Central Virginia Small Business Development Center - CV SBDC

06/15/2026

👀 ICYMI: CV SBDC is hiring!
Our office is seeking a business advisor responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations with an emphasis on business advising to entrepreneurs in the designated counties.
The position will provide assistance, coaching, and strategic direction for new business startups and growing businesses in Central Virginia, represent the Central Virginia SBDC at regional professional events and associations, and work with other directors and management within CV SBDC and CIC to support services and offerings to small business owners. This role requires a commitment of at least 20 hours per week.

➡️ For more information about the role and application instructions, visit cvsbdc.org/jobs.

06/12/2026

On Wednesday, June 3rd, we hosted the 2nd annual Piedmont Ascent Business Conference at Piedmont Virginia Community College here in Charlottesville. Entrepreneurs of all stages from across the state joined us for a day of learning, connection, and growth. With six dynamic breakout sessions covering crucial marketing topics, a featured keynote panel with notable local experts, networking opportunities, and our live Piedmont Pitch competition!

Our thanks to everyone who helped make this event come to life —
✨ City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development and County of Albemarle for their continued support and collaboration
✨ PVCC for allowing us to use their beautiful Bolick Center space
✨ Our event sponsors, RetirePath Virginia and United Bank
✨ All of our presenters, panelists, and judges for volunteering their time and expertise
✨ Chris Tobey, our event videographer
And a huge thank you to everyone who attended any part of the conference or the pitch — this couldn't have happened without you!

We already can't wait for next year!

06/05/2026

🔍 Join us on Tuesday, June 10th for an informative look at setting up and executing paid ads for your business! Learn a brief overview of Google Ads, how to set realistic goals, and how to target the right audience.

➡️ Register for our free webinar: https://loom.ly/MtlS1lA

06/01/2026

If you can't make it to Piedmont Ascent Business Conference on Wednesday, consider joining us at PVCC afterwards for our 4th annual Piedmont Pitch competition! 6 local entrepreneurs will pitch their business to a live audience for the chance to win up to $15,000!
Come support the entrepreneurs behind Olive Oil Flights, Eichorp, Hello Again Consignment, Penny's Imperfect Pizza, Regen Pasture Management, and Control Alt Recycle from 3-5 PM on Wednesday, June 3rd. This event is free to attend and open to the public - no registration for the conference required.

05/22/2026

🗓️ We're less than 2 weeks away from Piedmont Ascent Business Conference!

Don't miss your chance to learn, connect, and grow with fellow entrepreneurs in this full-day educational experience. With just $25, you'll gain access to exclusive marketing and sales presentations and sessions taught by local experts, including an entrepreneur-led keynote panel featuring representatives from successful local businesses such as Crutchfield and Gearhart's, numerous opportunities to network and connect, all culminating in our live Piedmont Pitch competition featuring 6 local entrepreneurs competing for their chance to win up to $15,000 to fund their business!

➡️ Tickets are still available for just $25. To register and see the full conference agenda, visit https://loom.ly/J5312jU
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

05/20/2026

🍊💸 Earlier this month, we collaborated with Orange County Economic Development to bring the county their first accelerator program and pitch competition, OC Innovates!
Over the span of 2 months, our hardworking cohort attended training sessions and advising meetings, crafted thorough business plans, and prepared a 10-minute pitch to a live audience.
Congratulations to our first OC Innovates winners, 2 Scoops Sweets & Treats and Samurai Creatives!
Our thanks to Orange County Economic Development for helping bring this idea to life, and to our incredible pitchers for a fun and successful night!

05/14/2026

💸 Not sure where to get money for your business? Wondering about grants, angel investors, banks, non-bank lenders? Join us on May 28th for a lunch & learn all about financing!
We’ve got a panel of experts talking through both traditional and alternative funding routes and what’s right for you, available to answer your questions.
💻 This event is co-hosted by Greene County. This event will take place virtually, though there will be an option to view the workshop in-person at the Greene County Visitor's Center.
➡️ Register for free here: https://loom.ly/dk2TCDA

05/08/2026

04/28/2026

🧑‍🍳 Are you looking to start or grow your food business?
The Central VA SBDC and Carver Food Enterprise Center are offering a workshop for all food businesses on Monday, May 11th to learn about developing your business. We'll review how to create your business plan and then jump right into a few options that are available for your food business - such as mobile food businesses (e.g., food trucks, catering) and selling your product to stores, online, Amazon, etc. We'll wrap up with an optional tour of the Carver kitchen.

Topics covered include:
✅ Creating your business plan
✅ Specific considerations for mobile food businesses (farmers markets, food trucks, caterers, etc)
✅ How to launch and distribute consumer packaged goods (e.g., selling to stores, online, Amazon, Faire, etc.

Space is limited — register here: https://loom.ly/8E9nGGQ

04/23/2026

💻 Ready to take the next step with AI experimentation?
Discover how AI programs can help you create software and applications in just a few hours, with no coding knowledge needed. This interactive session is open to all knowledge levels and free to attend.

➡️ Register here: https://loom.ly/YXvIzwc