Mar
27

Developing Financial Projections for Your New Small Business

You’re starting or have started your new small business. Great!! But . . . you’re worried about what your sales will be, or if you can make a profit and how you will manage your cash flow. If you need help in any of these areas, this webinar is for you! We’ll review calculating your startup costs, projecting sales, creating a projected profit and loss statement and cashflow statement.

All registrants will receive access to webinar materials in advance, and link to the recorded webinar after the live event.

Presented by SCORE

Register HERE

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Apr
7

ServSafe (English)

This ServSafe® Manager Certification Training Course was developed by the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association. The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification is recognized by the Virginia Department of Health as meeting the requirements to be a Certified Food Protection Manager.

VCE offers the program locally to food service workers at restaurants, hospitals, schools, and child care centers. Participants receive instruction about food safety concepts such as sanitation, food storage, safety regulations, pest management, and safe food handling practices. 

The Virginia Food Regulations require that each food establishment employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has supervisory and management responsibilities.

Register HERE

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Mar
20

Marketing Part 2: Promoting Your Business

Promoting your business is key to reaching your targeted customers and driving sales. This webinar will introduce you to essential promotional methods, including networking, referrals, social media, content marketing, email marketing, and SEO. You'll learn how to identify the most effective techniques for your business and craft a promotional plan that aligns with your goals and customer behaviors. Whether you're just starting out or refining your strategies, this session offers valuable insights to elevate your marketing efforts.

What You'll Learn:

  • How to recognize and select promotional methods that resonate with your targeted customers.

  • The fundamentals of digital marketing, including SEO and social media advertising.

  • Steps to create and implement a successful promotional plan.

*Note: It is recommended, but not required, to attend “Marketing Part 1: Developing Your Marketing Plan” before this webinar.

Presented by SCORE

Register HERE

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Mar
19

Marketing Part 1: Developing Your Marketing Plan

Many entrepreneurs struggle to sell their products or services effectively, but it doesn’t have to be this way. This dynamic webinar will guide you through building a marketing roadmap that sets your business up for success. Learn how to identify your ideal clients, create a compelling value proposition, conduct competitor analysis, and implement strategic pricing that drives profits. This session, provides actionable insights to help you confidently begin drafting your marketing plan.

Presented by SCORE

Register Here

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Mar
18
to Mar 20

VAFMA: Food Safety Summit

Food freshness, short supply chains and excellent traceability make farmers markets ideal venues for food safety. The pride and care market vendors take in preparing and selling their products draws shoppers to our markets. Following safe food handling and preparation practices helps keep them safe and coming back.

In Virginia, farmers market vendors who manufacture, process, pack or hold food for sale are subject to the Virginia Food and Drink Law and related regulations. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Food Safety Specialists, also known as inspectors, ensure that farmers markets are in compliance with these regulations. Food service vendors at farmers markets are permitted by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (VA ABC) administers alcohol-related laws with an emphasis on public safety. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) provides helpful food safety publications and training.

During this annual Food Safety Summit, the Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA) brings together representatives from VDACS, VDH, VA ABC, and VCE to walk you through the requirements and answer your questions. These sessions are recorded and shared with registrants. Participants are able to receive a certificate of participation.

https://vafma.org/food-safety-summit/

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Mar
18

Cville Entreprenuers and Espresso

c-e2 is a casual gathering of learning for entrepreneurs at all stages of venture creation. Get inspired, meet fellow entrepreneurs, share lessons learned, and become a part of Charlottesville’s vibrant and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

More Information Here

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Mar
13

Creating a Quick Business Plan

You have a great business idea, but what is the next step? How do you turn your idea into a great product or service? In this webinar, we show you how to write your "Value Proposition" and use the "Lean Canvas" to capture key ideas, concepts and strategies about your business. When you leave the webinar, you'll be able to draft your own one-page business plan.

All registrants will receive access to webinar materials in advance, and link to the recorded webinar after the live event.

Presented by SCORE

Register Here

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Mar
6

Google Authority with SEO

Discover a variety of tactics you can implement immediately to build your Google authority and be more competitive in search results for your business category. SEO is based on over 200 factors that Google considers to determine your rank position. We’ll focus on those factors most highly weighted by Google and those which we can most directly and effectively influence. Together, we’ll optimize your website, local business listings and social media with a clear SEO strategy to grow your business.

Presented by SCORE Washington DC

Register Here

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Feb
27

Start Up Toolbox: Finding Funding

Need to understand the basics about finding funding, types of lending, and finding financing a small business? In this Start Up Toolbox, we cover what to expect from the bank and what the bank will expect of you. We also discuss some of the most common ways to find funding while demystifying and defining some of the types of financing that is available to a startups - so you can make the right choice for your new business and set goals for the future. This class is taught live and on-line.

Presenetd by SBDC

More information HERE

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Feb
27

Building the Foundation for Your New Business

Some of the most popular reasons to start a business include-having a unique business idea, designing a career that has the flexibility to grow with you, working toward financial independence, and investing in yourself. Prepare to start a successful business: Evaluate your entrepreneurial abilities Marketing strategies Financial resources Legal form of organization Tips to prepare & present your business plan Cybersecurity Tips Not every small business is positioned for success, so you may be in for a real challenge when you decide to take the plunge, ditch your day job, and become a business owner. The stage is often set in the beginning, so make sure you start with a strong foundation.

Presented by SBDC

More information Here

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Feb
26

VA Small Business Financing Authority Funding Programs

  • 21030 Whitfield Place Cascades, VA, 20165 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Did you know there is a state agency whose purpose is to help small businesses finance their operations? It's called the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority.

During this interactive discussion you will learn about the various programs that can help to expand, invest in new equipment, or boost your operations of your small business. A representative of the VSBFA will share information about various programs offered by the State of Virginia like loan guarantees, a cash collateral program, child care financing programs, and the small business microloan program,

We will explore how this unique funding option works and how it may be a good fit for your business. Don Jacubec, Regional Lending Manager for the (VSBFA) will be on hand to talk about the program and how it works.

During this workshop, you will:

  • Learn the ins and outs of the state-sponsored loan guarantee, child care financing, and micro loan programs.

  • Discover the eligible uses for these funds, including equipment purchases, business expansion, and operational costs.

  • Understand the application process and key requirements to qualify.

  • Get your questions answered by a representative from the state loan program.

If you’re looking to grow your business, don't miss this workshop.

We will be meeting at the Cascades Regional Library, Room B, in Sterling.

Reserve your spot (it's Free) so you don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to unlock financial resources that can make a difference for your rural or agricultural business!

(because this is a live, in-person event there will not be a recording available after this event)

Learn More here

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Feb
26

Borrowing For Small Businesses

This session will help you understand your business’s financing options and put you in the best position to get the funding your business needs. You’ll learn why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding, and how the lending process works to get you to a smoother, smarter, and often more successful outcome.

Presented by SCORE Mid-Atlantic

Register HERE

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Feb
26

Payment Processing

This one-hour webinar is designed for small business owners to learn more about credit card optimization, including reducing fees on credit cards and gifts cards.

Key Takeaways:

  • Choosing a Processor - What to look for when picking a company to process credit cards.

  • Visa/MC Interchange - Find out how the processors get charged and how it affects you.

  • Gift Card Programs - Will setting up a gift card program for your business help? If so, learn how to set one up.

  • Cash Discounting - Find out how to pass the fees to the cardholder in a way that doesn't break Visa/MC compliance.

By registering for this seminar, you grant UMW SBDC permission to share your contact information with the speaker.

Presented by the SBDC

More information HERE

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Feb
25

Business Foundations - Money

This session is one of three parts in the Business Foundations Series for new and early stage businesses (1 year or less and $50,000 or less in annual revenue). Each session can be taken in any order. Taking all three provides a better understanding of the core business principals of Management, Marketing and Money. An understanding of these concepts is the foundation of business success and will better prepare you for 1-on-1 advising sessions with your SBDC Advisor.

Business Foundations - Money covers the crucial topics businesses need for sustainability and growth. In this session, you’ll get an overview of the following:

Money: Essential Financial Information for long-term success • Access to Capital • Loans and Grants • Bootstrapping • Investments

Presented by SBDC

More information HERE

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Feb
24

ServSafe in SPANISH

Este Curso de Capacitación para la Certificación de Gerentes de ServSafe® fue desarrollado por la Fundación Educativa de la Asociación Nacional de Restaurantes. El Departamento de Salud de Virginia reconoce que la Certificación de Gerente de Protección de Alimentos ServSafe® cumple con los requisitos para ser un Gerente Certificado de Protección de Alimentos. VCE ofrece el programa localmente a trabajadores de servicios de alimentos en restaurantes, hospitales, escuelas y guarderías. Los participantes reciben charlas sobre conceptos de inocuidad alimentaria, como saneamiento, almacenamiento de alimentos, normas de inocuidad, manejo de plagas y prácticas seguras de manipulación de alimentos. Las regulaciones de alimentos en Virginia requieren que cada establecimiento de alimentos tenga al menos un Gerente Certificado en la Protección de Alimentos y que sea responsable de la supervisión y administración.

ServSafe Registration

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Feb
20

Startup Toolbox: Get Started!

Do you want to open your own business? Do you have an idea for a product or service and you want to bring to market? Maybe you have people ready to buy your products, or customers ready to sign up for your services, but you’re not sure how to start getting paid. You may have an idea what your concept is but you’re not sure if it will make a profitable company. We’ll cover the importance of creating a business plan, figuring out how to determine which licenses and permits you really need, and what other resources are available to launch your new venture.

This 90-minute class is designed to answer the most common, basic questions about the first steps to starting a business and to help you determine next.

Presented by SBDC Lynchburg

More information here

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Feb
20

IRS Workshop: Business Use of Your Home

A virtual Small Business Tax Workshop with the Internal Revenue Service!

In this FREE presentation, you will learn:

  • about calculating and claiming the deduction for business activities in the home as well as business use of the home

  • the requirements you must make to qualify for a deduction

  • how to determine the business percentage of home use

  • the types of expenses you can and cannot deduct either in full or according to the percentage

  • how to determine the limits on deductions

  • where to deduct the expenses on your return

    Presented by SBDC

    More information HERE

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Dec
2

Food Handlers Certification

This class is designed for individuals working in various roles, including food service staff, cooks, and servers. It offers a simplified version of the ServSafe curriculum, ensuring that you gain a solid foundation in food safety principles. Upon successful completion, you will receive a valuable Certificate of Attendance, valid for three years. Join us for this informative 3-hour session, completely free of charge.

Register HERE

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Oct
29

Food Handlers Certification

This class is designed for individuals working in various roles, including food service staff, cooks, and servers. It offers a simplified version of the ServSafe curriculum, ensuring that you gain a solid foundation in food safety principles. Upon successful completion, you will receive a valuable Certificate of Attendance, valid for three years. Join us for this informative 3-hour session, completely free of charge.

Register HERE

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Waterbath Canning for the Home Kitchen
Oct
14

Waterbath Canning for the Home Kitchen

Join Michelle McKenzie from Bellair Farm to learn more about preserving foods and making value added products through waterbath canning. Dive into the basics of canning methods including a brief overview of small business regulations. During the session we’ll make one type of pickle (such as okra or beets) and one jam with in-season fruits. Each participant will have the opportunity to take home a jar of either the pickle or jam. Additionally, enjoy sampling previously made pickles and freshly made jam. This workshop is. a delightful way to start preserving at hem or to consider a small business. No cost to attend.

Register HERE

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Aug
19

Serv Safe in Spanish- Charlottesville BRHD

Este Curso de Capacitación para la Certificación de Gerentes de ServSafe® fue desarrollado por la Fundación Educativa de la Asociación Nacional de Restaurantes. El Departamento de Salud de Virginia reconoce que la Certificación de Gerente de Protección de Alimentos ServSafe® cumple con los requisitos para ser un Gerente Certificado de Protección de Alimentos.

VCE ofrece el programa localmente a trabajadores de servicios de alimentos en restaurantes, hospitales, escuelas y guarderías. Los participantes reciben charlas sobre conceptos de inocuidad alimentaria, como saneamiento, almacenamiento de alimentos, normas de inocuidad, manejo de plagas y prácticas seguras de manipulación de alimentos.

Las regulaciones de alimentos en Virginia requieren que cada establecimiento de alimentos tenga al menos un Gerente Certificado en la Protección de Alimentos y que sea responsable de la supervisión y administración.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Información del Contacto

Katheryn Parraga
VA Seafood AREC
https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/virginia-seafood.html
kparraga@vt.edu

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Waterbath Canning for the Home Kitchen
Jul
15

Waterbath Canning for the Home Kitchen

Join Michelle McKenzie from Bellair Farm to learn more about preserving foods and making value added products through waterbath canning. Dive into the basics of canning methods including a brief overview of small business regulations. During the session we’ll make one type of pickle (such as okra or beets) and one jam with in-season fruits. Each participant will have the opportunity to take home a jar of either the pickle or jam. Additionally, enjoy sampling previously made pickles and freshly made jam. This workshop is. a delightful way to start preserving at hem or to consider a small business. No cost to attend.

Registration is requested. Please register HERE.

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Dehydration for the Home Kitchen or Small Business
Jun
3

Dehydration for the Home Kitchen or Small Business

Join Michelle Mckenzie from Bellair Farms to learn more about safe and effective dehydration techniques. This class is perfect for culinary enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike, offering an in-depth look into the process of drying foods and herbs. Participants will learn essential guidelines and methods for dehydration, using both dehydrators and air-drying techniques. We will also cover the regulations to ensure your dehydrated products are suitable for home-based business ventures. Explore a range of applications from drying culinary herbs and herbal teas to creating skin products and preparing shelf-stable vegetables ideal for soups, camping meals, and emergency kits. No cost to attend.

Registration is requested. Please register HERE

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ServSafe Certification
Apr
15

ServSafe Certification

The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification is recognized by the Virginia Department of Health as meeting the requirements to be a Certified Food Protection Manager. Participants receive instruction about food safety concepts such as sanitation, food storage, safety regulations, pest management, and safe food handling practices. The Virginia Food Regulations require that each food establishment employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has supervisory and management responsibilities. After passing an exam, the student receives certification from the National Restaurant Assoc., which is good for 5 years. The class will be taught at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1118 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville.

Full Class Enrollment is $160. The fee includes instruction, textbook, exam, and certification.

Register HERE

Limited scholarships through Bread and Roses are available for food entrepreneurs and farmers.

Apply HERE

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