Operational FAQs
What does CV SBDC do?
Central Virginia SBDC provides counseling and training services to local entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses at no cost. We serve small businesses in Culpeper County, Albemarle County, Nelson County, Louisa County, Fluvanna County, Greene County, Madison County, Rappahannock County, Orange County, and the City of Charlottesville.
Do I need an appointment to meet a counselor?
Yes, all our counseling sessions are by appointment only. Please click here to make an appointment.
What is the cost to use the service?
We provide services free-of-charge.
Where does CV SBDC’s funding come from?
Our funding comes from the U.S. Small Business Administration, George Mason University, Virginia Small Business Development Center, the localities we serve, and other sponsors.
Where is CV SBDC located?
Charlottesville office: 300 Preston Avenue, Suite 201, Charlottesville, 22902
Culpeper office: 803 S Main St, Culpeper, 22701
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is free parking on-site.
What are your hours of operation?
Central Virginia Small Business Development Center hours of operation on business days are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except holidays and winter break. You may call or email us anytime during the hours of operations stated above.
Do you write business plans, marketing plans, or any other similar documents?
CV SBDC Counselors will not write a business plan for you, but will assist in the assessment of the plan. The counselors may offer recommendations to make it a viable business plan to gain financing through a lending institution. It can also be used as a guide for your business to make sure you stay on track with your goals and objectives. The writing of the plan is an educational process in which you learn about your business and how you expect it to operate. Your business plan should reflect your goals, objectives, priorities, and management style.
Does CV SBDC provide funding?
The Central Virginia SBDC does not provide funding. Our assistance is educational in nature. CV SBDC business counselors can advise you on how to prepare for a loan or other funding opportunities and provide referrals.
Our host organization, Community Investment Collaborative, is a certified CDFI lender and is able to offer microloans up to $50,000. The CV SBDC team will work in collaboration with CIC to assist qualifying businesses with securing a loan as needed.
Do you assist non-profits?
We typically do not assist non-profits unless they meet a certain criteria.
We recommend that non-profits reach out to Central Virginia SCORE or the Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
No Show and cancellation policy
When you schedule an appointment to see one of our counselors, you are holding a spot of someone that may need urgent assistance. To be respectful of our other clients, one business day notice is required to cancel an appointment.
A “no show” is a client who misses an appointment without canceling in advance.
- The first time that this occurs, we will send a “missed appointment” notice. It will then show up on our records that you have missed an appointment.
- If this occurs three times you will be unable to schedule an appointment with us for six months.
For more information, please send us an email at contact@cvsbdc.org.
How do I register for a 1:1 counseling session with a Business Counselor?
If you are new to CV SBDC, please do a one-time registration for counseling services here.
If you are an existing CV SBDC client, you can request a meeting with your counselor by contacting us at 434-295-8198 or contact@cvsbdc.org
What help can the CVSBDC offer to ensure my idea can be a viable business?
Please request to meet a counselor to discuss VPD (Value Proposition Design).
Are there webinars and workshops available for me to attend?
You can find our workshops and events on our Calendar of Events