Maeve Summers is the new Communications and Events Coordinator of the Central Virginia SBDC. She received her degree in Communication Studies and Media Arts & Design from James Madison University. She was immediately drawn to the CVSBDC team and its mission — she’s always had a passion for helping others and is honored to be supporting the community in her role. Through her years of studying journalism, she discovered a love of meeting interesting people and telling their stories, which she is excited to do more of at CVSBDC.

Apply for Piedmont Pitch for a chance to win part of $15K for your business!

New startups and existing businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County can join the Piedmont Pitch Program by submitting a rough draft of their business plan for a chance to win part of $15,000.

Apply by Friday, March 14th.

For more information and to apply



Roanoke SBDC Agripolooza

Tuesday, March 18 | 8:00 AM-4:30 PM | Roanoke, VA

Join us for Agripolooza, the must-attend event for agriculture business owners and entrepreneurs! This engaging conference focuses on blending innovation with tradition to address the challenges and opportunities facing the agriculture industry today. Whether you're running an established operation or just starting out, this event is designed to provide the insights, tools, and connections you need to succeed. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a thriving agriculture community and take your operation to the next level.

Register here

Is Your Business Ready for 2025?



A new year brings new opportunities for your business to grow and thrive. As you set goals and finalize plans for 2025, the Central VA SBDC is here to support you every step of the way.

Our free, confidential business advising services can help you refine your strategy, access funding, improve operations, and much more. Whether you're looking to build on last year’s success or tackle new challenges, we’re ready to help you make 2025 your best year yet. Schedule your appointment today!



SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Minimum Wage and FSLA Updates

It is crucial to ensure all employees that are classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are being compensated at least $58,656 per year, or $28.20 per hour, effective January 1, 2025.

Minimum wage in the state of Virginia is now $12.41 per hour as of January 1, 2025.

StartVirginia 2025 Pitch Opportunity

Is your Virginia startup the next big thing? Then apply for The Elevator Pitch — your chance to put your business in the spotlight with a full-page feature! Virginia Business is thrilled to announce the return of the StartVirginia special issue in June, highlighting Virginia's vibrant startup ecosystem. We’re seeking 12 bold startups to feature in The Elevator Pitch section. Will yours make the cut? Applications are due Friday, March 14.

Apply here.

Corporate Transparency Act BOI Update



The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced that it is ceasing enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) while it crafts a new set of regulations. FinCEN announced that it will not issue any fines or penalties or take any other enforcement actions against any companies based on any failure to file or update beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act by the current deadlines. No fines or penalties will be issued, and no enforcement actions will be taken, until a forthcoming interim final rule becomes effective and the new relevant due dates in the interim final rule have passed.



FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

VTC Marketing Leverage Program

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is offering these grant funds to spur economic activity and overnight travel across the Commonwealth. This program is designed to create public private partnerships and leverage matching marketing dollars to promote Virginia as a vibrant destination with robust visitor experiences. The current round of the VTC Marketing Leverage Program application will close on March 13, 2025.

For more information and to apply.

VBHR Catalyst Grant

Could your team use non-dilutive funding to develop a life sciences innovation into commercialization? Then you're at the right place because Virginia Catalyst is now accepting Letters of Intent for Grant Round 18! We encourage those of you with innovative ideas in life sciences to reach out to colleagues and other professionals to create a high-performing team - because we know that world class research, entrepreneurial management and capital can achieve great things together. Now is the time to get your team together and submit an LOI by March 14th.

Submit an LOI here.

Sky High Farm Grants

Sky High will award $350,000 in grants (total) to individuals working in agriculture, food justice, and/or land sovereignty. Priority given to applicants who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, AAPI, immigrants, or members of historically marginalized or exploited communities. Deadline to apply is April 2, 2025.

For more information and to apply.

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.

Charlottesville Entrepreneurs + Espresso (C-E2)

March 18 | 10 AM - 12 PM

In Person (Charlottesville)



CE-2 will have a temporary schedule change for the month of March. The event will now take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, instead of the usual 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

For more information and to register.

Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and 

statewide training offerings for even more learning!

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.