Updates from the Office of Economic Development

The Recovery Roadmap: A Plan for Business Recovery in Charlottesville is Underway

The Office of Economic Development is engaging the business community in a recovery planning effort this spring. The City Council has indicated that economic recovery of local businesses from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is a top near-term priority. OED is now seeking broad participation from City business owners that will help inform a series of immediate action items that the City can pursue to assist with recovery. Space is still available for the last session this evening at 4pm. Please join us to ensure your voice is heard. Advance registration is required. To register, click HERE.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Announces New Grant Program

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and loans to fund the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects in historically marginalized communities. Applications for grant funding will be open until April 30th. For program guidelines and more information, click HERE.

Second Round of GO EXPRESS TRAINING SERIES

The Downtown Job Center is launching the second round of virtual, mini classes that are free and open to the public. These classes are designed to enhance professional or personal development. Upon completion of each course, participants will earn a certificate.

Leadership Express – April 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th from 1pm - 5pm: PREREGISTER

Entrepreneurship Express – April 12^th, 14^th, and 15^th from 4pm - 7pm: PREREGISTER

Web Coding 101: An Intro to HTML and CSS – April 19^th through April 23^rd from 4pm - 6pm: PREREGISTER

Social Media Marketing 101 – April 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th from 9am – 12pm: PREREGISTER

JLARC Conducts New Study for Workforce Services

JLARC — the program evaluation agency for the Virginia General Assembly—is conducting a study of the unemployment insurance program and workforce services offered by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). (JLARC conducts independent, non-partisan research: see http://jlarc.virginia.gov). As part of this study, it is collecting positive or negative feedback from businesses that have had some experience with VEC. Your responses to the following questions about VEC will be used to help improve its programs as needed. 

Your responses will be confidential, so we would appreciate your candid responses. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Berday-Sacks at sberday-sacks@jlarc.virginia.gov or 804.371.4587.

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.

Managing Your WordPress Website – April 6^th at 12pm: PREREGISTER

Using YouTube to Grow Your Business – April 6^th at 1pm: PREREGISTER

Reach Customers Online with Google – April 13^th at 1pm: PREREGISTER

COVID-19 Scams – April 15^th at 10am: PREREGISTER