We believe in having a child like mind when it comes to learning. Open to all possibilities.
Our workshops, events, and programs are designed with a small business owner in mind. Actionable, sharing of ideas, and takeaways to keep things straight.
WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Social Media Strategies That Drive Real Sales
About this workshop
Social media can be a powerful tool for attracting customers, building relationships, and increasing sales—but only when used strategically. Join this Marketing Monday session to learn practical social media approaches that can help your business connect with the right audience and drive measurable results.
You’ll learn how to:
Identify social media strategies that support business growth
Create content that encourages customer engagement and action
Reach the right audience through effective platform use
Turn social media activity into opportunities for increased sales
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone responsible for marketing their business who wants to use social media more effectively to support revenue growth.
What you’ll walk away with
Participants will gain practical insights into building a stronger social media presence, creating more effective content, and using social platforms as part of a broader sales and marketing strategy. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas they can begin implementing right away to strengthen their online presence and support business growth.
Christmas in July: Prepping Your Business for the Holidays
About this workshop
Get a headstart on your holiday busy season prep with this free, insightful workshop to help ensure your business runs smoothly all winter long. Learn how to adapt your budget, create a timeline for ordering extra inventory, and switch up your marketing to target holiday shoppers.
This workshop is a collaboration with Nelson County Economic Development. This is a hybrid event — you are able to attend in-person at the Nelson Center (8445 Thomas Nelson Hwy), or virtually via Zoom.
AI FUNDAMENTALS: The Small Business Owner's Playbook
About this workshop
Artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting how businesses operate, market, serve customers, and make decisions. This introductory session launches the AI Fundamentals series from Virginia SBDC and is designed to help small business owners build a practical understanding of AI concepts and where AI can fit into their business operations.
You’ll learn how to:
Gain more exposure to foundational AI concepts and terminology
Identify practical ways AI can support business operations and decision-making
Evaluate where AI tools may provide value within your business
Develop a purposeful approach to adopting and using AI technologies
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to gain further understanding on AI and explore how it can be applied thoughtfully and effectively in their organizations.
What you’ll walk away with
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the AI landscape, practical insights into potential business applications, and a foundation for making informed decisions about AI adoption. This session will help attendees build confidence in evaluating AI opportunities and preparing for future learning in the series.
Presented by
Lori Zeoli, CEO and Founder, xpLORIZE AI Advisors, LLC - an artificial intelligence consulting agency that primarily services small business owners and solopreneurs
Registration is required.
Creating the Buyer Journey That Converts Clicks into Customers
About this No-Cost workshop (Registration Required)
Running a small business means balancing many priorities, and marketing can often feel overwhelming. The Buyer Journey will help small business owners better understand how to connect with customers at every stage of the buying process, from awareness to action and long-term retention.
Participants will explore practical marketing strategies that help clarify messaging, strengthen value propositions, and turn customer interest into meaningful business growth.
You’ll learn how to:
Identify the key stages of the buyer journey and customer decision-making process
Clarify your business message and communicate your value more effectively
Apply marketing strategies that help convert interest into customer action
Strengthen customer relationships and encourage repeat business
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to attract more customers, improve their marketing approach, and better understand how customers move from awareness to purchase.
Franchising 101: Starting a Business Through a Franchise
What does it take to be a successful franchise owner in Virginia?
Whether you are interested in operating a full-time business, being a semi-absentee investor, or having a highly profitable summer business, learn...
what to look for in a franchise
which franchises do well (and don’t do well) in our region
state and local regulations to be aware of before signing a franchise agreement
There will also be information about franchise trends and opportunities!
How Your Business Makes Money: The Income Statement
In this session, you’ll learn how to read your income statement (profit and loss) so you can understand where your money is coming from and where it’s going. We’ll break down revenue, cost of goods/services, expenses, and profit in plain language and discuss what “healthy” numbers can look like for small businesses. You’ll leave able to spot trends, flag issues early, and use your income statement to make smarter decisions.
Speaker: Chelsea Torres, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
First Thursdays with the SBA: WOSB
Topic: Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Grab your lunch and join us the first Thursday of each month to learn more about SBA programs and network with other small business owners.
This workshop will explain the process and advantages of utilizing the Women -Owned Small business contracting program for federal contracting.
Key Takeaways:
• How to self-certify as a woman-owned small business
• The eligibility requirements to qualify for the WOSB program
• How the WOSB program can help your business compete for federal contract set-asides
Smart Start
Are you thinking about starting a business or have you recently launched your business, and want to be sure you’re on the right track? Join us for Smart Start!
Businesses that start with a solid foundation of research, planning, and setup are up to 89% more likely to remain open three years later. That’s a percentage worth betting on!
Smart Start is an interactive introductory workshop designed to answer your start-up questions and help you take the right first steps with clarity and confidence. In this session, an SBDC business advisor will share the core building blocks of a successful business and provide practical guidance to help you move from idea to action. Whether you’re still shaping your concept or ready to formalize your plans, Smart Start offers trusted tools and insights to support informed decision-making.
Smart Start also introduces you to the support available through the SBDC. The topics covered in this class create a strong foundation for your next conversation with an SBDC advisor.
What you'll explore during Smart Start:
If entrepreneurship is right for you
How to pick the perfect customers
How to best validate your idea
Keys to growing an iconic brand
Steps to laying the foundation for a legitimate business
What resources are available to you
Determine what stage you are in and what your next steps are
Smart Start participation is required for individuals who have not yet started a business before scheduling a one-on-one advising appointment with an SBDC Business Advisor. This ensures advising sessions are focused and productive.
How to Manage your WordPress Website
Are you looking for a simple, yet effective website to use for your business? WordPress might be a good option!
In this workshop, we’ll cover “the basics” on creating and updating a WordPress site, including:
User management
Page creation and editing
Image and video uploads
Plugin management
Linking to social media
Learn the basics of Elementor, the most popular WordPress editing interface. With Elementor, you can design complex layouts visually, and integrate various design elements such as text, images, videos, and more, just by dragging and dropping them into place.
Franchising TOO - Trends, Opportunities, and Obstacles
Which are the best franchises to invest in today, and what does it take to open a franchise in Virginia?
Whether you are able to operate a franchise full-time, or you want to run a business semi-passively while working a day job, learn more about...
how the franchise industry has changed since the pandemic
how the customers have changed
what the next big opportunities are in franchising!
We will also discuss common pitfalls to obstacles to success. You won't want to miss this!
Speaker: Heather Rosen, President of FranNet of Virginia and D.C.
Snapshot Of Your Business: The Balance Sheet
In this session, you’ll learn how to read your income statement (profit and loss) so you can understand where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
We’ll break down revenue, cost of goods/services, expenses, and profit in plain language and discuss what “healthy” numbers can look like for small businesses.
You’ll leave able to:
spot trends
flag issues early
use your income statement to make smarter decisions
Speaker: Chelsea Torres, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
Preparing Your Pitch - Best Practices in Developing Your Business Briefing
Please join Senior Business Counselor, and Adjunct GMU Professor George Siragusa, as he guides you through a step-by-step process of building a business briefing that is invaluable to startups, early stage companies, growth, or even mature businesses! During this NO-COST webinar you will:
become aware of at least 5 scenarios in the life of a business when your business briefing may be needed and how they may be used in each case
obtain a checklist containing 5 distinct "filters" or tests, ensuring you have taken the necessary and critical Lean Foundational Steps prior to starting the development of your business briefing
see how an actionable framework, containing 5 basic "themes", is used to test the critical business hypothesis in the marketplace needed during the "Lean Discovery Phase" of your journey, giving you deep insights and answers which will improve the effectiveness of your business briefing
obtain an actionable, easy to use, step-by-step outline that forms the basis of a "StoryBoard", the precursor to the full briefing, and the step that "jumpstarts" the process
receive a file with an actual local business briefing used in an attempt to raise capital, complete with speaker notes and explained section by section along with perspectives, "do's and don'ts", all intended to guide your business briefing development
AND... hear answers to many of your business briefing questions in real time!
Registration is required.
Business Foundations - Management
Business Foundations - Management introduces business operation frameworks and best-practices.
In this session, you’ll get an overview of the following topics:
Legal Organization
Basic Principles and Business Plan
Execution • Professional Affiliations
Start-up Structure
Growth Business Structure
Human Resources
Speaker: Jolie Spiers, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
Using AI Tools for Social Media
Marketing on social media requires a lot of work.
Thinking of relevant ideas, writing posts & headlines, then planning, scheduling & posting content regularly takes time, effort, and creative energy. It can be exhausting and overwhelming.
AI tools can make social media easier and more effective.
In this live, online webinar we will show you how to harness existing AI tools to plan smarter, create better content, and manage the process too. You’ll get real-world examples to help you understand how to make AI work for your social media campaigns. Your instructor will provide information, examples and demonstrate the process.
What you’ll learn:
Which AI tools are good for social media marketing
How to use AI applications for content creation
What best practices help to keep your brand authentic
Whether you’re just starting with AI or looking to refine your strategy, join us to build your skills, knowledge and confidence to integrate AI into your own social media workflow.
Start a Business (Legal & Administrative Steps)
Get ready for opening day! Join this live webinar (Zoom) to learn the following startup essentials:
Legal forms
Tax registration and filing
Naming your company
Finance and Accounting
Employees vs Contractors
Foundations for your business plan
Speaker: Bernard Ferret - Senior Business Counselor, Mason SBDC & Serial Entrepreneur
QuickBooks 101: Set Up and Start Tracking Your Business Finances
QuickBooks can make running your business easier—once you know how to use it.
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to get started in QuickBooks and set up your system to track your income, expenses, and invoices the right way from the beginning.
You’ll learn:
How to navigate QuickBooks and choose the right version
How to connect your bank account and categorize transactions
How to create a chart of accounts tailored to your business
How to record expenses, send invoices, and run basic reports
What to do each week/month to stay on track
This session is best for small business owners who are new to QuickBooks or want a reset on how it’s set up.
Gov Con: HUBZone
The Federal Government has contracting goals for Women, Minorities, Service Disabled Veterans and HUBZone located small businesses. These set asides are a great way to gain entry into the complex world of Federal contracting. This class will introduce you to the HUBZone certification.
We will cover these key areas:
Eligibility requirements for HUBZone
Understanding the application process
Understanding how to prepare before applying
Staying Certified
Don’t miss out on this informative presentation on how you can take advantage of the SBA’s socio-economic small business set-asides.
Speaker: Lisa Wood is the current statewide director of Virginia APEX Accelerator.
Money In, Money Out: The Cash Flow Statement
In this session, you’ll learn how to read your income statement (profit and loss) so you can understand where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
We’ll break down revenue, cost of goods/services, expenses, and profit in plain language and discuss what “healthy” numbers can look like for small businesses.
You’ll leave able to:
spot trends
flag issues early
use your income statement to make smarter decisions
Speaker: Chelsea Torres, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
Home-Based Business: From Farmers Market to Scalable Business
Many successful businesses begin small by testing products, building loyal customers, and refining operations before expanding.
In this session, participants will hear directly from a bakery owner who built a thriving business by selling just one day a week at a local farmers’ market and is now expanding into a brick-and-mortar production space.
We will explore the strategies behind their growth, including product development, customer relationships, pricing, production planning, and knowing when to scale.
Attendees will gain practical insights on how a simple market booth can become a powerful launchpad for a sustainable business.
This session is ideal for home-based and small food entrepreneurs who want to test their products, grow demand, and expand strategically.
Understanding Employment Regulations
The speaker, Randy Sparks, Jr., will address basic human resource topics that all business owners should be familiar with. In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to stay in compliance with Virginia and federal labor regulations.
Topics Covered:
What information can I request in an application or during an interview?
Are my workers employees or independent contractors?
What documentation must I keep and for how long?
Can I make my employees sign non-compete and non-disclosure agreements?
How can I fire an employee without having to pay unemployment compensation?
What am I required to do to insure employee safety from coronavirus?
Speaker: Randy Sparks, Jr. is a member of the Labor and Employment Law Practice Group at Kaufman & Canoles
Fee: $ 30.00
Business Foundations - Marketing
This part of the series focuses on Marketing.
Every new or early stage business owner should have a working knowledge of these principles to create a sound marketing strategy and actionable go-to-market plan.
Marketing:
Building your brand
Market Research
Identifying Your Target Customer
Free Marketing Options
Paid Marketing Options
Build a Budget
Strategize your Marketing Plan
Speaker: Jolie Spiers, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
From Credit to Capital: Strengthening Your Credit Scores & Reports for Funding
Building strong credit is a foundational step toward financial stability, access to affordable financing, and long-term growth opportunities. In this session, we’ll walk through clear, practical steps to help you understand how credit works and how to fix common issues so you can pursue your personal and business goals.
This webinar explains personal and business credit scores and reports and breaks down real-world strategies small business owners can use to improve credit, correct common report errors, and prepare for future funding. We’ll connect credit habits directly to loan readiness and explain what lenders look for in your applications.
You’ll learn:
What credit is, how personal and business credit differ, and why both matter.
How the three major credit bureaus collect information and calculate scores.
How to access, read, and monitor your personal and business credit reports .
How to identify and dispute errors using your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
This session the first step in a program that is ideal for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to take control of their credit before applying for loans. To participate in the program you must schedule a 1:1 advising session following the webinar.
Ready For Anything | Financial Resilience
About this workshop
Financial Resilience is the second session of our 6-Part Series, Ready For Anything, designed to prepare small businesses in the New River Valley for unforeseen challenges, and to help you develop a plan to move forward once the dust settles.
Unexpected disruptions can impact any business, especially after a natural disaster such as Hurricane Helene. This session will help business owners assess their current financial position, understand their cash flow needs during an emergency, and prepare the records needed to support recovery funding applications.
You’ll learn how to
Assess your business’s current financial position using a disaster recovery framework
Calculate cash flow needs and estimate operational “burn rates” during a temporary shutdown
Identify the financial records and documentation needed for SBA and FEMA disaster assistance applications
Complete a Schedule of Liabilities to better understand existing financial obligations
Prepare financial recovery strategies that support business continuity after a disruption
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the New River Valley who want to strengthen their financial preparedness, improve cash flow resilience, and better prepare for unexpected business interruptions or disaster recovery situations.
What you’ll walk away with
Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of their business’s financial readiness during a disruption, along with practical tools and guidance for evaluating cash reserves, organizing financial documentation, and preparing for potential disaster recovery funding opportunities.
Presented by
Business Advisors with the Roanoke Regional SBDC and New River Valley SBDC, along with guest facilitators/subject matter experts.
Location
Workshops are held in-person at CoWorks @The HUB, 801 East Main Street, Radford, VA 24142.
In-person attendance is recommended, but classes will also be broadcast virtually and a Zoom link will be provided prior to the session date.
Registration
There is no cost to attend this workshop, and registration is required. While you are not required to attend all six sessions in the Ready For Anything Series, attending the full series is highly recommended to create a comprehensive plan. The class material is specially designed to benefit the unique challenges of small businesses in the New River Valley region, however Virginia small businesses outside of this area are also welcome to attend.
Financing Your Small Business
During this live webinar (Zoom), attendees will learn:
Financing Basics – Types of Financing
Funding Sources & Financing Programs
Common Misconceptions of Small Business Financing
Bank Financing Basics
Preparing for Financing
Strategies for your Bank Presentation
And Much More!
Speaker: Timm Johnson - Director & Senior Business Counselor, Mason SBDC
Know Your Numbers: How to Read and Use Your Financial Statements
If your bookkeeping is up and running, the next step is understanding what your numbers are telling you.
In this 90-minute bootcamp, we’ll demystify the core financial statements every small business owner should know—and show you how to use them to make better decisions.
You’ll learn:
What an income/profit & loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statement actually show
How to spot trends and red flags in your reports
How to make sense of these numbers in QuickBooks or a spreadsheet
How to use your financial data to plan, pivot, or seek funding
This session is ideal for business owners who already track their finances and want to become more confident and strategic in how they use that information.
Setting Up Your Accounting System
This practical session is designed for local small business owners who are starting up or getting their accounting in order and want a simple, stress-free way to manage their books.
We’ll cover why bookkeeping is crucial for business success, help you evaluate your bookkeeping options, and walk through a step-by-step online accounting setup using a real-world example.
You’ll learn the basics of online accounting, understand what a Chart of Accounts is and how it varies by industry, and leave with clear next steps and the confidence to get started.
Speaker: Chelsea Torres, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
Protecting Customer Information in a Digital Business
Data is the new liability. Is yours protected from a cybersecurity attack?
Customer data is one of the most valuable assets a business hold. It is also one of the most targeted. A single data exposure can damage trust, trigger legal issues, and impact long term growth. Don’t be a victim!
Speaker: Quiana Gainey, Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert
Business Foundations - Money
Business Foundations - Money covers the crucial topics businesses need for sustainability and growth. In this session, you’ll get an overview of the following:
Essential Financial Information for long-term success
Access to Capital
Loans and Grants
Bootstrapping
Investments
Speaker: Donna Norman, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
Essential Bookkeeping Tasks
This hands-on session breaks down the essential bookkeeping tasks every small business needs to stay organized and in control.
We’ll cover what to track daily, weekly, and monthly—sales, expenses, invoices, receipts, payroll basics, and recordkeeping habits that prevent overwhelm.
You’ll leave with a simple bookkeeping routine and checklist you can start using immediately.
Speaker: Chelsea Torres, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
Smart Start
Are you thinking about starting a business or have you recently launched your business, and want to be sure you’re on the right track? Join us for Smart Start!
Businesses that start with a solid foundation of research, planning, and setup are up to 89% more likely to remain open three years later. That’s a percentage worth betting on!
Smart Start is an interactive introductory workshop designed to answer your start-up questions and help you take the right first steps with clarity and confidence. In this session, an SBDC business advisor will share the core building blocks of a successful business and provide practical guidance to help you move from idea to action. Whether you’re still shaping your concept or ready to formalize your plans, Smart Start offers trusted tools and insights to support informed decision-making.
Smart Start also introduces you to the support available through the SBDC. The topics covered in this class create a strong foundation for your next conversation with an SBDC advisor.
What you'll explore during Smart Start:
If entrepreneurship is right for you
How to pick the perfect customers
How to best validate your idea
Keys to growing an iconic brand
Steps to laying the foundation for a legitimate business
What resources are available to you
Determine what stage you are in and what your next steps are
Smart Start participation is required for individuals who have not yet started a business before scheduling a one-on-one advising appointment with an SBDC Business Advisor. This ensures advising sessions are focused and productive.
Ready For Anything | Disaster Preparedness
About this workshop
Disaster Preparedness is the third session of our 6-Part Series, Ready For Anything, designed to prepare small businesses in the New River Valley for unforeseen challenges, and to help you develop a plan to move forward once the dust settles.
Unexpected disruptions can put employees, customers, and business operations at risk, especially during severe weather events such as Hurricane Helene. This session will help business owners strengthen their disaster preparedness plans by developing clear emergency procedures, identifying critical safety protocols, and preparing staff to respond quickly when a crisis occurs.
You’ll learn how to
Develop emergency procedures for flooding, power outages, and building evacuations
Identify safe assembly locations and communication procedures for employees during an emergency
Prepare “Grab-and-Go” kits with essential supplies and business information
Evaluate site-specific risks and emergency response considerations for Southwest Virginia businesses
Create step-by-step response instructions that support employee safety and operational readiness
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the New River Valley who want to improve workplace safety, strengthen emergency preparedness procedures, and better prepare their teams for unexpected disruptions or disaster events.
What you’ll walk away with
Attendees will leave with practical emergency preparedness tools, draft response procedures, and clearer guidance for protecting employees and responding quickly during a disaster. Participants will also gain resources for building site-specific preparedness plans that support business continuity and safety.
Presented by
Business Advisors with the Roanoke Regional SBDC and New River Valley SBDC, along with guest facilitators/subject matter experts.
Location
Workshops are held in-person at CoWorks @The HUB, 801 East Main Street, Radford, VA 24142.
In-person attendance is recommended, but classes will also be broadcast virtually and a Zoom link will be provided prior to the session date.
Registration
There is no cost to attend this workshop, and registration is required. While you are not required to attend all six sessions in the Ready For Anything Series, attending the full series is highly recommended to create a comprehensive plan. The class material is specially designed to benefit the unique challenges of small businesses in the New River Valley region, however Virginia small businesses outside of this area are also welcome to attend.
You've Got the Business Now Let's Organize the Finances
Getting your finances organized is the first step toward scaling your business or applying for funding. In this session, we’ll walk through simple, practical steps to help you structure your finances, build better habits, and prepare for next steps—whether that’s going after a loan or growing your operations.
You’ll learn:
How to separate personal and business finances
What basic bookkeeping looks like (even using a spreadsheet)
Simple systems to track income, expenses, and receipts
What reports like an income statement can show you
How to set goals and forecast your cash flow
This session is ideal for business owners who are ready to get structured before diving into accounting software.
SBA Grocery Guarantee: New Financing for Agriculture Businesses
About this workshop
The SBA’s expanded “Grocery Guarantee” under the International Trade Loan (ITL) Program creates new financing opportunities for agriculture producers and businesses across the food supply chain. This webinar will provide an overview of how the program works, who may qualify, and how businesses can prepare to access SBA-backed funding for growth and operational needs.
You’ll learn how to:
Understand how the SBA Grocery Guarantee works, including the enhanced 90% federal loan guarantee
Identify which agriculture and food supply chain businesses may be eligible under the expanded program
Explore financing opportunities for working capital, equipment purchases, and business growth
Prepare your business for lender discussions and financing applications
Take practical next steps to access SBA-backed financing through participating lenders
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for agriculture producers, food-based businesses, and small businesses across the food supply chain, including processors, distributors, and logistics providers interested in learning about new financing opportunities available through the SBA.
Registration
This training is offered at no cost. Registration is required.
Ready For Anything | Continuity Planning
About this workshop
Continuity Planning is the first session of our 6-Part Series, Ready For Anything, designed to prepare small businesses in the New River Valley for unforeseen challenges, and to help you develop a plan to move forward once the dust settles.
Unexpected disruptions can impact any business, and as shown by Hurricane Helene, severe weather events can be especially devastating for small businesses. This session will help business owners identify the essential functions their businesses rely on and begin building a continuity plan that supports faster recovery during a crisis.
You’ll learn how to
Identify the essential business functions needed to maintain operations during a disruption
Define recovery priorities and continuity goals that support long-term business resilience
Map critical resources, dependencies, and potential single points of failure
Evaluate business risks and hazards that could impact daily operations
Prepare key records and emergency documentation to support disaster recovery
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the New River Valley who want to improve their business preparedness and build strategies for responding to an unexpected emergency.
What you’ll walk away with
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of their business’s operational priorities during a crisis, along with practical tools, guidance, and worksheets for beginning a continuity planning process that supports long-term resilience.
Presented by
Business Advisors with the Roanoke Regional SBDC and New River Valley SBDC, along with guest facilitators/subject matter experts.
Location
Workshops are held in-person at CoWorks @The HUB, 801 East Main Street, Radford, VA 24142.
In-person attendance is recommended, but classes will also be broadcast virtually and a Zoom link will be provided prior to the session date.
Registration
There is no cost to attend this workshop, and registration is required. While you are not required to attend all six sessions in the Ready For Anything Series, attending the full series is highly recommended to create a comprehensive plan. The class material is specially designed to benefit the unique challenges of small businesses in the New River Valley region, however Virginia small businesses outside of this area are also welcome to attend.
From Credit to Capital: Strengthening Your Credit Scores & Reports for Funding
Building strong credit is a foundational step toward financial stability, access to affordable financing, and long-term growth opportunities. In this session, we’ll walk through clear, practical steps to help you understand how credit works and how to fix common issues so you can pursue your personal and business goals.
This webinar explains personal and business credit scores and reports and breaks down real-world strategies small business owners can use to improve credit, correct common report errors, and prepare for future funding. We’ll connect credit habits directly to loan readiness and explain what lenders look for in your applications.
You’ll learn:
What credit is, how personal and business credit differ, and why both matter.
How the three major credit bureaus collect information and calculate scores.
How to access, read, and monitor your personal and business credit reports .
How to identify and dispute errors using your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
This session the first step in a program that is ideal for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to take control of their credit before applying for loans. To participate in the program you must schedule a 1:1 advising session following the webinar.
Speaker: Nimaj Driscoll, Business Credit & Financing Advisor, NAV Technologies Inc
Contracts, Compliance and Cyber Risk
Cybersecurity is now a requirement in contracts, not an option.
From vendor agreements to government opportunities, businesses are expected to meet security standards or risk losing deals and facing liability.
Discover what small businesses must know before signing deals.
Speaker: Quiana Gainey, Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert
IEEPA Tariff Refund - Part Two
About this workshop
The Virginia SBDC International Business Development (IBD) team is offering a two-part webinar series to help businesses prepare and submit their International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duty refund filings under Phase I of the CAPE Declaration process. These sessions are designed for both self-filers and businesses working with a Customs Broker who entered goods into the United States.
Each session will provide practical guidance, process clarification, and time for participant questions.
You’ll learn how to:
Prepare documentation needed for an IEEPA duty refund filing under CAPE
Navigate ACE requirements and organize supporting filing information
Understand the CAPE Declaration entry process
Track the status of CAPE submissions whether self-filed or broker-submitted
Who should attend
This program is intended for importers, small businesses engaged in international trade, and companies seeking guidance on the IEEPA duty refund process under the CAPE Declaration framework. Both businesses planning to self-file and those working with Customs Brokers are encouraged to attend.
Program schedule
Part One - Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
This session will focus on preparation for submitting the IEEPA duty refund filing under CAPE. Topics will include ACE requirements and the documentation needed to support the filing process for both self-filers and businesses utilizing Customs Brokers.
Part Two (THIS SESSION) - Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
This session will focus on CAPE Declaration entry procedures and tracking submissions, whether self-filed through CAPE or submitted by the Customs Broker who entered the goods.
Registration is required.
Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant Programs
Join us for an informative virtual session led by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Grants team!
VTC offers several funding programs to assist the Virginia travel industry. This webinar will focus on the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program grant for tourism-oriented small businesses - like boutique retail, lodging, restaurants, and attractions. Applications open mid-June 2026.
Join Staci Martin, Grants Director, with the support of Noah Salaah ad-Deen, Grants Manager, and Shruthi Manimaran, Grants Coordinator for a deep dive into this program.
You will leave with a better understanding of:
the program
the marketing focus
who is eligible
in-kind and cash management requirements
timelines and deadlines
how to apply for the program
IEEPA Tariff Refund - Part One
About this workshop
The Virginia SBDC International Business Development (IBD) team is offering a two-part webinar series to help businesses prepare and submit their International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duty refund filings under Phase I of the CAPE Declaration process. These sessions are designed for both self-filers and businesses working with a Customs Broker who entered goods into the United States.
Each session will provide practical guidance, process clarification, and time for participant questions.
You’ll learn how to:
Prepare documentation needed for an IEEPA duty refund filing under CAPE
Navigate ACE requirements and organize supporting filing information
Understand the CAPE Declaration entry process
Track the status of CAPE submissions whether self-filed or broker-submitted
Who should attend
This program is intended for importers, small businesses engaged in international trade, and companies seeking guidance on the IEEPA duty refund process under the CAPE Declaration framework. Both businesses planning to self-file and those working with Customs Brokers are encouraged to attend.
Program schedule
Part One (THIS SESSION)- Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
This session will focus on preparation for submitting the IEEPA duty refund filing under CAPE. Topics will include ACE requirements and the documentation needed to support the filing process for both self-filers and businesses utilizing Customs Brokers.
Part Two - Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
This session will focus on CAPE Declaration entry procedures and tracking submissions, whether self-filed through CAPE or submitted by the Customs Broker who entered the goods.
Registration is required.
QuickBooks 201: Beyond the Basics
Already using QuickBooks but want to take it further?
This intermediate-level training will help you get more value from the platform by showing you how to use advanced tools, spot errors, and build better reports to support your business decisions.
You’ll learn:
How to reconcile accounts and fix common mistakes
How to customize and analyze reports (income/P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
How to manage customers, vendors, and products/services more effectively
Tips for cleaner books and smoother reporting
Answers to your specific questions during Q&A
This session is perfect for QuickBooks users who are ready to go beyond setup and start using the platform more strategically.
LLC, S-Corp, or Partnership? Choosing the Right Structure as You Grow
As your business expands, your legal structure can make or break your growth strategy.
This session will guide small business owners through entity options beyond the startup phase, including multi-member LLCs, S Corporations, and partnerships. We’ll discuss ownership agreements, liability protection, and how the right structure supports financing and long-term success.
You’ll learn:
The pros and cons of common growth-ready structures
How ownership agreements protect you and your partners
When it makes sense to transition from one entity type to another
How lenders and investors view different business structures
This session is ideal for business owners ready to scale, take on partners, or strengthen their legal foundation for financing.
Speaker: Tammy Hui, Of Counsel, The Geller Law Group
Grow Your Business with Digital Marketing
Businesses need to understand the basics of digital marketing now more than ever, because digital marketing creates growth.
Learn about the basics of digital marketing, including:
Social Media
Email Marketing
Paid Ads
SEO
Affiliate Marketing
How to use analytics to measure your success
Instructor: Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants
Understanding Paid Ads: Strategy, Setup, & Results
Learn the fundamentals of successful ad campaigns, including how to choose the right platforms, target the right audience, set realistic budgets, and measure results that matter.
Whether you’re brand new to paid ads or looking to improve your current strategy, this session will give you practical insights and actionable steps to help you attract more customers and make smarter marketing decisions.
Intro to State Government Contracting
Each year, the State buys goods and services totaling more than $7 billion – learn how your company can be a part of that!
This webinar is designed to educate small business owners about opportunities to sell their goods and services to the Commonwealth of Virginia and many local governments.
The workshop will provide information about the Virginia procurement process (the eVA system) and the benefits of SWaM certification.
Speaker: Kathy Deacon, Business Services Manager, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Southwest Virginia
By registering for this seminar, you grant the Virginia SBDC permission to share your contact information with the speaker.
SBA Loan Programs: Up to $5 Million Available for Small Businesses
Small Business Administration loans can be used for a wide variety of needs including working capital, purchases of inventory and equipment, refinancing business debt, buying a business, and the purchase or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate.
During this webinar, we will discuss the three main SBA Loan Programs - 7(a), 504 and Microloans. You will receive guidance on….
what to do before approaching a lender
what the SBA application process looks like
how to find SBA lenders
Speaker: Ford Scott, Lender Relations Specialist, Richmond, VA District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA Loan Programs: Up to $5 Million Available for Small Businesses
Small Business Administration loans can be used for a wide variety of needs including working capital, purchases of inventory and equipment, refinancing business debt, buying a business, and the purchase or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate.
During this webinar, we will discuss the three main SBA Loan Programs - 7(a), 504 and Microloans. You will receive guidance on….
what to do before approaching a lender
what the SBA application process looks like
how to find SBA lenders
Understanding Cottage Law in Virginia
Do you run a business making food products from home? Are you currently operating under Cottage Food Law or thinking about expanding beyond your kitchen?
Join Food and Beverage Advisor, Maria Niechwiadowicz, for an informative session on Virginia’s rules for home-based food production. With important changes to Cottage Food Law taking effect this July, this class will walk you through what’s new, what it means for your business, and how to stay compliant. All updates and changes will be covered in detail during the session.
We’ll also explore practical steps to help you grow your business into something bigger.
Snacks will be provided!
Co-Sponsor: Bedford County Economic Development
Small Business Tax Fundamentals: What You Must File (and When)
Understanding your tax and compliance obligations is essential for protecting your business and avoiding costly surprises. Structured as a guided FAQ, the presentation will break down the key points every small business owner should know for their local, state, and federal filings to stay compliant and confidently manage tax responsibilities throughout the year.
You’ll learn:
What local taxes and licenses your business may need
How county-level business property tax and meals tax may apply to you
Which businesses must collect and remit state sales and use tax
What state unemployment tax means for employers
Industry-specific taxes (fuel, tobacco, and others) you may encounter
When and why your business needs an EIN
The difference between W-2 and 1099 income—and how self-employment tax works
Federal unemployment requirements and filing expectations
This session is ideal for business owners who want to clearly understand their tax landscape before tax season arrives.
Smart Start
Are you thinking about starting a business or have you recently launched your business, and want to be sure you’re on the right track? Join us for Smart Start!
Businesses that start with a solid foundation of research, planning, and setup are up to 89% more likely to remain open three years later. That’s a percentage worth betting on!
Smart Start is an interactive introductory workshop designed to answer your start-up questions and help you take the right first steps with clarity and confidence. In this session, an SBDC business advisor will share the core building blocks of a successful business and provide practical guidance to help you move from idea to action. Whether you’re still shaping your concept or ready to formalize your plans, Smart Start offers trusted tools and insights to support informed decision-making.
Smart Start also introduces you to the support available through the SBDC. The topics covered in this class create a strong foundation for your next conversation with an SBDC advisor.
What you'll explore during Smart Start:
If entrepreneurship is right for you
How to pick the perfect customers
How to best validate your idea
Keys to growing an iconic brand
Steps to laying the foundation for a legitimate business
What resources are available to you
Determine what stage you are in and what your next steps are
Smart Start participation is required for individuals who have not yet started a business before scheduling a one-on-one advising appointment with an SBDC Business Advisor. This ensures advising sessions are focused and productive.
Ask a Business Lawyer: What to Look for Before You Sign
Before signing a loan, contract, or agreement, there are a lot of key things to look for and questions you should ask as a business owner.
Structured as a guided FAQ, the presentation will walk through five key questions every business owner should consider before signing, including: what you’re actually agreeing to, what you may be personally risking, what terms can be negotiated, common red flags, and when to involve a lawyer.
The goal is not to provide legal advice, but to give you a clear framework to assess risk and protect your business.
Following the presentation, there will be time for general Q&A. While specific contracts cannot be reviewed in a group setting, attendees will have the opportunity to ask broader questions and better understand how to approach legal decisions with confidence.
You'll learn:
How to identify key terms and obligations in contracts and agreements
What personal risk you may be taking on, even with an LLC
Which terms are often negotiable and how to approach them
Common red flags that signal potential issues
When it’s advisable to involve a lawyer before signing
This session is ideal for business owners preparing to apply for financing, enter agreements, or make important decisions that impact their business’s future.
Speaker: Tammy Hui, Of Counsel, The Geller Law Group
You've Got the Business Now Let's Organize the Finances
Getting your finances organized is the first step toward scaling your business or applying for funding. In this session, we’ll walk through simple, practical steps to help you structure your finances, build better habits, and prepare for next steps—whether that’s going after a loan or growing your operations.
You’ll learn:
How to separate personal and business finances
What basic bookkeeping looks like (even using a spreadsheet)
Simple systems to track income, expenses, and receipts
What reports like an income statement can show you
How to set goals and forecast your cash flow
This session is ideal for business owners who are ready to get structured before diving into accounting software.
Managing Third Party Cyber Risk
You’re only as secure as your vendors.
Many cyber incidents begin through trusted partner, vendors, or service providers. Small businesses often inherit risk from the very tools and relationships they depend on. Learn how to protect yourself!
Speaker: Quiana Gainey, Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert
SBA Loan Programs: Up to $5 Million Available for Small Businesses
Small Business Administration loans can be used for a wide variety of needs including working capital, purchases of inventory and equipment, refinancing business debt, buying a business, and the purchase or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate.
During this webinar, we will discuss the three main SBA Loan Programs - 7(a), 504 and Microloans. You will receive guidance on….
what to do before approaching a lender
what the SBA application process looks like
how to find SBA lenders
Speaker: Ford Scott, Lender Relations Specialist, Richmond, VA District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration
QuickBooks 101: Set Up and Start Tracking Your Business Finances
QuickBooks can make running your business easier—once you know how to use it.
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to get started in QuickBooks and set up your system to track your income, expenses, and invoices the right way from the beginning.
You’ll learn:
How to navigate QuickBooks and choose the right version
How to connect your bank account and categorize transactions
How to create a chart of accounts tailored to your business
How to record expenses, send invoices, and run basic reports
What to do each week/month to stay on track
This session is best for small business owners who are new to QuickBooks or want a reset on how it’s set up.
Smart Start
Are you thinking about starting a business or have you recently launched your business, and want to be sure you’re on the right track? Join us for Smart Start!
Businesses that start with a solid foundation of research, planning, and setup are up to 89% more likely to remain open three years later. That’s a percentage worth betting on!
Smart Start is an interactive introductory workshop designed to answer your start-up questions and help you take the right first steps with clarity and confidence. In this session, an SBDC business advisor will share the core building blocks of a successful business and provide practical guidance to help you move from idea to action. Whether you’re still shaping your concept or ready to formalize your plans, Smart Start offers trusted tools and insights to support informed decision-making.
Smart Start also introduces you to the support available through the SBDC. The topics covered in this class create a strong foundation for your next conversation with an SBDC advisor.
What you'll explore during Smart Start:
If entrepreneurship is right for you
How to pick the perfect customers
How to best validate your idea
Keys to growing an iconic brand
Steps to laying the foundation for a legitimate business
What resources are available to you
Determine what stage you are in and what your next steps are
Smart Start participation is required for individuals who have not yet started a business before scheduling a one-on-one advising appointment with an SBDC Business Advisor. This ensures advising sessions are focused and productive.
Drafting Your Craft Beverage Sales Team
Whether distribution is a major revenue driver or simply rounds out a strategy heavy on direct-to-consumer sales, it’s important to have skilled representatives advocating for your brand in the market. But too many producers make do with untrained, part-time sales team and wind up losing ground.
In this webinar, Chris Van Orden, Craft Beverage Assistance Manager, will discuss the people side of outside sales with Julie Rhodes of Not Your Hobby Marketing.
Keeping Up with Digital Marketing – A’s for Your Q’s - ChatGPT
What’s all the fuss about AI and ChatGPT?
What AI tools are available, and how can a small business use them to streamline customer service and marketing tasks?
This updated session, with Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants, will help answer those questions and more. The first half of the session will give an overview, and the second half will be set aside for Q & A.
Trademark Basics
Join us for a discussion about what all entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups should know about trademarks. We’ll discuss what trademarks are, the benefits of federal trademark registration, and the basics of the registration process. We’ll also talk about why it’s so important for any new business to select a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable.
We’ll direct you to free resources from the USPTO and close out the discussion with a question-and-answer session.
Webinar presented in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Export and Manufacturing Day
Join us for Lynchburg Manufacturing and Export Day, a half-day program designed to support Virginia manufacturing leaders and exporters.
This event brings together industry experts, export specialists, and regional partners to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s manufacturing and global trade landscape.
Attendees will gain insight into:
tariffs
reshoring trends
workforce needs
practical strategies for building stronger, more informed export programs in your company
Co-Sponsors: Virginia SBDC, The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, and the Virginia Manufacturer's Association
Business Planning Workshop: Pulling it ALL Together: Writing, Presenting & Pitching
Open to entrepreneurs at every stage, this free interactive series is designed to support businesses, whether participants plan to apply for the retail incubator or simply want to grow where they are.
This interactive series walks entrepreneurs step-by-step through building a strong, sustainable business. Participants will develop a clear vision and mission, conduct market and competitor research, define their value proposition and business model, outline marketing and operations strategies, and build foundational financial projections all culminating in a draft business plan and pitch-ready presentation.
Business Planning Workshop: Management & Financial Fundamentals
Open to entrepreneurs at every stage, this free interactive series is designed to support businesses, whether participants plan to apply for the retail incubator or simply want to grow where they are.
This interactive series walks entrepreneurs step-by-step through building a strong, sustainable business. Participants will develop a clear vision and mission, conduct market and competitor research, define their value proposition and business model, outline marketing and operations strategies, and build foundational financial projections all culminating in a draft business plan and pitch-ready presentation.
ON DEMAND COURSES
