300 Preston Avenue, Suite 205, Charlottesville, VA 22902

contact@cvsbdc.org

Our hours are 9:00 - 5:00 EST Virtual meetings only until further notice

+1 434-295-8198

Our Host, CIC

Home Our Host, CIC

Our Host: Community Investment Collaborative

CIC empowers and supports small businesses for success.

Community Investment Collaborative

Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is the fiscal sponsor and host of CV SBDC. Our programs support each other and we collaborate when working with early-stage businesses. 

CIC launched in 2012 to support development and growth of community businesses and entrepreneurs. CIC is uniquely supportive in early-stage business education and connection to resources. The organization runs an accelerator and incubator with an impressive list of more than 500 graduates over the past decade plus.  CIC also manages a microloan program for loans up to $50,000, and was instrumental in management of CARES Act grants for numerous municipalities. 

CIC’s program is built on four pillars designed to help entrepreneurs start or expand their business:

  • An established and proven business-education program
  • Extensive mentoring, peer discussions, and ongoing support
  • Startup financing or ongoing microfinancing to qualified graduates
  • Networking within and across the community

CIC fosters entrepreneurial success through training, next-level growth, and community networking. Read more about  program success and their entrepreneurs who are open for business.

Empowering small business for big change

CIC is a partner in community business support. Click on any of these subjects to learn more.

Entrepreneur Workshop

16 three-hour evening sessions cover every step of your first-year plan for your business, building skills and challenging assumptions in a fun, supportive small group.

Financial Management

The Financial Management Program facilitates personal and business recordkeeping skills to empower participants with tools for cash flow control.

The Collaborative

A co-working space for CIC graduates with: wifi, whiteboards, printer, conference room, meeting room, coffee & tea, most importantly – community!

Office Hours

Office hours are available to graduates of our 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop and CIC borrowers. They are hosted by CIC staff members and volunteer industry experts via phone, Zoom, and in-person. They are free, one-hour long, and are always confidential.

Financing

CIC offers microloans of up to $50,000 to both graduates of our 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop and to existing businesses.

Mentoring

Connecting entrepreneurs with professionals and experienced business owners help build strong relationships or honest and informal feedback, exposure to new ideas, theories, practices, and people, and professional support and encouragement.

Small Business Circles

Small groups of CIC entrepreneurs that meet on a monthly basis offer accountability, goal-setting, structure, and support as CIC entrepreneurs’ businesses grow and change.