About Culpeper Competes
To inspire economic development and job creation in Culpeper, the Town of Culpeper is proud to present Culpeper Competes in partnership with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center. Culpeper Competes is designed to encourage and develop an entrepreneurial spirit through business development education and mentorships to guide participants through the process of launching or growing their business.
Competitors will:
- Virtually attend eight required business development courses, Wednesday nights 6:00pm-8:00pm ET
- Develop and submit a detailed business plan for scoring
- Meet with experienced advisors from Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC)
- Pitch competition is in person at the Town’s Economic Development Center, 803 S. Main Street, Culpeper, VA, 22701
Culpeper Competes will award up to $30,000 in business investment grants for start-up and existing businesses looking to expand with additional job creation in the Town of Culpeper, Virginia.
Business Essentials Training and Certificate
The Central Virginia SBDC Business Essentials Training (BET) program offers a robust series for new founders and those with growing businesses. The programming provides for entrepreneurs to launch with confidence or conduct a “Business Health Check” as a foundation for expansion or growth.
Piedmont Pitch participants can earn the Business Essentials Certificate by attending the training sessions, completing homework, and meeting with a SBDC Advisor. These requirements work in tandem with the program to prepare a winning pitch.
Learn more about the Business Essentials Training program and certificate
Culpeper Competes 2023 Schedule
Application deadline: May 25, 2023
Culpeper Competes Launch: May 31, 6:00-8:00pm (in person)
Starting Your Business: Jun 7, 6:00-8:00pm
BET 1, Understanding Your Customers and Market: Jun 14, 6:00-8:00pm
BET 2, Pricing, Costs, and Launch Preparation: Jun 21, 6:00-8:00pm
BET 3, Marketing, Sales, and Your Brand: Jun 28, 6:00-8:00pm
BET 4, Planning for Success: Jul 12, 6:00-8:00pm
BET 5, Money and Recordkeeping: Jul 19, 6:00-8:00pm
Pitch Preparation Workshop: Jul 26, 6:00-8:00pm
Culpeper Competes Pitch Competition: Aug 9, 2023 (in person)
Culpeper Competes sessions may be offered as hybrid events:
In person at the Culpeper Economic Development Center, 803 S Main St, Culpeper, or online via Zoom
How to Participate in Culpeper Competes
Who is eligible to participate?
Existing small businesses or new start-ups located in the Town of Culpeper
To be eligible to pitch for prize money, participants must have a registered business located in the required Town of Culpeper footprint. For additional information, contact Tori Buell, (540) 729 – 4657 or tbuell@culpeperva.gov
How to apply
The Culpeper Competes application can be found here
How much prize money is available?
The competition will award up to $30,000 in business investment grants for start-up and existing businesses looking to expand with additional job creation in the Town of Culpeper, Virginia.
Questions about Culpeper Competes can be sent to events@cvsbdc.org or 434-295-8198