Starting, managing, and growing a successful small business requires a well-rounded understanding of so many areas of expertise. Planning. Funding. Laws & Regulations. Sales. Marketing. Accounting. Customer Service. Employee Management.
How Do Entrepreneurs Do It All?
With the professional guidance, experienced insights, and practical solutions that are available through the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center, that’s how. Headquartered in Harrisonburg at James Madison University, the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center serves the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia region.
A short (3-5 minute) form unlocks access to all the confidential, free services and resources of the SBDC. You are welcome to complete the form in advance HERE or we can complete it with you over the phone or via email.
Business Advising
Business Training
Get Business Help Now
Start Smart
Get the information you need to start your business right with our Start Smart Workshop!
- What legal entity is right for your business?
- What permits & licenses will you need?
- Who is your customer?
- What’s your value proposition?
Workshops & Events
Diane McCarthy from the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center will be at the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce office from 9am until 4pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. This drop-in event will provide business owners and entrepreneurs and opportunity to learn more about the SBDC resources available to them. To make an appointment, contact Diane via email or call 540.568.3227.
Businesses need to understand the basics of digital marketing now more than ever, because digital marketing creates growth.
Learn about the basics of digital marketing, including:
- Social Media
- Email Marketing
- Paid Ads
- SEO
- Affiliate Marketing
- How to use analytics to measure your success
A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.
Instructor: Cameron Nelson, Technology Advisor, VA SBDC
Mr. Nelson has over 19 years experience in technology, and as a senior tech consultant in Silicon Valley helping Fortune 500 companies improve their digital marketing and eCommerce. At the same time he founded several tech companies, including a SaaS website for tree preservation and a blockchain platform for nonprofits. Cameron is accomplished in language, culture, has an MBA and MA and believes new technology products have the ability to help shape our world for the better.
Speaking is the fastest and most predictable way to build and grow a business in today’s market – without ads, funnels or worrying about an algorithm.
In this session, you’ll get the exact, step-by-step blueprint to leverage speaking engagements as your #1 Customer Acquisition Channel (even if you’re just getting started.)
Pat Quinn will teach the step-by-step process to find ideal stages and walk through the results that small businesses can achieve.
Learning Objectives for this session:
- Know why Stages and Speaking Engagements are the fastest (and most effective) way to generate more clients
- Get the top tools to win customers through speaking engagements
- See the exact framework to create a high-converting Signature Talk
- How to find “Dream Stage”
- Get the blueprint to drive 10X the revenue from every Stage
Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.
Visit the Financial Wellness Center
In partnership with Atlantic Union Bank, SBDC clients are invited to take advantage of interactive, easy, and free resources from Banzai! This comprehensive online platform teaches financial literacy at every phase of life and can be utilized at your own pace.
Case Study
Rogers recommends that other small business owners take advantage of the one-on-one counseling available through the SBDC: ‘Having an advisor right there with me to give input while I worked through what my business needed was crucial to my success.’
Hailey Rogers
Founder of Coffee Hound
Latest News
SV SBDC Advisory Council
The Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center is excited to announce the formation of the SV SBDC Advisory Council. The purpose of the Advisory Council is to network and collaborate with a variety of business resources from the community. This enhanced connectivity is intended to improve the delivery of services to SBDC clients, expand the types of tools available to the SBDC Team, and assist Council members in more effectively serving the business community.
We would like to welcome the founding investors of the Advisory Council! Visit our Advisory Council page to learn more.
Our Partners
We are a member of The Virginia SBDC Network, the most extensive business development program in the Commonwealth. The VSBDC is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), George Mason University-Mason Enterprise Center, and premier local host organizations throughout Virginia including James Madison University.
The Virginia SBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, George Mason University‐ Mason Enterprise, local host institutions and GO VIRGINIA, a state‐funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The Virginia SBDC is nationally accredited by America’s SBDC.