Updates from the Office of Economic Development

UVA's Virginia Consulting Group Offers Services to City Businesses

Virginia Consulting Group (VCG) is a student-led organization on the UVA campus that partners with local clients for pro-bono and paid consultant work. The organization partners with businesses for 10-week projects focusing on multiple dimensions, which often involve research, marketing, data and financial analysis, and market expansion/entry. VCG’s members span all years and majors at the university, and project teams are structured to fit the needs of your business. For more information or to schedule a meeting with the VCG team, please visit VCG’s website or contact Sam Slaymaker, VP of External Relations.

GO Start-up Applications - Open

GO Start-Up is an entry-level program for entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses. Participants will have the opportunity to test a business concept through hands-on project development and management skills in a low-risk environment. The program puts an emphasis on participant self-organization and goal setting as critical components of business ownership. Participants of the program should be willing to learn new and challenging concepts that come with starting a business in a fast-paced environment. Click here to apply.

OED Fun Fact

Queen Elizabeth II visited Charlottesville in July 1976, a town named for another British queen, as part of a visit to mark the US bicentennial. A hushed crowd of more than 20,000 people gathered on the lawn at the University of Virginia to see the Queen and her entourage, including her husband Prince Philip, walk down the Lawn. May she rest in peace.

Resource Fair - September 28th

In partnership with the Community Investment Collaborative the Charlottesville Minority Business Program will be hosting a Resource Fair. This event will be hosted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 from 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM. The Resource Fair offers local entrepreneurs’ free individual consultations with attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, social media consultants, marketing professionals, business productivity coaches and human resources consultants. If you would like to make an appointment REGISTER HERE.

Minority Business Alliance Gala

The Charlottesville Office of Economic Development had the opportunity to attend the Minority Business Alliance Gala this past Friday, September 9, 2022. OED is extremely proud of all the accomplishments the Alliance has made in its ten years of operation and we look forward to future partnership.

Fem Founder Financing - Postponed

Fem Founder Financing event originally scheduled for September 15^th has now been postponed. The new event date will be October 26, 2:30-4:00pm. The event will be presented hybrid - in person at Northside Library or online via Zoom. Your registration for the event will automatically transfer to the new date. Please feel free to attend additional Minority Business Month events throughout the month of September. To learn more about Minority Business Month click here.

Culinary Concepts AB Awarded Business Grant from Love, Tito's

Congratulations to Antwon Brinson and Culinary Concepts AB on being awarded the Love, Tito’s Small Business Grant. Culinary Concepts AB was one of 10 businesses selected nationally to receive a $25,000 granted and the only Virginia-based company. The intention of the grant is to provide fuel for growth and small businesses that are making an impact in their community.

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.

CIC Resource Fair – September 28^th at 12:00 pm PREREGISTER

Starting Your Business – September 29^th at 6:00 PM PREREGISTER