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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Chime Studio


Chime Studio, founded by Erin Bishop and Jeff Morgan, is a design and photography studio dedicated to creating high-quality work for clients big and small. They collaborate with clients to bring their unique stories to life, approaching each project with thoughtfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism. From logo design and brand identity to photo styling and video production, Chime Studio is a collaboration of Bishop and Morgan’s expertise.

Erin Bishop of Chime Studio has worked with CV SBDC to help support their first year of operations with business best practices, bookkeeping, and marketing strategies. Since working with SBDC, they are excited to expand their portfolio and pursue projects that align with their interests. They want to create new partnerships to increase their activity in the community. Visit chime-studio.com to learn more.


“CV SBDC is such a great resource and we can't recommend it enough. It's free, the staff and advisors are passionate about helping small business owners, and it can alleviate some of the stress that comes with starting a new venture.”

-Erin Bishop, Chime Studio

RESOURCES

Speed Network with Experts at this Culpeper Event!


Join us for this unique opportunity for SPEED NETWORKING with CV SBDC!

Bring your business questions to ask our expert advisors and learn what the SBDC team and network has to offer.

Plus—an opportunity to network with your fellow Culpeper business owners!

In person Wed, Feb 19, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Miss Minerva's Tea Room, 307 S Main Street, Culpeper, VA 22701

Register here

CV SBDC Business Advisor Dan Fellows gives tips on creating a Marketing Calendar in this month's Dan's Corner

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Nominate Outstanding Innovators for the 2025 CBIC Awards!


The Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) "of the Year" awards recognize local leaders, businesses, and innovators.

Who’s shaping the future of our region? Nominate trailblazing innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders for the 26th Annual CBIC Awards!

Deadline for nominations: Midnight, Friday, February 28, 2025

Nomination form

Employer Registration Deadline for 2025 Spring Senior Day & UVA Career & Community Fair


Attend the Spring 2025 Senior Day and UVA Career & Community Fair, which will be held on Tuesday, March 11th from 9:30am to 4:00pm at the Piedmont Virginia Community College Bolick Center. This event is free and open to all area employers who are hiring! Registration is required. 

Misclassifying workers as independent contractors is costly for workers and states


Workers misclassified as independent contractors lose out on critical protections, benefits, and labor rights including minimum wage, overtime pay, and unemployment insurance. Additionally, these workers bear the full financial costs of Social Security and Medicare contributions. An analysis from the National Employment Law Project focusing on state-level reports on misclassification estimated that as many as 10–30% of employers misclassify their workers. Read more here.



FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Virginia Catalyst Grant Round 18 LOI deadline March 14


Funding through this Grant Funding Program is designed to facilitate the development and commercialization of life science projects that address major unmet needs for improving human health and advancing Virginia’s economy. Virginia Catalyst awards these funds to help accelerate translational research and the commercialization of Virginia’s innovations. The awards, which range from $200,000 to $800,000, help fund collaborative efforts between industry and Virginia research universities. Click here for more more information.

Governor announces Agriculture Disaster Microloans up to $150K



The Virginia Agricultural Disaster Microloan Program provides assistance to agricultural and forestry small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Loans range from $5,000 to $150,000 for disaster-related needs. Eligible applicants must be business owners (established before October 1, 2022) in disaster-designated areas, with a satisfactory credit report and in good standing with the State Corporation Commission. Loans feature a 2.5% fixed interest rate (1.5% for veteran-owned businesses) and terms up to 36 months. No fees apply, and loans are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for more information

Every program of the Virginia SBDC is open to all members of the public.

Rescheduled!

Due to the snow last week, Facts and Snacks Build Your Marketing Playbook has been rescheduled to February 26.

Agripolooza

March 18 | 8:00 AM-4:30 PM | Roanoke, VA


Agripolooza—Where Technology Meets Tradition is the must-attend event for agriculture business owners and entrepreneurs! This engaging conference focuses on blending innovation with tradition to address the challenges and opportunities facing the agriculture industry today. Whether you're running an established operation or just starting out, this event is designed to provide the insights, tools, and connections you need to succeed. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a thriving agriculture community and take your operation to the next level. $45.00. For more information and to register.

Webinars from the Virginia SBDC Network

Business Foundations–Money

Feb 25 | 12 PM EST


Payment Processing

Feb 26 | 11:30 AM EST


Building the Foundation for Your New Business

Feb 27 | 10:30 AM EST

Leveraging AI In Your Business

Feb 27 | 2 PM EST


Start Up Toolbox: Finding Funding

Feb 27 | 6 PM EST


Simple Business Plan Bootcamp March 2025

Mar 6 | 10 AM EST

Access the CVSBDC Events Calendar and 

statewide training offerings for even more learning!

HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY

ServSafe Manager Course

March 13 | 8 AM–4:30 PM | Warrenton, VA


The Virginia Food Regulations require that each food establishment employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has supervisory and management responsibilities. and the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification is recognized by the Virginia Department of Health as meeting the requirements.

Register here.



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Central Virginia SBDC


Your Partners in Business:



​Supporting Small Business - from Startups to International Expansion


Serving the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna,

Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Rappahannock.


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The Virginia SBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business AdministrationGeorge Mason University‐Mason Enterprise, and local host institutions. The Virginia SBDC is nationally accredited by America’s SBDC.


All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Business owners can access the services of their nearest SBDC at VirginiaSBDC.org.