Updates from the Office of Economic Development

Office of Economic Development 2020 Annual Report

OED is pleased to provide this update on our accomplishments from 2020 as we continue to strive to fulfill our mission as a catalyst for economic activity. To view the report, please visit 2020 Annual Report. (Not supported in Internet Explorer.)

Downtown Job Center New Training Series

The Downtown Job Center is launching an accelerated training series, the GO Express Training Series, in which the public can learn in-demand skills and earn a certificate upon completion. These classes will be span the months of March and April, with one new course each week. These free classes are open to the public, but at limited capacity. For March, the class schedule is as follows:

 
Communication Techniques in a Virtual World – March 1^st to March 5^th: Participants will learn skills in interviewing and communicating over virtual spaces as well as develop customer service techniques.
ServSafe – March 8^th to March 12^th: Participants will learn how to safely store, sanitize, and cook for restaurant-readiness.

GO Office Express – March 15^th to March 19^th: Participants will navigate MS Office Suite, Google Suite, and social media marketing for those who want to become office professionals.

Workplace Spanish in a Week – March 22^nd to March 26^th: Learn the basics of Conversational Spanish to enhance your professional development in the workplace.

If you have questions about these courses or are interested in registering, please contact the Downtown Job Center by email or phone (434-970-3933).

Local Company Completes International Business Acceleration Program

Governor Ralph Northam recently announced that seven companies, including Charlottesville based Explore Learning, have graduated from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. The VALET program assists Virginia exporters that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy.  VALET is a two-year international business acceleration program that provides participating companies with international sales plan development services, assistance from a team of experienced international service providers, international business meetings with potential partners, educational events, and customized market research. There are currently 46 companies participating in the VALET program.  Congratulations to the team at Explore Learning for completing the program. Businesses with interest in the VALET program should reach out to the OED for more information.

Restaurant Grant Application Due March 1st

DoorDash and the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) have partnered on a grant program for Virginia restaurants. The program will be administered by VRLTA, with assistance from local partners across the Commonwealth. VRLTA will manage the application and selection processes as well as the distribution of funds. Grants of $3,500 will be awarded, and recipients will be chosen by judges from the restaurant and tourism industries. The judges will ensure grants are distributed across Virginia and prioritize businesses which have not benefited from other financial assistance. In addition, a minimum of 20% of the grants will be earmarked to minority-owned and/or women-owned businesses.  Applications are available on the VRLTA website and are due by March 1, 2021, and grants will be distributed to selected restaurants by the first week of April.

Vision Barbeque in Downtown Location

Vision Barbecue is now open at 249 Ridge McIntire Road. They are offering a quick style take-out and delivery menu, with some limited seating options. Owners Mike Blevins and Gabriel Barghachie bring decades of experience in the Charlottesville food industry to this new venture. For more information and to see their full menu, please visit their website.

Business License Renewals

The Charlottesville Commissioner of Revenue’s Office reminds everyone that business license renewals are due March 1^st.  Please contact us by phone (434-970-3170) or email if you have not received your renewal documentation or if you have any questions about your renewal.  The business license renewal form and the payment can be mailed or placed in the drop box at the 6^th Street and 7^th Street entrances to City Hall.  Other payment methods may be taken by appointment booked online.

Upcoming Webinars from CVSBDC

CV SBDC is a team of business and technical experts available to listen, advise and assist entrepreneurs, confidentially and free of charge. They offer 1:1 assistance, connection to curated research, access to technical experts and professionals, and timely events and training.

 
Starting Your Business – February 25^th at 1pm: PREREGISTER
Pivoting to e-Commerce Sales – March 1^st at 12pm: PREREGISTER
Managing Your WordPress Website – March 4^th at 12pm: PREREGISTER