Updates from the Office of Economic Development

OED Visits With Japanese Ambassador at North American Sake

North American Sake, Virginia’s only Sake brewery, hosted Mr. Tomita Koji for a tour of their facility and sake tasting earlier this week. Owner Andrew Centofante invited OED to participate in the event as it was the Ambassador’s first trip to Charlottesville. Ambassador Koji shared his compliments of the variety of sake and the celebration of promoting Japanese culture. Mr. Centofante presented Ambassador Koji a bottle of Olympus Sake, a special release to recognize Japan hosting the most recent Summer Olympics. North American Sake has been served for diplomatic events at the Japanese Embassy and Ambassador Koji indicated he is excited for that to continue and is looking forward to other future opportunities.

Black Business Expo Returns in October

The OED will once again be a supporting sponsor of the Black Business Expo. The event, which will be held on October 16^th at the IX Art Park, celebrates local black-owned businesses. The expo will feature business exhibits, panel discussions, a pitch competition and live music. The event is free and open to all with details available at this LINK.

Small Business Credit Survey

The Federal Reserve Bank in partnership with the Virginia SBDC Network is conducting a survey on Small Business Credit. The findings will help determine needs, gaps and opportunities to support business owners accessing capital. You are invited to participate in the survey which will take about 10 minutes and can accessed HERE.

Hop on the Rapid Overland Xpress (ROX) to VA Beach

ROX, the luxury bus service, now offers weekend trips between Virginia Beach and Charlottesville. The service runs every Friday and Sunday between The Westin Hotel in Virginia Beach Town Center and The Omni Charlottesville Hotel. ROX offers roomier coaches, carries 22 passengers, and includes onboard meal, cocktail and beverage service along with free Wi-Fi. More details available at this LINK.

Region Ten's Neighborhood Clean-Up

The Downtown Job Center will participate in Region Ten’s Outreach Committee Neighborhood Clean-up Friday October 1^st, starting at 3:00pm. This is the third Charlottesville housing site clean-up that has taken place this year. It will be held at the Westhaven housing site until 5:30pm. Tables will be set-up with community resource information, clean-up supplies will be provided and volunteers are always welcome.

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.

Cville BioHub BioDays – October 1st at 4:30 pm: PREREGISTER

Marketing Monday: Using SquareSpace – October 4th at 12:00 pm PREREGISTER

A Guide for Retail Renewal – October 5th at 10:00 am PREREGISTER

Use YouTube to Grow Your Business – October 5^th at 1:00 pm PREREGISTER

Coopetition TEAM Eventacular – October 6^th at 9:00 am PREREGISTER