Financing Our Foodshed
October 2018
October was packed with powerful events in Virginia in the worlds of food and impact investing/philanthropy. They just happen to be the two worlds Slow Money brings together. One event was the Food Symposium held at the University of Virginia, focusing on the historical implications of slavery in our food system, and what we need to do to move toward authentic food sovereignty. Click here to see news coverage.

Another event of note was the Virginia Impact Summit, spearheaded by Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Virginia and the Virginia Impact Investing Forum. The event kicked off with a keynote address by Gov. Ralph Northam. Click here to see news coverage.

These two important issues of food sovereignty and impact investing/philanthropy don't intersect too often, but Slow Money Central Virginia is determined to make sure they do in our region. Thank you to all of you who support us, and we appreciate your staying connected. Happy Autumn!
Virginia Impact Report
Speaking of the Virginia Impact Investing Forum , they recently published a report called the "Virginia Impact Report: Inspiration Across the Commonwealth." The report is comprised of 15 articles highlighting the great work of several dozen organizations across the Commonwealth that are engaged in sustainable, responsible and impactful investing and philanthropy. The second article is about Slow Money Central Virginia, authored by co-founder Hunter Hopcroft.

Woody Tasch visits Central Virginia!
We are excited to host Slow Money founder Woody Tasch for a multi-day visit. His first stop will be on Sunday evening November 4 at 6pm. The event will be at Ellwood Thompson's, Richmond’s most popular local, organic market. Woody will be reading from his latest book: SOIL: Notes Towards the Theory and Practice of Nurture Capital. Books will be available available for sale and for signing by Woody. The event is free and open to the public.
Woody Tasch & Joel Salatin at University of Virginia
Woody will also be speaking in Charlottesville at University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. At this event he will be teaming up with Polyface Farm's famed Joel Salatin. They are two of the most inspiring and charismatic raconteurs you will ever meet in the realm of food and agriculture. Don’t miss it. Woody will also be reading from his book. Copies will be available for sale and for signing by Woody. The event is free and open to the public.

Now Accepting Loan Applications
The mission of Slow Money Central Virginia is to support the financial needs of farmers in our region. Our inaugural program called SOIL (Slow Opportunities for Investing Locally) is a 0% revolving loan program. We’re hoping to be able to facilitate loans soon and are now accepting applications. We can’t stress enough that no request is too small, as we want to be a friendly source of capital to help farm businesses grow in a way that’s best for them.

2018 Farm To Table Conference
Slow Money CVA Co-founder Michael Reilly will be participating in a breakout discussion at the 2018 Virginia Farm to Table Conference. Michael will be on a panel with Reverend Dr. Heber Brown III, Senior Pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church and founder of the Black Church Food Security Network in Baltimore, MD. Rev. Brown is also one of the event's keynote speakers. The event is scheduled for December 5 – 6, 2018 at Blue Ridge Community College’s Plecker Workforce Development Center in Weyers Cave, VA.

Virginia Association of Biological Farming Conference
The 20th Anniversary of the VABF Conference is scheduled for January 2019 in Richmond. Be sure to mark your calendar for this year's event. Slow Money CVA will be presenting under the topic: Navigating our Foodshed through Nurture Capital. Hope to see lots of familiar faces there!


Other Events & Opportunities
Community Food Awards
October 25, 6pm-8:30pm
Each year, Local Food Hub recognizes farmers, businesses, and community partners for their commitment to small farms, healthy communities, and Virginia agriculture during our Community Food Awards ceremony. The evening will include a locally sourced meal and beverages, a bonfire, and live music. This event is family-friendly and open to all.


Real Local RVA November Meeting
November 5, 10:30am-11:45am
This month's speaker is Kevin Jamison, owner of Commune restaurant in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Commune excels in its commitment to local, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Kevin also owns New Earth Farm , a 21 acre, all natural, working and educational farm located in the Pungo area of Virginia Beach. Come here Kevin speak, PLUS meet Slow Money founder Woody Tasch who is expected to be a guest at the meeting.


Help Us Reach Our Goal...

The mission of Slow Money Central Virginia is to provide financial support to the local foodshed through the principles of nurture capital. We can only achieve our mission with the generous support of our community members who believe passionately in our local food system. Help us reach our $50,000 goal for our SOIL program by the end of the year