History of CV SBDC

2002

Nora Gillispie hired as part-time business advisor

James Madison University (JMU) SBDC Director, Henry Reeves, hired a part-time business advisor for the Charlottesville area, Nora Gillispie. An experienced financial professional, Nora assisted hundreds of businesses in Central Virginia and introduced the SBA supported Small Business Development Center program to the region.

Nora Gillispie's work attracted the interest of local economic development professionals.

2006

Charlottesville Office Opens

The Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development (TJPED) fought for a full-time SBDC in Charlottesville to serve Central Virginia. TJPED became the local host, in large part due to the efforts of Bob DeMauri and then Director of TJPED, Leigh Middleditch. The Shenandoah Valley office continued to support a Charlottesville-center concept until a group of financial supporters came together to stand up the Charlottesville office. This group included UVA, the City of Charlottesville, Fluvanna County, Nelson County, Louisa County and Greene County. BB&T, due to the support of Commercial Lender, Bryan Thomas, was also an early supporter. 

2014

Betty Hoge Leads Central VA SBDC

Following Nora Gillespie's retirement, Betty Hoge, a former entrepreneur and JMU Marketing Professor and small business advisor stepped in as Director.

Betty ran the Central VA SBDC for 6 years, hosted by Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development (CVPED), formerly TJPED. Betty hired part-time professional  business advisors experienced in marketing, business development and finance. She helped found the Quad County Business Summit and the Quad Tank pitch competition; supporting businesses in the counties of Louisa, Fluvanna, Greene and Orange.

2020

CIC hosts CV SBDC in downtown Charlottesville

A valuable partnership was formed in 2020 when Community Investment Collaborative agreed to take over as CV SBDC host. CIC's successful and celebrated work with early-stage businesses joined perfectly with CV SBDC's deep well of resources to assist growing companies.

As Betty Hoge prepared to retire in March, 2020, COVID 19's impact on Central Virginia created an immediate need for rapid operational scaling.

2020

Rebecca Haydock is hired during COVID-19 crisis.

Multi-time entrepreneur, strategic alliance advisor,  investor, and former economic development professional, Rebecca Haydock accepted the position of Director in April, 2020. Rebecca quickly responded to the crisis, building on resources and talent within CIC and CV SBDC, doubling people-hours and service capacity. She designed a marketing program to get word out to COVID impacted businesses quickly, while hiring technical experts and implementing efficiencies, and program advancements to expand service and community connection.

The office now engages 10 professionals that serve Central Virginia businesses from companies expanding internationally to regional start-ups.