The Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC) is a great resource for small businesses in the region. With the support of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Community Investment Collaborative, and VA SBDC, the CVSBDC provides free advice to local businesses. They offer a range of services, from requesting a meeting to providing resources and hosting events. Over the past 30 years, they have helped many Virginia companies access the capital they need to grow and create jobs in the Commonwealth.
Whether you're a business owner looking for a loan or a commercial lender who needs help offering a loan to a small business, the VSBFA is available to discuss your needs. The VSBFA also offers direct loans to businesses that don't require the participation of a bank. Additionally, they are supported by the Small Business Administration and GO VIRGINIA, an initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that encourages job creation and strengthens and diversifies Virginia's economy. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Laurel Ridge Community Center provides free training, advice, and regional resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Their website offers forms for businesses, guides for starting a business in the city, and instructions on zoning laws and tax rates.
Supporting local businesses helps stimulate the area's economy, generates jobs for its neighbors, and even reduces its carbon footprint. The Handley Library also offers free services to local businesses such as notary services, meeting rooms, the Accel 5 program, free Wi-Fi, and more. InUnison is another great resource for locally owned businesses in the Richmond region that has been around for over 100 years. For those looking to purchase gift cards from local businesses, Storyware has created a website that allows customers to do so in one place. Locals can also use this site to find new business opportunities, research executives and companies, read news articles, conduct job searches and research papers, locate addresses and phone numbers, and conduct market research. When justified, the VSBFA will consider being in a position subordinate to the bank and may sometimes offer more flexible terms to meet the company's temporary cash flow needs.
Business owners who are unsure if their company and its funding needs qualify for tax-exempt bond funding should contact a lawyer who specializes in bail bonds before filing the application. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out with an idea in your head, there are plenty of resources throughout Central Virginia to help small businesses unlock their potential. The VSBFA is here to provide support and guidance throughout your journey.
