Updates from the Office of Economic Development

Introducing the OED Fun Fact

Today, we introduce a new feature in our bi-weekly communications – the OED Fun Fact. In our work encouraging business vitality in Charlottesville, we enjoy uncovering these unique facts and thought we would enliven our newsletter by sharing one with readers in each edition. To keep it interesting, these will vary from historical, to seasonal, to quirky; but each should add a little more flavor and knowledge about the place we all call home. We hope you enjoy.

OED Fun Fact

The annual Dogwood Festival began in 1950 as the Apple Harvest Festival. The name was changed in 1958 in celebration of the state tree and flower. This year’s festival is back live and in-person beginning on April 14^th and will feature fireworks, amusement rides, the area’s most extensive parade and other events.

Don't Forget to Renew Your City Business License!

Have you renewed your City of Charlottesville Business License for 2022? Business licenses are issued by the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office on an annual basis and need to be renewed by March 1^st each year. If you have not renewed your license, please contact Commissioner of the Revenue’s Business Tax Section at 434-970-3170 or visit their website for further information. Businesses without a valid business license are not eligible to receive grants through the Office of Economic Development.

PVCC Job Fair Returned to In-Person Event

The Downtown Job Center participated in PVCC’s Annual Job Fair. The fair was held Wednesday, March 30th from 10am to 2pm at PVCC’s Main Campus Building. That day, more than 85 employers and service providers participated in the fair. Jobseekers were able to have in-person interactions with potential area employers. Additionally, attendees had a chance to obtain knowledge of various local service providers that help support individuals through the job search process including the Downtown Job Center. For more information on ways that the Downtown Job Center can assist, contact Roy Fitch by phone at 434-970-3933 or by email fitchrl@charlottesville.gov.

GO Cook Announcement

GO Cook the culinary bootcamp is now accepting applications for the current session. The training is free for eligible City of Charlottesville residents. Read all the details and sign up for GO Cook Boot Camp. Applications close on April 20^th, 2022.

Partnership with Virginia Career Works

The Downtown Job Center has a longstanding partnership with the Virginia Career Works Charlottesville Center. The Center recently welcomed two new staff members to their team, William Harris will serve as the Resource Room Specialist, and Marlena Thompson will serve as the Workforce Readiness Specialist. The third staff member of the Charlottesville Center team is Tracey Sides who serves as the Mobile Resource Specialist. For more information about the Virginia Career Works Charlottesville Center, please contact Center Manager Alicia Lenahan by phone at 434-529-6791.

GO Start-Up

Are you thinking about starting a business, but you just don’t know where to start?
Now is your chance to apply for one of a few remaining spots in the GO Start-Up program. GO Start-Up 2022 will be a 3-day accelerated course.

Day 1: Tuesday, April 26^th 4:00pm- 7:00pm
Day 2: Thursday, April 28^th 4:00pm- 7:00pm
Day 3: Saturday, April 30^th 9:00am- 12:30pm

You can find more information about the program and apply by filling out the application.

Dino's Pizza Takes Awards at International Pizza Expo

Congratulations to Charlottesville’s Dino’s Restaurant for taking 9 out of 10 awards for their sausage/pepperoni pizza at the International Pizza Expo held in Las Vegas.

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.

Pitch Preview – April 14^th at 12:00 pm PREREGISTER

Cville Woman in Tech Launch Event – April 20th @ 5:30 pm PREREGISTER