Gloucester County Economic Development
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Economic Development Department Updates
- New Business Licenses
- Business Directory
- Marketing Your Business Recap
- Home-Based Business Conference
- Art as a Business Workshop
- Small Business Incentive Program
Business News and Awards
- Gloria Mazzella Williams honored by Inside Business
- The Fire and Water Company Ribbon Cutting
- Your Southern Heart Boutique Grand Opening Upcoming
- Ms Kelli's School of Cosmetology Announces 1st Anniversary Party
Resources
- Start Peninsula
- CIT Funding Workshops
- Appointments with Jim Carroll, Business Consultant
- Scaling for Growth
- Lean Canvas Training
- Job Opportunities
- Featured Available Property
- Tidbits
- Choose Gloucester!
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September New Business Licenses
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Commercial
On Point Hair by Tina
Tidewater Collision Center LLC
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Home-Based
Custom Fit Construction LLC
Daniel Eric Freeman
Happy Homes Cleaning Services LLC
B's Flooring and More
From Mild to Wyld
Grayson Nelson
Shanwow Creations LLC
On Point Hair Salon
Mark Anthony Stephens
Tidal Events & Staffing LLC
Tile by Design Inc
Angel's Errands
Canine Solutions by Chris
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The Department of Economic Development is in the process of revamping our Gloucester Business Directory. Please review the directory to confirm that your business is included and the listing is accurate. Something missing? Contact
Lucy with any additions, updates, or suggestions!
We welcome you to use it as a community resource! Whether you are looking for the perfect gift, a delicious meal, a lawyer, or a fitness class, you will find it here.
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Photograph courtesy of Hoyt Davenport
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Candice Smith, VP of the local non-profit
Connected Communities, presented "My Method to Marketing" to a full house at the September 25 Home Based-Business Lunch & Learn. Ms. Smith spoke about the five facets of her marketing strategy: identifying the product/service, message, audience, delivery, and budget. All of these considerations need to be addressed before approaching design. She shared her approach to branding Connected Communities, choosing an aesthetic that is clean and professional, but with an approachable softness. She recommends the marketing and design platform Canva, which offers templates, stock photos, and drag-and-drop design tools.
Ms. Smith spoke in depth about maximizing social media marketing. Her tips included targeting your audience and scheduling posts for maximum visibility. She reviewed various platforms and went over Facebook's algorithm for distributing content. To increase your business's visibility, be a conversation starter, stay active without spamming, time your posts, use video content, and use analytics to track performance. Plus, consider using hashtags to expand content reach and emojis to personalize and connect.
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Cathy Slider, owner of York River Business Advisors, was among the two dozen entrepreneurs who came to learn and network. She said of the event, "There was such healthy energy in there, and I learned some good things. It was just what I needed."
Thanks to videographer Hoyt Davenport, if you missed the talk
watch a recording online or catch it on Cox 48, screening at 6:30am, 1:30pm, 9:30pm, and 2:30am.
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Home-Based Business Conference
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Friday, March 20, 2020
8:00am-4:00pm
Peninsula Workforce Development Center
You don't want to miss the 5th Annual
Home-Based Business Conference! This unique event features a resource fair with over 20 exhibitors, as well as conference sessions and specialty breakout talks focused on topics relevant to all stages and types of home-based businesses. Whether you are thinking of starting a new home-based business, or have operated a traditional, franchise, or direct marketing home-based business for years, this event is for you!
Topics include Cybersecurity, Insurance, Taxes, Legal Matters, Networking Tips, and Marketing. There will be networking sessions, a raffle, plus professional headshots available for $25. Applications for exhibitor tables are also open. The conference is a collaborative initiative of the Virginia Peninsula.
Early bird tickets $30 ($25 for locality Chamber members) until February 14, 2020.
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Art as a Business Workshop
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Friday, November 1, 2019
7:30am-10:00am
Main Street Center
6882 Main Street, Gloucester
This breakfast lecture will focus on embracing and understanding the business side of selling your art. Featured speaker Marc Willson is a Small Business Strategist and well-known presenter. He will share how to engage your collector, build your brand and social media presence, write business plans and artist statements, and more.
This free event is presented by Gloucester Economic Development, the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, and Gloucester Main Street Association.
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Art as a Business Registration
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LOCATION
Main St Center
DATE AND TIME
11/01/19
7:30am -
11/01/19
10:30am
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A published keynote speaker,
Marc Willson brings 40 years of experience to bear helping retail, restaurant and tourism-related small businesses refine and promote their concepts to the public. In 1975, Marc started his retail career as co-owner of the largest distributor of Earth Shoes in North America. Since then he has held executive positions with retailers such as Britches of Georgetowne, Crown Books, Circuit City, The Bicycle Exchange, Ecampus.com and Storetrax, Inc. Most recently, he traveled to Dallas, Texas to open the world’s first energy efficiency store for Current Energy, LLC, a company funded by Ross Perot, Jr. Marc joined the SBDC in 2009 as a Retail and Restaurant Industry Consultant and has delivered over 500 seminars and assisted over 2000 retailers and restaurateurs throughout the country.
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Small Business Incentives
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The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors, Economic Development Authority and Economic Development Department are dedicated to promoting and improving the economic health and quality of life in Gloucester. These incentive programs are here to support, promote and encourage small businesses by providing assistance with interior and exterior improvements, advertising and website design work.
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“You don’t think about how much a sign out front really costs, that was crazy! Or, getting our parking lot paved to make it handicap accessible… It’s just helpful to your bottom line immediately, which gives you more wiggle-room when things don’t go as planned.”
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MJ Anderson, That Damn Mary Brewing Company
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Property Improvement: Assistance with renovations and build-out. Projects covered in this incentive include new floors, ceiling tiles, windows, doors, painting and other interior improvements.
Facade Improvement: This program is designed to provide assistance to property or business owners for exterior façade improvements, new signage or landscaping.
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Gloria Mazzella Williams, Executive Director of the
Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, has been chosen as one of
Inside Business magazine's Top Forty Under 40 honorees. Top Forty Under 40 recognizes outstanding young business people in the Hampton Roads community. Honorees are chosen by an independent judging panel from a group of publicly-submitted nominees. While they exemplify success in their profession, emphasis is placed on their community involvement and how they give back or use their talents to advance the region.
Williams represents the Gloucester Business Community and works tirelessly to promote and support local businesses. She wrote, "Without the great work being done at the Chamber, I don't think that I would have received this prestigious honor... I truly think it is reflective of our great County and awesome Chamber!" In an
interview with Inside Business,
Williams spoke about her professional goals: "I’ll continue to develop my leadership and management skills, while promoting economic growth in our county and region."
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The Fire and Water Company
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Image courtesy of Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce
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Congratulations to The Fire and Water Company for the Grand Opening on September 27 and 28! The two-day event featured demos, refreshments, prizes, live remote with Xtra 99.1FM and a ribbon cutting. The Fire and Water Company are Gloucester-based full-service HVAC contractors, plumbers, and electricians serving the Middle Peninsula, Peninsula, Northern Neck and surrounding region. They sell heaters, generators, fireplaces, and more. One specialty is tankless water heaters, and they also sell water treatment systems and irrigation systems.
The business is owned by Mark Frizzell Sr. and Mark Frizzell Jr. The father and son team has been operating as a home-based business for 15 years, and now opened their first showroom on Rt 17 south of the Courthouse and across from Bill Hudgins GMC. Frizell Jr. told Quinton Sheppard of the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal, "We're your neighbors and we stand by our work unconditionally. Whatever the job, father and son get it done."
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Your Southern Heart Grand Opening Oct. 12
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Join Your Southern Heart Boutique at a Grand Opening celebration on
Saturday, October 12th from 12pm-4pm! The event will feature door prizes, giveaways, and scratch-off discount cards offering up to 40% off a purchase. There is a
Facebook Event for the Grand Opening.
The new boutique carries graphic t-shirts from Girlie Girl Originals and Simply Southern, dresses, custom leggings, hand-painted wood signs, gifts and more.Owners Cathy and Chris Kezar believe "everyone should be able to express themselves in everything, from the clothes they wear, to the d
écor in their homes and office, the jewelry and scent they use."
Your Southern Heart Boutique
6661 Hickory Fork Fd, Hayes
(804) 210-9880
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Ms Kelli's School Announces Anniversary Party
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Ms Kelli's School of Cosmetology is celebrating the first anniversary of establishing the business in Gloucester. The cosmetology school will hold a Block Party/Trunk or Treat with games, prizes, face painting, and vendors. Join the festivities on
Saturday, October 26 from 2pm-6pm.
1577 Geo. Wash. Mem. Hwy, Gloucester
(757) 706-2386
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Ms Kelli's School of Cosmetology
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Do you have a business idea or invention and need funding or guidance to get it off the ground? Then clear your calendar
November 1-3, 2019
. The entire region is coming together at Hampton University to kick off a full weekend dedicated to starting new businesses and building our regional economy.
It is a weekend-long event to stimulate entrepreneurial growth in the local community by connecting early stage businesses to validation, opportunities and resources.
Start Peninsula
combines a pitch competition with business education and a celebration of our local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Dozens of entrepreneurs connect with business leaders and mentors during this exciting event that showcases early stage businesses. Start Peninsula has been held annually in different Peninsula localities since 2012.
Early stage businesses are invited to apply to pitch at Start Peninsula. Thirty businesses will be invited to pitch on Friday, Nov. 1 and three winners will be selected on Sunday, Nov. 3. Each of the three winners will receive $5,000 to fuel their business growth and free access to local resources.
Read the FAQ
and
Apply to Pitch
.
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Working on your pitch? These
Pitch Perfect Training Sessions will teach you how to pare down your pitch to include the necessary elements within the allowed time frame, and how to deliver and articulate your pitch with ease. Pitch Perfect workshops are
free to those pitching an idea at Start Peninsula or $10 for each workshop.
- October 8, Ferguson Heritage Center, Newport News
- October 17, The Launchpad, Williamsburg
- October 23, Denbigh Community Center, Newport News
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The
Center for Innovative Technology
(CIT) is presenting a series of events detailing funding opportunities for Virginia entrepreneurs. There will be free briefings held in Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Richmond, as well as other Commonwealth locations, in the weeks ahead. Topics vary by location, but presentations will include one or several of the following: overviews of CIT’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Funding Support Program, the CIT GAP Funds and Virginia Founders Fund (VFF), and the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF). The series aligns with CRCF’s upcoming Request for Proposals; approximately $2.5 million will be available to support high-potential technology development and commercialization activities in clean energy, cybersecurity, data analytics, life sciences, and unmanned systems. For the full event schedule and registration details, please visit
www.cit.org/events
. Please direct questions to
crcf@cit.org
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Meet for free with Jim Carroll, our business consultant!
Do you have questions about how to write your business plan? Or, need advice for your next step in marketing?
Contact
Lucy
to schedule your time. There are also appointments available on
Nov. 21
and
Dec. 19
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Would you like to go from Entrepreneur to CEO? To increase your revenue and create jobs?
The
Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) in partnership with
Interise.org is now accepting online applications for New Virginia: Scaling4Growth. This "Streetwise MBA" is a six-month program designed for business owners to learn how to scale their business by assessing their business model and becoming more efficient in areas of human resource, finance, social media, procurement, and bank speak. This program combines practical business education, a supportive business network, and access to capital and contracting.
The classes run December 2019
–June 2020 and meet every other Thursday in Hampton. Attendance is mandatory and participants must reserve every Thursday during the 6-month period for class or group work. Average time spent on homework is approximat
ely 3
–5 hours per week.
Small business owners must meet the minimum requirements to participate:
- Must be a Virginia-based business
- Been in business at least three years
- $250,000–$10,000,000 in annual revenues
- One other full-time employee besides the owner
- Certified as a SWaM (Small, Woman-Owned, or Minority-Owned) by the SBSD
- Willingness to attend class for 6 months, complete mandatory assignments, and complete program surveys as requested.
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You're invited to attend the Lean Canvas Workshop on Main Street in November! The Lean Canvas Method is a system for examining your business idea and improving your chances for growth. The workshop is recommended for both new and growing businesses.
Presented by Dale Fickett in partnership with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Main Street Program and Gloucester Main Street Association, this event is for entrepreneurs looking to take a business to the next level. In eight hours, participants will:
- Refine & test a business idea
- Provide additional value to new and/or existing customers
- Position your business or business idea for sustainable growth
Participants will also gain an invaluable business resource through the workshop: access to other entrepreneurs from across the Commonwealth! Through a discussion board platform, participants will be able to communicate with other business owners, mentors, and experts in the field, allowing them to pose their most important business questions to a knowledgeable group of peers.
The $25 registration fee includes a boxed lunch.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
9:00a
m–4:30pm
Main Street Center
6882 Main Street
Gloucester, VA 23061
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Dale Fickett is the president and co-founder of RVA Works, a Virginia nonprofit cultivating entrepreneurs and creating credible pathways to business ownership. A mentor to hundreds of entrepreneurs, Dale has lectured on entrepreneurship and innovation with several leading universities, including the Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, Trinity College Dublin, Northwestern University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. He Holds an MBA from Villanova University, and a BSBA from LaSalle University.
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Job & Training Opportunities
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Local Businesses Hiring:
- Larry's Plumbing Company is looking for a new plumber. Requirements: 3-5 years plumbing experience in both Service and New Construction/Remodel; valid driver's license; background check; drug test. Pay based on experience. To schedule an interview, contact (804) 413-9020.
- Cleaning Cents, LLC has full and part-time positions available. Requirements: Must have valid driver's license, reliable transportation, smartphone, ability to lift 25 pounds. The ideal candidate is motivated to provide 5-star service every day, has good time management skills, and thrives in detail-oriented settings. To apply or request more information, email cleaningcents17@gmail.com.
- Commonwealth Senior Living at Gloucester House is hiring Registered Medication Associates with a passion for working with seniors and keeping them healthy. The objective of this position is to ensure residents receive comprehensive care by assisting them in the administration of medications. This position has the opportunity for growth. Team members can pursue a nursing education and Commonwealth Senior Living will assist with paying for education and providing training. Qualifications and skills: Caring, passionate, confident, attention to detail. Virginia State CMA/RMA certification preferred. Apply online.
P
lease let us know
if you are a small business owner in need of employees. We will include your "help wanted" ad in our next addition of Business Monthly e-News.
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- Museums Coordinator
- Community Engagement and Public Information Manager
- Office Assistant
- Public Information & Marketing Coordinator
- Customer Service Representative
- Chief Information Technology Officer
- Administrative Assistant - Emergency Management
- Specialty Instructor
- Library Clerk
- Software Analyst
- Utility Maintenance Worker
- Assistant Director of Utilities
- Recreation Aide
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Featured Available Property
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Bank of Gloucester
6548 Main Street, Gloucester
The historic 1902 bank building with two later additions was most recently operated as a SunTrust branch until fall 2017. This is a landmark building in a growing Virginia Main Street community that qualifies for federal and state historic tax credits. There is an ongoing study of adaptive re-use options by Frazier Associates.
Property Details:
- 7,500 sq. ft.
- 2 floors
- Site is 1.166 acres zoned B-2
- 53 parking spaces
For more information, Contact Jim Robinson, Executive Director of the Gloucester Revolving Loan Fund at (804) 694-9912 or
by email.
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Five Go-to Pop-up Ideas to Fill a Vacant Retail Space
Retail center landlords are always in search of creative ways to fill vacant stores with nontraditional pop-up tenants. These five ideas are a good place to start.
- Work with a local auto seller. Kia Motors opened a pop-up shop at Simon’s Mall of Georgia, in Buford, Ga., to promote its Stinger. And Mercedes opened a Lil’ Benz shop at the landlord’s King of Prussia (Pa.) Mall to promote all of its brand.
- Curate a themed shop. The Good Housekeeping Institute opened the GH Lab holiday pop-up shop at Mall of America to sell items having earned the group’s coveted seal of approval.
- Team up with a local residential developer. Residential master-planned community developer The Beaverbrook Group of Cos. took a 4,100-square-foot space at Edmonton City Centre, in Toronto, to showcase its developments throughout the region.
- Build your own party space. At Macerich’s Third Street Promenade, in Aurora, Colo., management converted a vacant 7,000-square-foot space into a children’s play area with multiple inflatables, an indoor jungle gym, a toddler tumbler space and three party rooms.
- Add an experiential attraction. At Broadway Commons, in Hicksville, N.Y., a vacant store became the Can You Escape? experiential attraction for parties and corporate and family events.
Source:
ICSC
: International Council of Shopping Centers
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Virginia Named Second-Best State for Small Business
According to a
new national survey
by Thumbtack, Virginia is the second best state in the country for small businesses, with an A+ overall rating for small business friendliness! Virginia received top scores in overall friendliness, regulations, licensing, and employment/labor/hiring.
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Gloucester County is a community where businesses dedicated to remarkable customer service will be rewarded and thrive. In 2010 my wife and I moved to Gloucester County and built our Chick-fil-A restaurant. Since our grand opening in 2011, the restaurant has experience significant growth year after year. The key to our success has been the exceptional character of the workforce we discovered here. This is a tight-knit community and our employees treat each other and our guests like family. In business and in life, the key to success is people. Gloucester County stands above the rest in the quality of the people who make up this community.
—John Gordon, Owner, Chick-fil-A, Gloucester
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If you have a new and innovative business or business concept and would like to be considered for one of our newsletters, please send pictures and a brief write-up to
Lucy. We'd also love to share your testimonial of why Gloucester is the perfect place for your business!
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Board of Supervisors | Economic Development Authority | Economic Development Department
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Economic Development Department | 6747 Main Street | 804.693.1415 | sspring@gloucesterva.info
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