Starting or growing a small business comes with a lot of questions.
Where do you go for help writing a business plan? Who can help you understand financing options? Where can you find government contracting guidance? What about licenses, permits, workforce needs, marketing, exporting or simply figuring out what to do next?
The good news is that you do not have to figure it all out on your own. Virginia has a wide network of organizations that provide education, counseling, financing, training, connections and other support for small businesses. The key is knowing which resource can help with the challenge you’re facing right now.
This guide can help you get started.
A Strong Small Business Support Network
No single organization can provide everything a small business needs. That’s why Virginia’s small business ecosystem includes state agencies, federal resource partners, local economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, universities, lenders, nonprofits and other organizations.
Think of these organizations as different tools in your business toolkit. Some can help you get started. Others specialize in financing, government contracting, workforce development, exporting or business growth. Some provide broad business advice, while others have deep expertise in a particular industry or community.
The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) can help you navigate that network and identify resources that may fit your needs.
Here are some of the places to start.
Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
Start here when you’re not sure where to start.
The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) works with Virginia entrepreneurs and small businesses at many stages, from starting a business to pursuing new opportunities and expanding an established company.
SBSD’s Business Development and Outreach Services (BDOS) provides business education, training, events and one-on-one counseling. Business Service Managers located throughout the Commonwealth can help businesses identify challenges, explore opportunities and connect with resources.
SBSD also provides specialized support through certification, procurement assistance and financing resources.
Depending on what your business needs, SBSD can help you:
- Find business education and training
- Connect with one-on-one business counseling
- Explore government contracting opportunities
- Learn about SWaM and other certification programs
- Identify potential financing resources
- Connect with other organizations that support small businesses
- Find opportunities to build business relationships and networks
SBSD’s role isn’t to replace the many organizations that serve Virginia businesses. It’s to help make the network easier to navigate. If you’re not sure which resource is right for you, SBSD can be a useful place to begin.
Business One Stop
Start here when you’re starting or navigating the basics of doing business in Virginia.
Virginia Business One Stop is an online resource designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners plan, develop and expand their businesses. It brings together information and links to resources related to starting and operating a business, including business registration, taxes, licensing, permits and other requirements.
Business One Stop can be especially helpful if you’re asking questions such as:
- How do I register my business in Virginia?
- What business structure should I consider?
- Do I need a business license?
- What licenses or permits apply to my business?
- What state agencies do I need to work with?
- What should I do after registering my business?
- Where can I find resources for planning and growing my business?
Business One Stop also includes a resource map and connections to organizations that provide counseling and assistance. Think of it as your online starting point for navigating the business basics.
Small Business Development Centers
Turn to an SBDC when you need one-on-one business guidance.
The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is a statewide network of local centers that provides business counseling, training and information resources.
SBDCs work with both aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses. Depending on your needs, an SBDC advisor may be able to help with business planning, marketing, financial analysis, access to capital, operations, management and other business challenges. SBDCs also offer workshops and training on topics ranging from business basics and financial management to marketing, technology and access to capital.
An SBDC may be a good resource when you have a specific business question and want to talk through your situation with someone who understands small business.
Good starting point: Find your local SBDC and ask about available advising, workshops and specialized programs.
Virginia APEX Accelerator
Turn to APEX when government contracting is part of your growth strategy.
If you’re interested in selling products or services to government agencies, the Virginia APEX Accelerator can help you understand the government contracting process.
APEX counselors provide guidance for businesses pursuing federal, state and local government contracts. Depending on eligibility and business readiness, assistance may include navigating government databases, understanding contracting requirements, exploring socioeconomic certifications, managing contracts and marketing to government buyers.
Government contracting can be complex, particularly if you’re new to the process. APEX can help you better understand how the system works and what steps may be appropriate for your business.
APEX may be a good resource if you’re asking:
- How do I find government contracting opportunities?
- How do I register or navigate government procurement systems?
- What certifications might apply to my business?
- How can I prepare to sell to government agencies?
- How do I better understand a solicitation or contracting requirement?
- How can I position my business for government opportunities?
If government contracting is part of your growth plan, connecting with an APEX counselor early can help you understand what preparation is involved.
Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
Turn to VSBFA when you need to explore financing options.
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) is the financing arm of SBSD. Its programs are designed to help Virginia businesses and other eligible organizations access capital for growth, expansion, job creation and other economic development needs.
VSBFA offers several types of financing tools, including direct loan programs and programs that support commercial lenders. Depending on the program, financing may help with needs such as working capital, equipment, facilities, expansion and other eligible business expenses.
VSBFA isn’t the same thing as a traditional bank, and not every business or project will qualify for every program. That’s why it’s important to understand your financing need, eligibility and available options before deciding which resource is right for you.
VSBFA may be a resource to explore when you’re asking:
- How much financing do I need?
- What type of financing might fit my business need?
- Are there programs that work alongside a commercial lender?
- Could a loan or credit-support program help bridge a financing gap?
- Where can I learn more about financing available to Virginia businesses?
You can also talk with your lender about whether a VSBFA program may be appropriate for your financing request.
Local Economic Development Organizations
Look locally when your business needs community-specific resources.
Your city, county or region may have an economic development organization that works directly with local businesses.
These organizations understand the needs and opportunities of their communities and may offer or connect businesses to resources related to:
- Business expansion
- Site selection and real estate
- Local incentives
- Workforce development
- Business retention and recruitment
- Local permitting and government contacts
- Networking
- Community development
- Local business programs and initiatives
Your local economic development organization can be particularly valuable when you’re considering opening a new location, expanding your workforce, relocating, purchasing property or making a significant investment in your business.
Not sure who serves your area? Business One Stop’s resource tools can help you begin identifying organizations near you.
Chambers of Commerce
Connect with a chamber when relationships and local connections matter.
Chambers of commerce are another important part of Virginia’s small business ecosystem. Chambers vary by community, but many provide networking opportunities, educational programs, business events, advocacy, referrals and opportunities to connect with other local businesses.
A chamber can be especially helpful when you’re looking to:
- Meet other business owners
- Build local relationships
- Find networking opportunities
- Learn about your local business community
- Connect with community leaders
- Promote your business
- Participate in local events or initiatives
For many small businesses, relationships are just as important as information. A strong local network can lead to customers, partners, suppliers, referrals and opportunities you might not find on your own.
Other Business-Support Organizations
Your best resource may depend on who you are and what you’re trying to accomplish.
Virginia’s small business support network extends far beyond the organizations listed above.
Depending on your business, you may also benefit from organizations specializing in:
Veteran-owned businesses: Veteran-focused business organizations and SBA resource partners can provide entrepreneurship training, counseling, mentoring and connections tailored to veterans and military spouses.
Women-owned businesses: Women’s Business Centers and other organizations provide training, counseling, networking and resources for women entrepreneurs.
Minority-owned and diverse businesses: Organizations serving minority entrepreneurs and diverse businesses may offer specialized education, mentoring, networking, financing connections and contracting resources.
Innovation and technology: Universities, innovation organizations, incubators and accelerators can help technology and innovation-driven businesses with commercialization, research, mentoring, funding and connections.
Workforce development: Workforce organizations, community colleges and other training providers can help businesses recruit, train and develop employees.
Exporting: Businesses ready to enter international markets can connect with organizations that specialize in exporting, international trade and global business development.
Agriculture and rural businesses: Agricultural organizations, rural development groups and other specialized partners may offer financing, technical assistance, education and other resources.
Nonprofits: Some business-support programs are specifically designed for nonprofit organizations, while others may serve both for-profit and nonprofit entities.
The important thing is to look for a resource that matches your business, your challenge and your next step.
How to Find the Right Small Business Resource
With so many organizations available, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Start by identifying the problem you’re trying to solve.
If you’re starting a business
Begin with Business One Stop for information about registration, licensing, permits and other business requirements. You can also connect with SBSD, an SBDC or a local business-support organization for guidance as you develop your idea and plan your next steps.
If you need help developing your business plan
An SBDC or SBSD Business Service Manager may be able to provide guidance, training or connections to additional resources.
If you need financing
Start by clearly identifying what you need the money for and how much you may need. Talk with your bank or lender, explore VSBFA programs and consider connecting with an SBDC or SBSD for additional business guidance.
If you want to sell to the government
Explore Virginia APEX Accelerator for government contracting assistance. Depending on your business and goals, SBSD certification and procurement resources may also be relevant.
If you’re expanding or relocating
Connect with your local economic development organization. It may be able to provide information about local opportunities, workforce resources, available properties, incentives or other community-specific support.
If you want to build your local network
Look to your local chamber of commerce, industry associations, business groups and other community organizations for networking and relationship-building opportunities.
If you aren’t sure what you need
That’s okay! Start with SBSD or Business One Stop.
You don’t need to have the perfect question before you ask for help. Sometimes the most useful first step is simply explaining where your business is today, what you’re trying to accomplish and where you’re getting stuck.
You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone
One of the greatest advantages of being a small business owner in Virginia is that there is a network of people and organizations ready to help.
The right resource depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. You may work with several organizations over the life of your business: Business One Stop when you’re getting started, an SBDC when you need business advice, a lender or VSBFA when you’re exploring financing, APEX when you’re pursuing government contracts, a local economic development organization when you’re expanding and a chamber when you’re building connections in your community.
Your needs will change as your business changes, and that’s why knowing where to turn for help can be just as valuable as knowing the answer to a specific business question.
Virginia’s small business resource network is here to help you find the information, expertise, connections and opportunities that can help you take your next step.
Start where you are. Find the resource that fits. Keep moving forward.
