Updates from the Office of Economic Development

Albemarle Baking Company Helping Ukraine

Albemarle Baking Company is donating 50% of its hamantaschen sales to help Polish Humanitarian Action, a group that’s assisting Ukrainian refugees at the Polish Border. Hamantaschen are triangular pastries with a dollop of filling, like fruit, cheese or chocolate. So far, about $1,500 has been raised. Co-owner Gerry Newman stated “I have one skill that I can do well, and if I can help people with that skill then it’s my small part along with a lot of other bakers in the word doing this together.”

One Day Left to Apply for BRACE 3.0 Grant!

There is still time remaining to apply for the BRACE 3.0 grant! This program is designed to help City-based businesses continue to gain resiliency and adapt to threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Selected businesses and organizations can receive a reimbursable grant of up to $2,500 to help offset qualifying expenses. Applications close Friday, March 25^th at 5:00 PM. Interested businesses can find out more and apply here.

Apprenticeship Program Accepting Applications

The Downtown Job Center continues to support the University of Virginia Apprenticeship Program. Each year, UVA’s Facilities Management Department starts a new class in its long running Apprenticeship Program. Applicants chosen for the program become employees of the University and take evening classes to gain certification in various trades. Upon completion of the four-year program, a trainee can then continue employment with the University with additional growth opportunities. The trades offered are Plumbing, Electrical, Masonry, HVAC, and Carpentry. All are welcomed to apply and the application process is currently open. A direct link to the application can accessed here. 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.

National Small Business Week 2022

SBA has officially declared May 1-7, 2022 National Small Business Week 2022. National Small Business Week: Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship will acknowledge entrepreneurial development, disaster recovery, government contracting, financial development, and overall support for small businesses and entrepreneurship.? Stay tuned for more information about local events occurring during this week.

Paycheck Protection Program Borrowers

If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using their online portal. Follow the steps below. Click here to learn more.

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.

International Trade 101: Tips, Pointers – March 22^th at 12:00 pm PREREGISTER

Blockchain Bootcamp – March 23rd @ 12 pm PREREGISTER

Chamber Events

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local digital marketer Chuck Moran to help you master intro, sales and training videos with just your smartphone.

Video Creators Roadmap – April 4^th - PREREGISTER