Event Details

The Time is Right for Small Business Entrepreneurs in Southwest Virginia

April Summit to highlight new strategies and resources for Southwest Virginia entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.

A Small Business Opportunity Summit will be held on April 23rd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center in Lebanon. Entrepreneurs and Small Business owners will gain access to existing opportunities and strengths, and uncover possible new ventures in the counties of Tazewell, Russell, Buchanan, Dickenson, Wise, Lee, Scott and the City of Norton.  Entrepreneurs and investors will learn of local initiatives in the area that will provide budding grounds for future business growth including the Spearhead Trails, and Clinch River Valley Initiative supported by the Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Growth and Economic Prosperity in Southwest Virginia. Entrepreneurs seeking assistance with business plans, financial resources, community support and educational resources should plan to attend the summit

 Key announcements at the Summit will include details on the Entrepreneur Challenge, a competition for start-up and expanding businesses with more than $25,000 in cash awards for businesses developing strategic business plans.  In addition, Virginia Community Capital will provide an update on the progress of the region’s new Angel Investment Fund.  

Summit topics will include Tourism Business Opportunities, Technology Business Opportunities, Main Street Initiatives with Assets and Strategies, and Business Basics including Writing a Business Plan, etc. Instruction will be provided by Virginia Department of Business Assistance, People Incorporated,  Small Business Development, Virginia Tourism Corporation,  Department of Housing and Community Development and Main Street Program.

 A Vendor Expo will provide future entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet and speak with local county and town representatives who will provide business information and incentives for new entrepreneurs.  Resource agencies will provide expo information and assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners.   

The event will propel the region forward in recommendations made in the 2012 Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Growth and Economic Prosperity in Southwest Virginia.  The collaborative initiative, driven by local, state and regional partners will focus on tools for new entrepreneurs, strategies for making the region’s communities attractive for private investment and new technologies for the region’s businesses. 

The summit is open to community leaders, residents, existing businesses and residents considering starting a business.  It is free with advance registration and will include breakfast and lunch provided by key sponsoring partners.

Registration is online at vastartup.org.  For more information, call Brandi Hall at 276-889-8188.