Resources

Small Business Loans

The Economic Development office has a working relationship with a number of local bank managers specializing in the US Small Business Administration 504 Loan program. In addition, Greene County's Economic Development Authority considers giving micro-loans to small business owners wishing to expand and who have a proven track record. Contact the Director of Economic Development and Tourism for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity

The Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) is a new agency formed through the merger of the Department of Minority Business Enterprise and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance. SBSD is the state agency dedicated to enhancing the participation of small, women- and minority-owned businesses in Virginia's procurement process.

The SBSD administers three certification programs:

1. SWaM: The Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business certification program is a state program of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose is to enhance procurement opportunities for SWaM businesses particpating in state-funded projects.
2. DBE: The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification program is a Federal program. The purpose is to increase participation of certified DEBs in projects funded by the US Department of Transportation and other federal sectors.
3. ESO: Employment Services Organization means an organization that provides community-based employment services to individuals with disabilities that is an approved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited vendor of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

Visit SBSD to apply for these certifications.

Small Business Development Centers

The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network is committed to strengthening Virginia’s economy by assisting small business. By helping these businesses become viable and successful in the long term, the SBDC can facilitate economic development within the areas it serves. Impact on Virginia’s economy is measured in several ways. Through its counseling sessions and training seminars, the SBDC strives to create and retain small business employment, to increase capital investment in area businesses, and to improve small business sales and profits.

Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Central Virginia Small Business Center (CV SBDC) is one of the 29 centers across Virginia providing professional business consulting, training and information resources to help grow and strengthen Virginia businesses.

The CV SBDC offers free business consulting services, assists with feasibility studies and business planning, sponsors seminars and training, and provides information and other services to area small and mid-sized businesses.

The center is hosted by The Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development and is partially funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. The CV SBDC program and financial supporters include the City of Charlottesville, the Counties of Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, Nelson and Orange, the University of Virginia, the Mason Enterprise Center at George Mason University. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 434-295-8198

SCORE

The SCORE Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SCORE has more than 20 counselors in their chapter. They provide FREE consulting services to both start-up and existing small businesses in the central Virginia service area which consists of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Culpeper, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, and Orange counties.

Click here to go to SCORE's website and learn more about the services they offer.

Guide to Establishing a Business in Virginia

Guide to Establishing a Business in Greene County