Ready, Set, Grow:
The Workshop Series to Help You Build the Skills, Connections, and Confidence to Grow Your Business
Every Successful Business Starts With a Strong Foundation for Growth
Successful businesses don’t grow by chance. Whether you’re pursuing new customers, government contracts, strategic partnerships, or long-term growth, preparation matters.
Ready, Set, Grow is a free series of in-person workshops designed to help Virginia small businesses strengthen core business development skills, sharpen their messaging, and build valuable professional connections. Each session focuses on a critical piece of business growth, providing practical tools and real-world strategies you can immediately put to work.
More than just training, Ready, Set, Grow offers opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, resource partners, and procurement professionals throughout the region. Each workshop builds upon the last, creating a pathway that leads directly to the 2026 Central Virginia Small Business Symposium, where participants can put their preparation into action by meeting buyers, decision-makers, and potential partners.
Whether you’re just beginning your growth journey or looking to take your business to the next level, Ready, Set, Grow can help you move forward with confidence.
Learn More and Register to Attend:
Creating the Perfect Capability Statement (Part 1 of 2)
June 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fairfield Public Library, Henrico, VA
Learn the fundamentals of a strong capability statement and discover how this essential business development tool can help buyers quickly understand your company's strengths, experience, and qualifications.
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Creating the Perfect Capability Statement (Part 2 of 2)
June 29, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fairfield Public Library, Henrico, VA
Take your capability statement from good to great. This hands-on session focuses on refining your message, improving your presentation, and creating a document you can confidently use in networking, procurement, and business development efforts.
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Beyond Networking: Four Clarity Questions Every Business Owner Must Answer
July 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Midlothian Library, Chesterfield, VA
Before others can understand your value, you need to be able to communicate it clearly. Learn four powerful questions that can strengthen your messaging, improve your networking conversations, and help create more meaningful business opportunities.
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Closing the Sale
July 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Meadowdale Library, Chesterfield, VA
Winning business requires more than just generating interest. Map and manage your sales process from first conversation to final decision with a strong sales methodology, and learn practical strategies for building trust, overcoming common objections, and guiding prospects toward a confident buying decision.
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2026 Central Virginia Small Business Symposium
July 16, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Brightpoint Community College, Chester, VA
The Ready, Set, Grow series concludes with the 2026 Central Virginia Small Business Symposium, a free event designed to connect small businesses with the resources, knowledge, and relationships that can help drive future success.
During morning sessions, attendees will learn how to navigate key procurement systems including eVA, Chesterfield County's PING platform, and the City of Richmond's OpenGov portal. Participants will also gain insight into doing business with Dominion Energy and CapitalOne.
In the afternoon, businesses will have the opportunity to meet procurement professionals from more than 40 federal, state, and local government agencies as well as private-sector organizations. Through networking and intentional matchmaking opportunities, attendees can build valuable connections, explore upcoming opportunities, and position their businesses for future growth.
Come ready to learn. Leave ready to grow.
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600 East Broad Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219
Empowering small, women, and minority-owned businesses.