Resources to Help You Start and Grow Your Small Business

by | May 19, 2025 | Small Business Month

By Susan Ball, Director at UMW Small Business Development Center

May is Small Business Month, and Virginia was recently named the number one state in which to operate a small business by CNBC. There are many factors that impacted Virginia’s selection. One of those is the many resources available to small business owners in the Commonwealth. Today, I will share with you some of those resources that are available to help you start or grow your small business.

Virginia Small Business Development Centers (VSBDC): Through 26 centers around the state, the VSBDC offers free, confidential business consulting, training, and business resources for small business owners and those considering business ownership. VSBDC also offers targeted assistance for (1) business owners wishing to export their products or services to other countries, (2) inventors and innovators trying to commercialize their products, and (3) craft beverage manufactures seeking assistance with marketing, sales, and expansion of their markets. To get started, visit https://www.virginiasbdc.org/request-appointment/ and complete a request for an appointment as a New Client. My office, the University of Mary Washington SBDC, serves the greater Fredericksburg area, the Northern Neck, and the Middle Peninsula.

Local Economic Development Offices: For many people wanting to start a small business, one of their first actions should be to visit their local Economic Development office. Their staff can assist you to navigate local requirements and regulations, such as:

  • Do I need a business license?
  • Is my desired location properly zoned for the business I want to open?
  • What commercial sites are available that might be right for my business?
  • Are there local incentives to assist me in opening my business?
  • Are there any loan programs or grants offered by the economic development authority for which I might be eligible?

Funding Assistance

Obtaining financing for your small business can be a challenge. The state may be able to assist you with a small business loan or a grant.

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority: VSBFA offers low interest rate loans for small businesses and interest-free loans for childcare centers, including home-based centers. Loans can be up to $150,000 and require technical assistance from VSBFA or an SBDC consultant.

Virginia Department of Tourism: If you have a seasonal business or one that might attract visitors to your area, the Department of Tourism may provide you with a grant to help market your business. Eligible businesses include restaurants, wineries, boutique retail shops, small attractions, craft breweries, distilleries, boutique lodging, B & Bs, and food trucks. Learn more at https://www.vatc.org/grants/

Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC): The VIPC provides funding and investments for companies that engage in innovation, research, and emerging technologies. Grants and investments are available for startups and growing businesses. To learn more about VIPC initiatives and funds, go to https://vipc.org

Procurement Assistance

Whether you are trying to sell to agencies within the Commonwealth or the federal government, there is help to guide you through the processes. The UMW SBDC can assist you in registering in the state and federal portal and applying for applicable certifications.

Department of General Services: State agencies buy a wide variety of goods and services. They make purchases through the eVA (electronic Virginia) portal, which is maintained by the Department of General Services (DGS). If you produce a product or offer a service that a state agency might need, you should register in eVA to be a supplier. Take advantage of free online training to help you get started: https://dgs.virginia.gov/procurement/eva—virginias-eprocurement-portal/outreach-calendar/.

Small Business and Supplier Diversity: The state supports small businesses by requiring all state agencies and institutions to purchase 42% or more of their goods and services from certified small businesses. Becoming SWaM certified (Small, Woman, and Minority) gives you an advantage in selling. Agencies can also sole source small purchases from Micro-SWaM certified business. These are the certifications that are available:

  • Small = Less than $10 million in sales or fewer than 250 employees
  • Micro = Less than $3 million in sales and 25 or fewer employees
  • Woman-owned = Woman ownership of 51% or more of the business
  • Minority-owned – Minority ownership of 51% or more of the business
  • Veteran-owned = Veteran ownership of 51% or more of the business

Virginia Apex Accelerator: Federal contracting assistance is provided by the Virginia Apex Accelerator consultants. They can help new contractors navigate the maze of federal regulations and processes. They provide free one-on-one consultations and training classes. Those wishing to schedule a consultation should Request Counseling at https://virginiaapex.org/

Apex Accelerator counselors can assist with:

  • Applying for government certifications
  • Understanding federal acquisition regulations (FAR)
  • Developing marketing materials and capability statements
  • Responding to federal opportunities
  • Writing proposals
  • Applying for clearances

Running a business is challenging. I encourage all small business owners to take advantage of the many free resources that are available to you.

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