Updates from the Office of Economic Development

In-Person Job Fairs a Sign of Return to Normalcy?

Indications are that this may be the Summer of the Job Fair. Traditionally, the outdoor and multi-employer job fair season kicks off in the spring, signaling seasonal and new long-term open positions. The COVID pandemic has stunted everything workforce related, including all but a few (and virtual) job fairs. But over the past few weeks, as an indicator of an opening economy and stark employer need to hire staff, many in-person job fairs have been held and even more are on the near horizon.
Two massive gatherings have been held at Darden Towe Park, featuring over 80 employers. Food Lion, UVA Temps and others have hosted targeted hiring events. Keswick Hall and Trump Winery hosted on-site hiring events on June 21^st and 22^nd respectively. Social distancing measures are still being implemented but job seekers are encouraged to come out and share their experience and resumes. Be sure to look for flyers and announcements about more fairs coming soon. If you need assistance preparing for employment, be sure to contact the Downtown Job Center at 970-3933 for help.

Return to Earn Program Announced

The Governor's office announced the launch of the Return to Earn program, to help Virginians transition back to work. This initiative will match up to $500 that a qualifying small business pays directly to a new employee hired after May 31, 2021, to offset the ongoing costs of child care, transportation, or other barriers to re-employment. Funds may be reimbursed to qualifying businesses, and the match requirement is waived for qualifying child care businesses. For full information and qualifications, find more HERE.

Downtown Job Center and Regional Ten Clean-up Event

Staff members of the Downtown Job Center will be joining Region Ten’s Community Based Peer Support staff to help with their Community Clean-up Initiative. This event will take place Friday, June 25^th from 3:30pm to 5pm at the 6^th Street Neighborhood located off of Monticello Ave, near Friendship Court. Volunteers will arrive at 3pm to get situated. Gloves, Masks, Pick-up Sticks, water and light snacks will be provided by Region Ten and several of the participating community partners. For additional info, call 434-972-1455.

BOGO at New Dominion

New Dominion Bookshop, Charlottesville's only all-new independent bookstore, is offering a special "Buy One Book, Get One Book 50% Off" coupon to encourage summer reading. Interested parties can pick up a summer reading coupon in the shop for one-time use. Businesses are welcome to pick up multiple coupons to give out to customers. For more information about New Dominion Bookshop, including their current hours and offerings, visit ndbookshop.com.

Café Frank Highlighted in C-VILLE

Café Frank on the Downton Mall was highlighted in the C-VILLE edition dated June 26^th. Chef Jose de Brito talked about not having the team, time or space to make elaborate gardens on plates, and is getting back to building his dishes on flavor with no pretension. He stated he likes to keep the food classic and casual. Sounds agreeable to us all!

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 – June 24^th at 5 pm: PREREGISTER

A Guide for Retail Renewal - June 30^th at 8:30 am: PREREGISTER

Federal Government Contracting 101 – July 8^th at 10:00 am: PREREGISTER