Updates from the Office of Economic Development

Virginia Ranks as Top State for Business Again

CNBC, a world leader in business news, recently announced that Virginia has been named as America’s “Top State for Business” in 2021. Governor Northam joined CNBC at the Port of Virginia for a live broadcast where the winner was revealed. CNBC’s scorecard highlighted the Commonwealth’s education system, workforce, and commitment to equity and inclusion. This year’s ranking made Virginia the first state to win back-to-back titles in CNBC’s ranking.
CNBC’s methodology incorporated 85 metrics across 10 categories. Some of the key features of the 2021 metrics include an increased importance of the “Cost of Doing Business” and “Infrastructure” categories. Additionally, a new category, “Life, Health and Inclusion” has been added in place of the former “Quality of Life” category. This new category includes metrics relating to the battle against Covid-19, health care, and inclusiveness. The full methodology can be found here.

BRACE Grant to Support Business Recovery

The OED is offering another round of the Building Resilience Among Charlottesville Entrepreneurs (BRACE) Grant. In April of 2020, BRACE grants helped 69 City businesses survive the early days of the pandemic. BRACE Grant 2.0. is intended to help businesses gain resiliency and adapt in response to a threat such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested businesses can apply now on the Office of Economic Development’s website here.

Buy Local Campaign

We have partnered with Albemarle County’s Office of Economic Development on the new Buy Local campaign. Look for the ads on TV and postings on social media for both the City and the County. There are so many great locally owned businesses and we are proud to celebrate them all!

Micah LeMon and the Alley Light Featured in Gard & Gun Magazine

Micah LeMon, the bar manager at Alley Light, was recognized in this month’s Garden & Gun Magazine for his watermelon cocktail drink perfect for summer -- Brunch at Becky’s. LeMon was quoted as saying “I love making fruity cocktails with a balance of acidity and little accents of bittersweetness to give depth to the fruit. It’s one of my moves.” Sounds refreshing just reading about it!

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 – July 29^th at 3 pm: PREREGISTER