Updates from the Office of Economic Development

OED Announces Workforce Grant

The City of Charlottesville’s Office of Economic Development (OED) has adapted the GO Hire program as part of their Recovery Roadmap initiative. The workforce-based grant is designed to assist City businesses that are growing and enhancing their workforce. City-based businesses that are hiring City residents for positions that pay $15.00/hour could be eligible for up to $5,000 in reimbursements. The City’s grant can be combined with the Governor’s “Return to Earn” program. Interested businesses can find more information HERE.

Black Business Expo Returns in October

The Black Business Expo celebrating locally owned black-owned businesses will be held this Saturday October 16^th at the IX Art Park beginning at 2pm. 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. The OED is pleased to help sponsor this annual event.

OED Partners to Support Marketing and Advertising Conference

As part of OED’s Recovery Roadmap initiative that recommends marketing training for businesses, OED is supporting a three day summit: Post-Pandemic Marketing & Advertising, Now What?, taking place October 20^th – October 22^nd. The summit covers a wide variety to relevant topics to help business owners learn new ideas and educate themselves on marketing their businesses. If City-based businesses are interested in complimentary tickets, please reach out to OED staff: Jason Ness, nessj@charlottesville.gov. The full lineup of schedule events is found here.

Congratulations Chef Antwon Brinson!

The Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association named Chef Antwon Brinson as Virginia’s Chef of the Year! Chef Antwon, of Culinary Concepts, was recognized as the leading chef who has shown exemplary commitment to employees and growing Virginia’s diverse restaurant and culinary industry. OED is proud to partner with Culinary Concepts through our ongoing GO Cook programs and celebrate this accomplishment!

Dairy Market Named Virginia's Attraction of the Year

The Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association is honoring the Dairy Market for its versatility and hard work by being named Virginia’s Attraction of the Year.  The food hall opened December 15, 2020.  A focus on cleanliness, especially during the coronavirus pandemic and diversity of staff are two things that led to the VRLTA honor.  “It’s the blood, sweat and tears that these merchants have put into this environment to make an attraction has been outstanding” General Manager Don Davis stated.  Congratulations to all at the Dairy Market!

Employer Spotlight - Givr

The Downtown Job Center periodically does an Employer Spotlight interview highlighting a local employer, typically with hiring needs. Recently, the new non-profit organization Givr was featured. The interview took place Wednesday October 6^th and aired at 2:35pm on Facebook Live. Co-Founder Mark Ferguson was the guest. The Employer Spotlights can be found on the Downtown Job Center Facebook Page. The interview can be found at this LINK.  If you have hiring needs and would like to be featured in a future spotlight, please reach out to Roy Fitch at 970- 3959.

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 – October 19th at 8:00 am PREREGISTER

Business Women’s Round Table – October 21st at 12:15 pm PREREGISTER

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Tool Kit – October 21st at 1:00 pm PREREGISTER

Google Ad Basics – October 28^th at 10:00 am PREREGISTER