Updates from the Office of Economic Development

City Technology Zone Reauthorized

At a recent meeting, the City Council voted to reauthorize a citywide Technology Zone through 2026. The Technology Zone serves to broaden the City’s commercial tax base and encourage growth in technology related businesses that produce high-paying technology-based jobs for community residents. Charlottesville was one of the first jurisdictions in the state to create such a zone in 2001, and still the only to designate the entire city as the zone. The Charlottesville Technology Zone ordinance allows qualifying businesses a reduction in their Business Professional and Occupational License or BPOL tax for a seven year eligibility period. The Technology Zone continues to be an excellent way for Charlottesville to market itself as an attractive location for entrepreneurs, technology start-ups and medium sized businesses that have a minimal impact on the environment, while having a significant positive impact on the economy. The Office of Economic Development incorporates the Technology Zone benefits in its regular interactions with existing and prospective businesses and the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue facilitates the administration of the tax credits annually through the BPOL process. For more information contact the OED at 970-3111 or visit this LINK.

Community Investment Collaborative Entrepreneur Workshop

Looking to start a business? CIC workshops are designed to immerse students in a hands-on learning environment, in which successful graduates will have gained business knowledge, networking, financing and mentorship opportunities. The application deadline is January 12, 2022. If you are interested click HERE to apply. The OED provides additional support to city based participants before and after the CIC workshop. Please contact us for assistance at: ecodev@charlottesville.gov.

Blueprint Virginia 2030

The Virginia Chamber has developed Blueprint Virginia 2030 as a business-driven plan to ensure Virginia industries remain at the forefront of the global economy. The Chamber collected input by bringing together leaders in business, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and others to ensure statewide representation of priorities for Virginia’s prosperity. To read the full plan visit Blueprint Virginia 2030: A Business Plan for the Commonwealth.

Home to Hope Program

The Downtown Job Center, located at City Space (100 5^th St NE), houses the City’s Home to Hope Program. The program, which was recognized earlier this year with an award of excellence from the International City Managers Association (ICMA), is the City of Charlottesville’s Peer Support Recovery Program. The program specifically serves the reentry population by assisting formerly incarcerated individuals residing in Charlottesville. The four Peer Navigators guide program participants through their journeys by providing assistance in the form of peer support practices, support groups, community partner referrals, and accessing resources as needed. The Peer Navigators have “lived-experience” and are also state certified Peer Recovery Specialists. Inquiries or referrals about the Home to Hope Program can be directed to 434-970-3601 or email to: hometohope@charlottesville.gov.

Welcome Siren Restaurant

Siren opened last week where the Shebeen Pub was located. Chef Laura Fonner was the chef at Duner’s for seventeen years and dreamed of her own restaurant. Fonner felt that the location was a perfect fit for her vision and with the help of family and friends remodeled it into a fresh space. The menu at Siren will be seafood-focused and have a Mediterranean flavor, according to Chef Laura Fonner. Bon appetit!

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.

Marketing Monday: Grow your Business With Digital Marketing – January 10th at 12:00 pm PREREGISTER