Updates from the Office of Economic Development

OED Works to Update & Refresh Downtown Mall Maps

OED staff have been working to update the Downtown Mall maps by listing all of the retail related businesses found on the pedestrian mall.  In addition to updating the business list, the design was refreshed to make it easier to read and find locations. Also, new with this update the maps include a QR code that visitors may use to access additional and timely information about downtown. These maps are installed on each intersection of Main Street and the cross streets. Maps are also installed at the Water Street and Market Street Parking Garages. This effort was included as part of OED's Recovery Roadmap Initiative.

Recovery Roadmap - Marketing Leverage Grant

OED's Marketing Leverage Grant application is now open and accepting applications. City based businesses may apply for one of three options to help support their marketing efforts during recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. Business owners are encouraged to include as much information as possible when applying to provide clarity so staff can make informed decisions. For more information please click HERE. 

Hospitality Training Continues with GO COOK Class

A GO COOK class is underway and already into week 3 of the course! Six students are currently embarking on the Culinary Concepts AB Culinary Boot Camp curriculum which started Monday August 30^th, 2021. This is the OED’s 8^th group to take this journey with Chef Antwon and his team which also includes Chef Rolf and Ms. Yolunda Harrell. Class meets weekly (Monday through Friday) for approximately 6 weeks from 9am to 1:30pm. Upon completion of the coursework students will have the opportunity conduct several job trails with local employers and be considered for full time employment in the industry.

Request a Free Commercial Kitchen Water Use Efficiency and Best Practice Guide 

City of Charlottesville restaurants, you can request a FREE copy of a guide with great information and tips on how you can save water and money for your business courtesy of the Charlottesville Water Conservation Program. The guide is packed full of behavior changes, equipment upgrades and improvements, case studies and more, for how to reduce your water use (and often energy) and save money. Email to request your copy, and all businesses should check out the Water Conservation Program’s website for a list of all their free resources, incentives, and rebates. The site can be accessed HERE.  

Website Jump Start Effort Helps City Businessess Grow  

The Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC) Website Jump Start program continues to assist business with their virtual presence. Recently the program helped Natre'al Hair Design with the creation of a website. The new website, built at no charge under the Website Jump Start program, showcases hair design services and the businesses unique 100% natural hair oil. 

Website Jump Start program is run by the CV SBDC and supported by the OED and other localities in the central Virginia area. To learn more and apply visit this LINK. 

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.
Charlottesville Entrepreneurs and Espresso – September 21st at 8:00 am: PREREGISTER
How to Generate Leads Using Digital Marketing Tools – September 23^rd at 4:00 pm PREREGISTER
Attracting, Retaining and Reskilling Talent – September 30^th at 9:00 am PREREGISTER