Updates from the Office of Economic Development

GO Start-Up Applications - Open

We are excited to announce The Minority Business Program is now accepting applications for the entrepreneurship training program. Classes will be held in person Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm. The deadline for applications is Sunday, March 13^th at 11:59pm. A staff member will be in touch to schedule virtual interviews. You can find more information about the program and apply by filling out the application.

Gearharts Fine Chocolates Receives Made In Virginia Award

Gearharts Fine Chocolates was featured in the December 2021 issue of Virginia Living Magazine for the Made in Virginia awards for their Lucha Crunch Bar. Food writer Stephanie Ganz described the tasty treat as follows: “There’s milky sweetness, salty surprises and a subtle heat. You can’t miss the bright, punch colored packaging of this total knockout of a chocolate bar”. Congratulations Gearharts!

Ooey Gooey Crispy Grand Opening

The CODE Building is now the home to a new grilled cheese restaurant called ooey gooey crispy. The menu offers a selection of grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and soups. If you would like to visit their downtown location, they are located at 224 W. Main St Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Downtown Job Center and Goodwill Industries Partner

The Downtown Job Center partners with Goodwill Industries of the Valley. Goodwill has a re-entry program called Goodstart. Previously named Life Path, Goodstart assist formerly incarcerated individuals who have been released for a year or less with job training and direct job placement. Individuals must be 25 years old or more and must not have been convicted of any violent crimes. The program’s Career Navigator, Christy Morris, works directly with Goodwill to place program participants in jobs. Participants receive compensation while training and then once employed. Goodstart works in conjunction with Virginia Career Works and the Virginia Employment Commission. The program serves the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and all surrounding counties. Christy Morris can be reached by phone at 540-524-0403 or by email at Cmorris@goodwillvalleys.com. For additional information, feel free to contact Roy Fitch at the Downtown Job Center by phone at 434-970-3933 or by email at jobcenter@charlottesville.gov.

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: Success through e-Commerce – March 7^th @ 12 pm PREREGISTER

Selling to the Commonwealth: SWaM Certification – March 8th @ 10 am PREREGISTER