The SV SBDC Advisory Council recently learned about “Sergeant Shred”, a Sensitive Solutions Mobile Ammunition System (SAS) that destroys small arms ammunition without creating emissions. The Sergeant Shred is a patented, mobile, green technology that can be transported anywhere in the world to reduce stockpiles and assist in natural disasters.
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The Shenandoah Valley SBDC was pleased to connect the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce with experts from James Madison University to present “Effectively Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)” for participants at the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Spring Conference held on Thursday, March 21 at Hotel 24 South in Staunton.
Dr. Benjamin Selznick, Associate Professor and Advisor of Postsecondary Analysis and Leadership and Tatjana Titareva, PhD Student at the School of Strategic Leadership Studies shared their insights on practical uses of artificial intelligence (AI). Topics covered were a discussion of AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Dall-E), possible uses, ethical considerations, and effective strategy. The session also included remarks from the presenters as well as a Q & A.
Selznick was recently featured in a Virginia Business article showcasing the ways business schools at Virginia universities are integrating AI while still maintaining academic standards, integrity, and ethics. Titareva was named a Stanford University Innovation Fellow in 2022 and is writing her dissertation on the use of artificial intelligence in higher education administration. You can read more about her work in this JMU News feature.
One of the SV SBDC’s goals in 2024 is to help other business agencies in the region connect to state and federal resources around key topics such as artificial intelligence, human resources, international trade, manufacturing, and government contracting. By leveraging connections within the JMU College of Business and the extensive SBDC network, the SV SBDC is able to arrange targeted training, advising, and program development to suit the specific needs of regional small businesses.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE VIRGINIA SBDC: We’re writing to alert you about a scam targeting small businesses. Fraudulent individuals are using the logos of America’s SBDC and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to trick businesses into giving up sensitive information. The fraudulent email congratulates the owner on their approval for the Small Business Development […]
The Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC), in partnership with the Research, Economic Development & Innovation Department at James Madison University, will be hosting a series of local information sessions with the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) to educate local entrepreneurs and companies about technology development and commercialization grant funding opportunities.
The first session, “Grant Funding for Technology Development & Commercialization” will be March 18, 2024, from 11:30am – 2:00pm at the Shenandoah Valley SBDC, 220 University Blvd, Harrisonburg VA. The session will provide an overview of grant funding for Virginia-based companies and researchers who are developing early-stage technology. Discussions will also include information about federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant programs involving eleven agencies that award over $4B annually in $200K-$2M grants, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Commonwealth Commercialization Fund that provides $75K grants for small business and higher education technology development/commercialization. The session is free, but registration is required. Interested individuals should visit HERE to sign up.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Shenandoah Valley SBDC on an Info Session on Grant Funding for Technology Development & Commercialization. This event symbolizes our commitment to providing Virginia-based companies and researchers with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of grant funding successfully. Through our collaborative efforts and the JMU RD team’s client-centered approach, we are setting the stage for significant advancements in technology development and commercialization. Our goal is to empower our faculty, staff, and community partners in our region to maximize their grant activity success, ensuring that our innovative ecosystem continues to thrive,” said Tiffany Brutus, Research Development Associate/Co-Head Inclusive Excellence.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, these information sessions will assist Shenandoah Valley innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, ecosystems, and market development initiatives to accelerate early commercialization and find funding support to launch and grow new companies, create high paying jobs, and spur economic growth.
“Helping entrepreneurs and businesses understand eligibility and successfully apply for these grant programs can have an enormous impact on the speed at which early-stage technology is developed and brought to market. Connecting businesses to the resources that will facilitate research, development, and sustained growth is a major goal of the Shenandoah Valley SBDC, and this program is a wonderful way to introduce owners and entrepreneurs to a significant source of funding,” said SV SBDC Director Allison Dugan.
For more information, contact Allison Dugan, (540)568-3227, duganaj@jmu.edu.
The City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, along with partner agencies the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC) and Early Education Business Consultants, are providing a second round of special training and personalized assistance for local childcare providers and aspiring childcare providers. Free information sessions will be held February 28, March 12, and March 27, all at 6:00pm in Council Chambers, Harrisonburg City Hall, 409 S Main St, Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg or Rockingham County childcare providers and those wishing to become a childcare provider will be able to learn more about free support and potential funding for their services.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance at http://tinyurl.com/yc72eafc. The goal of the effort is to provide participants with the tools and support they need to start, grow, and succeed as a childcare provider.
“Childcare services are a critical foundational aspect of our local economies. We are thrilled to be working with the City of Harrisonburg, and now Rockingham County, to provide targeted resources for existing businesses and individuals interested in starting an in-home or center-based business. In turn, we expect that developing new and improved options for working families in our region will be a boost for other industries as well,” said SV SBDC Director Allison Dugan.
The first round of the program kicked off in late 2023 for childcare businesses or prospective business owners located in the City of Harrisonburg. Responding to community feedback about a local shortage of childcare providers, Harrisonburg City Council set aside federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be used toward supporting childcare programs in the community. Participants located in the City of Harrisonburg who complete the program and can demonstrate they have increased childcare spaces in their home or center may be eligible for ARPA grant funding from the City.
Rockingham County Board of Supervisors voted in mid-February 2024 to support the participation of existing or proposed childcare businesses located in Rockingham County in the training and personalized advising portion of the program.
More information on the program is available at https://www.valleysbdc.org/pathway-to-success-childcare-business/.
Grab your seat for the next Pulse HR Solutions seminar: Employment Law Updates in 2024 & Strategic Leadership: Beyond Buzzwords.
If your small business is interested in federal research/research and development (R/R&D) with potential for commercialization, you are encouraged to learn more about the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. SBIR and STTR allow small enterprises the opportunity to explore their technological potential and the financial incentive to profit from commercialization through a competitive awards-based program. Incorporating eligible small firms into the country’s research and development sector fosters high-tech innovation and instills an entrepreneurial spirit in the US as it addresses its unique R&D requirements.
SBIR STTR Program Overview Presentation
Central to the STTR program is the partnership between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. Phase I and Phase II of the STTR program mandate that the small firm engage in formal collaboration with a research institution. It is crucial, therefore, that small businesses and university administrators are aware of SBIR/STTR regulations and that small businesses understand university policies that guide the process.
To facilitate this mutual understanding, James Madison University Research Development and the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center are sponsoring a special webinar made possible by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation on January 23, in Hartman Hall Forum/2021 A-C from 10:00 AM-11:30 AM. The webinar will cover:
- Eligibility rules for SBIR/STTR
- Sub-contracting rules/limitations
- University lab vs. Small business facilities
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
researchdevelopment@jmu.edu
Please register to attend this livestream event in person at Hartman Hall Forum/2021 A-C, James Madison University Campus.
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Joyce Krech, retired director of the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC). Over a stellar career that included 22 years with the Small Business Development Center, Joyce was a beloved mentor to many small business owners, offering guidance, inspiration, and encouragement at every step along the small business journey.
The Global Women in Entrepreneurship Showcase highlights female entrepreneurs. Browse, network, and enjoy light refreshments at this event.