in the Community |
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Looking for energetic talent for your business? Visit CODE next week!
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CvilleBioHub Presents:
March 28 | 5:30 - 7:30pm
InBio: 700 Harris St, Charlottesville
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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.
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