Business Consulting - Small Business Development Center

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.

Request An Appointment

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?

Register For Next Start Smart

Workshops & Events

Aug

17

Wed

GovCon 101 @ Virtual Webinar

Tickets

Aug 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 23% of that spend is allocated for small business. This is a huge opportunity for small firms to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of Government Contracting. Before entering into this arena you must first know how to market yourself to government. This presentation will help you prepare your firm to get noticed by government and prime buyers by developing a proper marketing plan and strategy. In this session you will learn: • Steps to take to be where you can be found by buyers • Preparing a winning capability statement • Organize your website, business cards and marketing materials • Prepare a marketing plan to attract buyers

Speaker(s): Lisa Wood is the Statewide Director of the Virginia PTAC, hosted by George Mason University where she is also an Adjunct Professor of Management. Prior to that, she served as the Statewide Director with the Connecticut and Ohio PTAC programs and was also Director for the Northwest Commission PTAC in Pennsylvania. Before joining the PTAC community, Lisa was a Procurement Specialist for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. In this role, Wood performed contract administration and negotiation duties. She also recommended bidders, handled issue inquiries, negotiated bids, performed cost and price analysis, and prepared comprehensive letters to justify recommended contract actions. Ms. Wood holds an MBA from the University of New Haven and a BSBA through Robert Morris University of Pittsburgh where she is also pursuing her PhD in Instructional Management and Leadership.

If you need further assistance or have a question, please contact us at (540) 654-1383

A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration, please be on the lookout for it.

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.

Get Started with Banzai

Case Study

Working with the SBDC ‘…helped me take a much harder look at our audience and to identify those consumers’ needs and desires. Our marketing has changed a bit to target those individuals and speak to what they care about, like entertaining at home.’

Cass Cannon

Founder of Peg’s Salt

Read The Full Story

View More Case Studies

Latest News

News, Press Release

GO Virginia Approves Round 2 Grant for Small Business Resiliency Team

The Small Business Resiliency Team will help small businesses in the areas of e-commerce, marketing, finance, and operational efficiencies.

Inspiration, News, Success Stories

Regional Roundup – August

Enjoy our monthly roundup of business stories, tips, and reasons why living and doing business in the Shenandoah Valley is so gratifying.

News, Resources

Small Business Lending is a Like a 4-Legged Stool

What's the process small business lenders use (to varying degrees) to assess loan requests for new and/or growing enterprises? It's like a 4-legged stool.

All 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.

Boost Your Business
Know-How

How Do Entrepreneurs Do It All?

Business Advising

Business Training

Get Business Help Now

Boost Your Business
Know-How

Start Smart

Workshops & Events

A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration, please be on the lookout for it.

Visit the Financial Wellness Center

Case Study

Latest News

GO Virginia Approves Round 2 Grant for Small Business Resiliency Team

Regional Roundup – August

Small Business Lending is a Like a 4-Legged Stool

SV SBDC Advisory Council

Our Partners

Contact Us

Quick Links

No-Fee Services

Boost Your Business Know-How

Home

How Do Entrepreneurs Do It All?

Business Advising

Business Training

Get Business Help Now

Boost Your Business Know-How

Start Smart

Workshops & Events

A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration, please be on the lookout for it.

Visit the Financial Wellness Center

Case Study

Latest News

SV SBDC Advisory Council

Our Partners

Contact Us

Quick Links

No-Fee Services

Boost Your Business
Know-How

Boost Your Business
Know-How