Co-Presented by STAR and Greene County Economic Development and Tourism Office

 

About Stanardsville Business Launch

To inspire economic development and job creation in Stanardsville, we are proud to present Stanardsville Business Launch in partnership with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center.  Stanardsville Business Launch 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.

The Stanardsville Business Launch pitch competition will award $60,000 in business investment grants for start-up and existing businesses looking to expand with additional job creation in the Town of Stanardsville, Virginia. The $60,000 business investment grants will be awarded to multiple businesses in the amounts of $20,000 (2) and $10,000 (2).

Why Stanardsville?

The Town of Stanardsville has approved significant new residential growth and the county has approved a prestigious 5-star tourism destination offering 144 glamping sites.  The year-round farmers market, Greene Commons pavilion, an entrance to Shenandoah National Park, and tourism’s renewed focus on general outdoor activities further contribute to the town’s vibrancy, attracting both local residents and tourists from neighboring regions.  All these factors put Stanardsville on the cusp of significant economic growth.  

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.

Stanardsville Business Launch 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 business plan and pitch.

Learn more about the Business Essentials Training program and certificate

Stanardsville Business Launch Schedule

Application deadline: Jan 11, 2024, 11:00pm EST

Kickoff Program: Jan 18, 3:00-5:00pm

Starting Your Business: Jan 25, 3:00-5:00pm

BET 1, Planning for Success: Feb 1, 3:00-5:00pm

BET 2, Understanding Your Customers and Market: Feb 8, 3:00-5:00pm

BET 3, Pricing, Costs, and Launch Preparation: Feb 15, 3:00-5:00pm

BET 4, Marketing, Sales, and Your Brand: Feb 22, 3:00-5:00pm

BET 5, Money and Recordkeeping: Feb 29, 3:00-5:00pm

Pitch/Business Plan Preparation Workshop: Mar 7, 3:00-5:00pm

Stanardsville Pitch Competition: March 28, 2024

All Stanardsville Pitch sessions will be offered as hybrid events:

In person at Stanardsville PVCC Center (222 Main St, Stanardsville)  or online via Zoom

All programs of the Virginia SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

How to Participate in Stanardsville Business Launch

Who is eligible to participate in the pitch competition?

Existing small businesses or new businesses opening or planning to open in Stanardsville.

Any entrepreneur/small business owner interested in starting a business in Greene County (or elsewhere) is encouraged to participate in the program but will not be eligible to pitch for prize money.

How to apply

The Stanardsville Business Launch application can be found here

How much prize money is available?

Graduates of the Stanardsville Business Launch program with business proposals in Stanardsville have the opportunity to pitch for $60,000 in prizes. Prize money will be awarded to 4 businesses in the amounts of $20,000 (two awards) and $10,000 (two awards.)

All participants will be eligible for additional free business coaching for one year following the Stanardsville Business Launch program.

Questions about Stanardsville Business Launch can be sent to events@cvsbdc.org or 434-295-8198

Learn more about CV SBDC resources and connect below!