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.

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.
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.
Get the information you need to start your business right with our Start Smart Workshop!
Want people to stop their scroll? Join us for a workshop in our marketing series about editing photos for scroll stopping results using a free tool, Snapseed.
Date: Monday, June 27
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Who should attend: Current small business owners in all industries
Speaker(s): Nicole Cooper
A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration
Note: This seminar is for businesses within the Dayton – Bridgewater VA footprint. If you would like to discuss seminars or programs for your Shenandoah Valley town, contact the SV SBDC at 540-568-3227.
Local events and attractions have always been the core of activity for locals and visitors to towns like Bridgewater and Dayton.
In this interactive workshop, we’ll discuss how your business can key into those events and partner with other businesses, whether down the street or across the Commonwealth.
We’ll discuss your ideas for “Coopetition” (Competition + Cooperation) with each other and leave with new ideas and action plans to carry out through summer right into the winter holiday season.
Join fellow businesses from your community and SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Business Advisors to learn from and with each other. Bring your questions and best ideas!
Presented by Marc Willson, Virginia SBDC Retail Consultant.
Hosted by The Economic Development Offices of Bridgewater and Dayton.
Date/Time Tuesday, June 28, 9:00–10:30am. In person; masks are your choice.
Location Arey Assembly Hall (basement of Bridgewater Community Center), 201 Green Street, Bridgewater. Parking on premises.
No Fee, but registration is appreciated Register HERE
To request a personal visit, watch for your Confirmation of Registration. It will contain the times available to you. It will ask you to choose your preferred times and tell you how to reach us.
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 moving your hobby into a more structured business form? Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your Shenandoah Valley SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help!
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You’ll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components – from product development to target marketing to financial projections and bookkeeping. We also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business growth needs.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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.
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
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.
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.
540.568.3227
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Our advisory services are no-fee and confidential.
Appointments are available in Harrisonburg, Lexington, Monterey, Verona, Waynesboro, Staunton, and Luray, as well as by phone or video call.