Home

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 help you complete it with you over the phone at (540) 568-3227.

To assist the Client Services Specialist assign you with an Advisor that can address your immediate needs, you are invited to complete the pre-counseling questionaire HERE .  It is like a mini business plan that helps us understand your business concept.

Business Advising

Business Advising

Business Training

Get Business Help Now

Get Business Help Now
Barry and Diane Working Together

Boost Your Business
Know-How

Starting A BusinessGrowing A Business

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

Start Smart Workshop @ Chamber of Commerce in Lexington VA

Jun 09 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Do you reside in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia and are thinking about starting a new business? Do you have questions about how to move forward? Are you considering ...

Read More

Start Smart Workshop @ Small Business Development Center

Jun 11 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Do you reside in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia and are thinking about starting a new business? Do you have questions about how to move forward? Are you considering ...

Read More

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

I want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the Virginia Shenandoah Valley SBDC and Barry Henderson for your support in helping my STEADY LLC secure an SBA 7a Line of Credit through F&M Bank…

CEO Nora Maguire While

Founder of STEADY Academy

Latest News

, ,

Start Smart in Augusta County

In partnership with the Augusta County Economic Development and Tourism Department, the Valley SBDC team will present a special session of their signature "Start Smart Workshop" on Wednesday, February 19 at the Augusta County Government Center.
,

Tap into Talent Working Session

$30,000 for your small business or non-profit organization! Interested? If your business has less than 150 employees and meets other requirements, you may qualify for intern wage matching funds. Complete the required training by attending this in person working session.
,

Business Spotlight: Kline’s Dairy Bar Expands to Richmond

Kline’s Dairy Bar recently opened its seventh location in Virginia, just outside Richmond. Kline’s was established in Harrisonburg in 1943. The shop has found wide appeal since its beginning by making small batch ice cream.

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.