Longwood SBDC

08/27/2026

The Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (SBSD) is offering one-on-one business counseling sessions. These sessions are designed to help businesses like yours better understand how to do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s state agencies. Whether it’s helping your business become certified in Virginia’s small business set-aside programs (SWaM and Micro), navigating the electronic portal which ALL state agencies use for solicitations (eVa), or helping you connect with key agency buyers SBSD can help! Some of the market research tools eVa offers are:

· Identifying which state agencies are buying what you sell
· How much these agencies are paying for your products and services
· Who are the buyers and how to contact them
· Who are your competitors
· And much more

Armed with this information, your company will be better positioned to win state contracts as well as contracts with many local government agencies across the region.

Space is limited so register for your appointment today!

One-on-one counseling session to help grow your business!

08/26/2026

New Grants for Mecklenburg Businesses!

For the first time, Mecklenburg County is proud to launch a coordinated suite of competitive business and tourism grant programs, representing a $1.9 million investment in our county's future. These new funding opportunities were created to strengthen existing businesses, encourage strategic investment, and support projects that will create lasting economic impact throughout Mecklenburg County.

Whether you're growing an established business, transitioning from a home-based business into a commercial location, strengthening your online presence, redeveloping commercial property, or planning a major tourism project, there's a funding opportunity designed to support your goals.

Use the guide below to find the opportunity that's right for you.

Please note that each grant program has its own eligibility requirements, funding limits, matching requirements, and evaluation criteria.

We encourage all interested applicants to review the complete program guidelines before applying.

You can find more information on each of these opportunities, including the detailed press release by visiting www.InvestInMeckVA.com

Applications Open September 1st!

08/25/2026

The SOVA Innovation Hub has a grant from the Virginia To***co Commission supporting RAMP Up, a new 8-week accelerator program for agriculture, forestry, and rural innovation. The program includes 8 sessions (Sept 21-Nov 9), a pitch day presentation (Nov 19 or 20), and up to $10,000 in business support for each participating company. Applications are due September 3rd. Details are available at https://sovarise.com/ramp-up.

08/24/2026

Join entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, and ecosystem partners from across Southern Virginia for the 2026 RISE Summit on Thursday, August 27, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. Enjoy a full day of practical workshops, inspiring speakers, networking, and resources designed to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Learn more and register at https://risesummit2026.eventbrite.com

Connect with the Longwood SBDC today!
Email: [email protected]
Website: Virginia Small Business Development Center | Longwood SBDC
Ready to get started: Consulting Registration | Longwood SBDC

08/17/2026

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities—and you don't have to build yours alone. Whether you're just getting started, looking to grow, or facing a new challenge, the Longwood Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) is here to help. Our experienced business advisors provide confidential, no-cost consulting and practical guidance on everything from business planning and marketing to financing, AI, and growth strategies.

Every successful business starts with one step. Let us help you take the next one.

Ready to get started? Connect with the Longwood SBDC today!
Email: [email protected]
Website: Virginia Small Business Development Center | Longwood SBDC
Ready to get started: Consulting Registration | Longwood SBDC

08/13/2026

Government Contracting can open new opportunities for small businesses, but it is rarely just one form, one registration, one bid.

A strong contracting strategy asks:

-What buyers are a good fit for your business?
-Can your pricing, capacity, and cash flow support the work?
-Do you know how to read an opportunity before you spend time responding?
-Are you ready to follow through after a first conversation?

Longwood SBDC advisors help business owners think through the business side of contracting so they can make better decisions before chasing opportunities - moving your business from interest to readiness.

Connect with the Longwood SBDC today!
Email: [email protected]
Website: Virginia Small Business Development Center | Longwood SBDC
Ready to get started: Consulting Registration | Longwood SBDC

08/10/2026

At the Longwood SBDC's, some entrepreneurs come to us with a full business plan. Most come with a rough idea, a problem to solve, or a dream they are not sure how to test.

Both are welcome.

We can walk you through your next step - whether that is business planning, market research, pricing, funding prep, or growth strategy.
Bring the idea. We will help with the next step. Give us a call: 434-395-2086!

08/07/2026

The Virginia SBDC Network includes 28 centers serving entrepreneurs, small business owners, and communities across the Commonwealth.

Each center understands its local economy. Together, the network brings statewide expertise, trusted advising, training, and connections to help businesses start, grow, and strengthen.

We’re proud to be your local center and serve your business needs everyday!

08/06/2026

Patrick County Chamber of Commerce & Longwood Small Business Development Center to Host Lunch & Learn on Virginia Employment Law Updates
Stuart, VA – The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce & Longwood Small Business Center invites business owners, managers, supervisors, and human resource professionals to attend an informative Lunch & Learn focused on recent changes to Virginia employment laws and best practices for updating employee handbooks.
The program will be held on Tuesday, August 18, at 12:00 p.m. at the Patrick & Henry Community College Patrick County Site in Stuart and will be presented by attorneys from Woods Rogers Law Firm.
Employment laws continue to evolve, making it essential for employers to stay informed and ensure workplace policies remain current and compliant. During this session, attendees will receive an overview of recent Virginia employment law updates, learn key considerations for reviewing and revising employee handbooks, and have the opportunity to ask questions relevant to their organizations.
"An up-to-date employee handbook is one of the most valuable tools a business can have," said Rebecca Adcock, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce. "This Lunch & Learn is an excellent opportunity for employers to gain practical guidance from experienced employment law professionals and better understand changes that may impact their workplace."
The program is complimentary for Patrick County Chamber of Commerce members. The registration fee for non-members is $20. Light refreshments will be served.
Advance registration is required, and seating is limited.

To register or learn more about the Lunch & Learn, contact the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce or visit: https://bit.ly/PCemployeehandbook

Connect with the Longwood SBDC today!
Email: [email protected]
Website: Virginia Small Business Development Center | Longwood SBDC
Ready to get started: Consulting Registration | Longwood SBDC