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Small Business
VIRGINIA EDITION 2020
resource guide
How to
Grow Your
BUSINESS
in Virginia 1
2
CONTENTS
Virginia Edition 2020
Local Business Funding
Assistance Programs
8 National Success Story 26 National Success Story
Jerado and Joyce Reynolds Jennifer and Jeff Herbert’s
know their local landscape for meadery has expanded into a
entrepreneurship support. multimillion dollar enterprise
thanks to SBA assistance.
11 Local SBA Resource
Partners 29 SBA Lenders
13 Your Advocates 34 Go Global with
International Trade
14 How to Start a Business
36 R&D Opportunities for
20 Entrepreneurial High Growth Startups
Opportunities
38 National Success Story
21 Opportunities for Veterans Cheeseburger Baby owner
Stephanie Vitori persevered
22 Write Your Business Plan through a financial storm and a
natural disaster.
24 Local Success Story
When AVMAC, which manages 42 Surety Bonds
aviation and maritime logistics,
wanted to expand into the 44 Need Financing?
government sector, Bert Ortiz
turned to the SBA.
Contracting
45 National Success Story
Jennifer Rahn steers the course
for Admiral Engineering,
succeeding as a small business
subcontractor.
48 SBA Certification
Programs
49 Woman-Owned Small
Business certification
ON THE COVER Jared Brady, Marine Air Group 26/29 site lead, AVMAC President/CEO
Bert Ortiz, and Derek Carpenter, VMMT-204 maintenance controller in front of a V-22
Osprey Tilt Rotor Aircraft, courtesy of AVMAC Inc.
3
Let us help
give voice
to your
story.
SCOPE OF SERVICES We have all heard the phrase “content is
king.” Creating rich, engaging, and inspiring
content differentiates your brand in the
Brand Voice Catalogs marketplace. But who has time to focus on
Articles Visitor Guides anything other than running their business?
Narrative works with you to develop
Blogs Books
the tools to tell your story across all
Website Content Copywriting
media platforms. Powerful and authentic
Social Media Posts Photography storytelling helps you stand out. It inspires
Email Content Videos action. It creates an emotional impact and
Brochures forges enduring relationships. It separates
you from the competition.
To schedule a meeting or to learn more, contact
Buddy Butler at buddy@newsouthmediainc.com
or call 304.615.9884.
BY NEW SOUTH M E D I A
4
5
PUBLISHED BY
New South Media, Inc.
304.413.0104 | newsouthmedia.com
PUBLISHER
Nikki Bowman, nikki@newsouthmediainc.com
DESIGNER
Hayley Richard, hayley@newsouthmediainc.com
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Pam Kasey, pam@newsouthmediainc.com
Jess Walker, jess@newsouthmediainc.com
OPER ATIONS MANAGER
Holly Leleux-Thubron, holly@newsouthmediainc.com
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR
Heather Mills, heather@newsouthmediainc.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Meggan Hoyman, Kelley McGinnis, Bryson Taylor
sba@newsouthmediainc.com
Copyright: New South Media, Inc. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohib-
ited without the express written permission of the publisher.
© 2019 NEW SOUTH MEDIA, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Marketing & Customer Service directs
the publication of the Small Business Resource Guide under SBA Contract #SBAHQ-
17-C-0018. SBA publication summer 2019 national edition #mcs-0089.
WRITER/EDITOR
Becky Bosshart
(202) 205-6677
rebecca.bosshart@sba.gov
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Paula Panissidi Tavares
paula.tavares@sba.gov
The SBA’s participation in this publication is not an endorsement of the views,
opinions, products or services of the contractor or any advertiser or other participant
appearing here. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondis-
criminatory basis.
Directory listings do not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any
opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.
Printed in the United States of America.
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information con-
tained here is accurate as of the date of publication, the information is subject to
change without notice. The contractor that publishes this guide, the federal govern-
ment, or agents thereof shall not be held liable for any damages arising from the use
of or reliance on the information contained in this publication.
6
SBA Richmond District Office
Federal Building, suite 1150
400 N. Eighth St.
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 771-2400
Fax (804) 771-2764
richmond.va@sba.gov
Send 8(a) program questions to rdofferletters@sba.gov
sba.gov/va
@SBA_Virginia
District Director Letter District Director Business Opportunity
B
Carl Knoblock Specialists/8(a) program
usiness owners and entrepreneurs looking for new (804) 986-8901 Monet Chapman
opportunities or weathering challenges can get guidance from carl.b.knoblock@sba.gov (804) 253-9086
the U.S. Small Business Administration Virginia District Office. monet.chapman@sba.gov
Virginia’s economy is strong, and we excel in many sectors, including Deputy District Director
academia/research, agriculture, tourism, defense, and informational Ryan Herriges Jr.
Shirelle Taliaferro
technology. No matter your business sector or level of experience, the (804) 253-8135
(804) 253-8903
SBA Virginia District Office is here for you. ryan.herriges@sba.gov
shirelle.taliaferro@sba.gov
In this guide you can find the local contacts for our free or low-cost Kenia Montaño
business advisers and mentors at Small Business Development Centers, Economic Development (804) 253-9087
Women’s Business Centers, SCORE, and our Veteran Business Outreach Specialists kenia.montano@sba.gov
Center. Looking for business financing? SBA Lenders, certified development Kiana Hamilton
Igor Soares
companies, and community-based lenders work with the SBA to provide (804) 253-8907
(804) 253-8134
business loan guarantees for those who qualify for assistance. In the last kiana.hamilton@sba.gov
igor.soares@sba.gov
year, about 750 Virginia small business owners and entrepreneurs qualified William Pocan
for SBA-backed financing. If you are interested in government contracting, (804) 767-0235 Lender Relations Specialist
Virginia is one of largest markets for federal contracts and research william.pocan@sba.gov Ford Scott
awards. Over $58 billion in federal contracts was awarded to Virginia small (804) 253-8027
Marci Posey
businesses in the last year. This guide also lists Procurement Technical ford.scott@sba.gov
(804) 253-8906
Assistance Centers, which assist with government contracting.
marci.posey@sba.gov District Counsel
Stay up to date on SBA events near you and get valuable local
business information by following us on Twitter at @SBA_Virginia. Dawn DiBenedetto
Lead Economic
Register for email updates at sba.gov/updates. Use our Small (804) 253-8902
Development Specialist
Business Resource Guide to power your dream of starting, growing, or dawn.dibenedetto@sba.gov
Martin Short
expanding your small business in Virginia. 804-253-8270
martin.short@sba.gov
Sincerely,
Carl Knoblock
District Director
COURTESY OF JIM ON FLICKR
7
LOCAL BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE
How We Did It
Made
to Last
Joyce and Jerado Reynolds used SBA
support to succeed.
Written by Micaela Morrissette
COURTESY OF SHANA SURECK PHOTOGRAPHY
8
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
R 5
eynolds Welding &
Tips for
Fabrication has grown
steadily, building a loyal
customer base, since
Jerado Reynolds founded
the company in 2005. Success
COURTESY OF SHANA SURECK PHOTOGRAPHY
“At first the company was just Jerado,”
recalls his wife and co-owner, Joyce
Find a great business mentor.
Reynolds. “Then it was him and me part To find your local SBA office and
time.” During the day she worked as a resource partners in your area, visit
nurse and spent her evenings doing all sba.gov/localresources.
the company’s paperwork. The Reynolds
sank everything they earned into the
business—money, time, and energy. She Have a healthy view
remembers with pride helping Jerado
of competition.
weld a stair railing at a local school. Her
We’re not always competing.
son later attended that same school,
We’re a competitor, but if a similar
and she watched her child and others business has extra work, they’ll send
SBA Resource Partner, where “from day
using the rail, benefiting from the it to us and vice versa. That’s the
one it was, Eureka! Everyone wanted
hard work the couple did together. It relationship to have.
to see us win.” Women entrepreneurs
was then Joyce decided as much as she
receive essential business counseling and
loved her day job, she wanted to devote
training from this national network of
herself full time to the family business Record everything you do.
community-based centers. Most helpful
in Windsor, Connecticut. She wanted Navigating business relationships
was the detailed personal attention
to work side-by-side with her husband, in this age means keeping an email
available through free one-on-one
fully focused on administration and record of everything you do. Leave a
business counseling. Joyce also learned
business growth. As they both hoped, clear paper trail.
about workshops offered by providers like
word of mouth spread; clients made
the Metropolitan District, a Connecticut
referrals. Joyce was soon overwhelmed
nonprofit municipal corporation offering
with paperwork. They brought on two
water and sewer services. At a meet- Sacrifice to ensure quality.
employees—doubling up in the busy We don’t cut corners. Sometimes you
and-greet, Joyce understood how much
seasons. They were able to maintain four have to lose money to do quality work—
the SBA could help her business. An
full-time employees by 2009. After this, it’s rough, but nothing is more important.
SBA professional walked Joyce through
Joyce says, they saw that “things were
the extensive paperwork and, crucially,
not moving.” She wanted to scale up.
helped her register the company in
the System for Award Management
Seek SBA assistance to
Challenge
The company wasn’t growing in part (sam.gov), positioning the company for see if you qualify for
because it wasn’t certified with the new federal contracts. business certifications.
state department of transportation or “Resources like the Entrepreneurial We used to look for jobs. Now that
prequalified with the Connecticut State Center and the SBA will train you from we’re on the SBA Subcontracting
Department of Administrative Services, bottom to top,” Joyce says. “They have Network database, SubNet, and
Joyce says. She decided to tackle the finance classes that open your eyes sam.gov, we have a continuous flow
regarding taxes. You'll learn how to of contractors reaching out to us.
certification problem full time, leaving
her nursing career. This was the change register your business. They’ll help
she'd been wanting to make, but since with a contract or your website or on two bridges—a lifelong dream. Joyce
her background was in health care, accountability statements. Everything!” continues to move forward, getting
Joyce didn’t feel fluent in the languages Before the SBA, Reynolds Welding Reynolds qualified for the SBA 8(a)
of construction or business. Joyce attempted the DOT certification on five Business Development Program, which
wanted to learn, and she had incentive: separate occasions, always falling short provides free business development
they needed the certifications to bid because the process was so complicated. education to small businesses so they
on bigger jobs. “Never be afraid to ask Joyce secured the certification with SBA can better compete in the public sector.
questions,” she says. Joyce needed to guidance on the first attempt. “When I came on full time, I set a goal
find people with answers. for what I would like for the company,
Benefit and I’ve achieved 80% of that,” Joyce
Solution Reynolds Welding now employs more says. When she secures 8(a) certification
She and Jerado connected with the than 15 workers, constructing stairs, for Reynolds, she’ll have hit all her
University of Hartford Entrepreneurial rails, structural beams, and columns objectives. Then, she admits, she’ll
Center & Women’s Business Center, an throughout the region. Jerado is working probably come up with some new ones.
9
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
SBA Resource Partners
No matter your industry, location, or experience, if you have a dream, the SBA is here to help you achieve it. Our SBA
Resource Partners offer mentoring, counseling, and training to help you startup and thrive at all stages of the business
life cycle. These independent organizations operating across the United States and U.S. territories are funded through SBA
cooperative agreements or grants.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
950+
Achieve your dream of business ownership and remain
competitive in an ever-changing global economy with assistance
from your local SBDC. Access free counseling and free or low-
cost training on topics like regulatory compliance, technology
Small Business development, and international trade. Find an SBDC adviser at
sba.gov/sbdc.
Development Centers
SCORE
300+
Join the ranks of other business owners who have experienced
higher revenues and increased growth thanks to SCORE, the nation’s
largest network of volunteer business mentors. Experienced
executives share real-world knowledge to fit your busy schedule.
SCORE chapters SCORE mentors are available for free as often as you need, in person,
via email or over video chat. Find a mentor at sba.gov/score.
WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTERS
100+
Women entrepreneurs receive essential business counseling and
training from this national network of community-based centers.
Each center tailors its services to help you navigate the challenges
women often face when starting or growing a business. To learn
about SBA resources for women visit sba.gov/women.
Women’s Business
Centers
VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS
20 +
Veteran and military entrepreneurs receive business training,
counseling, and referrals to other SBA Resource Partners at
a Veterans Business Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc. Receive
procurement guidance to better compete for government
contracts. VBOCs also serve active duty service members,
Veterans Business National Guard or Reserve members, veterans of any era, and
Outreach Centers military spouses.
10LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Our Local SBA
Resource Partners
SBA’s Resource Partners are independent organizations funded through SBA cooperative
agreements or grants.
Shenandoah University of Mary Washington-
SCORE
Visit sba.gov/score to start working on
301 W. Main St. Warsaw SBDC
Waynesboro Director Joy Corprew
your business goals. Contact your local (540) 949-4423 453 Main St., suite 479
office to schedule an appointment. score427@ci.waynesboro.va.us (804) 333-0286
Central Virginia shenandoahvly.score.org jcorprew@umw.edu
Chamber of Commerce Center
209 Fifth St. NE, second floor
Shenandoah-Front Royal Shenandoah Valley SBDC
524 N. Royal Ave. Director Joyce Krech
Charlottesville
Front Royal 127 W. Bruce St.
(434) 295-6712
(540) 949-4423 Harrisonburg
scorecounselingvirginia@gmail.com
centralvirginia.score.org (540) 568-3227
Williamsburg sbdc@jmu.edu
Hampton Roads Greater Williamsburg Chamber of valleysbdc.org
259 Granby St. Commerce
Norfolk 421 N. Boundary St. Central Virginia SBDC
(757) 384-0838 (757) 229-6511 Director Betty Hoge
admin@scorehr.org info.williamsburg@scorevolunteer.org 1001 Research Park Blvd. #301
hamptonroads.score.org williamsburg.score.org Charlottesville
(434) 295-8198
Martinsville
Small
bhoge@cvsbdc.org
Chamber of Commerce Building cvsbdc.org
115 Broad St.
(276) 632-6401 Business Lord Fairfax SBDC
Development
wmccain@embarqmail.com Middletown
martinsville.score.org Director Christine Kriz
Centers
173 Skirmisher Lane
Richmond (540) 868-7093
Federal Building ckriz@lfsbdc.org
400 N. Eighth St., suite 1130 Virginia State Office lfsbdc.org
(804) 350-3569 Director Jody Keenan
Fauquier
admin.0012@scorevolunteer.org 4031 University Drive, suite 100
richmond.score.org Dale Maza
Fairfax 70 Main St.
(703) 277-7703 Warrenton
Roanoke jkeenan@gmu.edu (540) 216-7100
105 Franklin Road SW, suite 150 virginiasbdc.org dmaza@lfsbdc.org
(540) 857-2834
roanoke@scorevolunteer.org University of Mary Culpeper
roanoke.score.org Washington SBDC David Reardon
Director Susan Ball 803 S. Main St.
Roanoke-Lynchburg 1125 Jefferson Davis Highway, suite 400 (540) 727-0638
147 Mill Ridge Road, suite 122 Fredericksburg dreardon@lfsbdc.org
Lynchburg (540) 654-1383
(434) 582-4560 sball2@umw.edu
lynchburg@scorevolunteer.org sbdc-umw.com
11LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Hampton Roads SBDC Longwood University SBDC
Director Jim Carroll PHCC Thomas P. Dalton IDEA Center
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
500 Main St., suite 700
Director Lin Hite
26 Fayette St. Veterans
Norfolk
(757) 664-2592
Martinsville
(276) 656-5475 Business
jcarroll@hrchamber.com
hrsbdc.org
hitelc@longwood.edu
Outreach
Lynchburg Region SBDC
Thomas Nelson Community Director Stephanie Keener Center
Veteran entrepreneurs or small
College SBDC 300 Lucado Place
(434) 845-5966 x30 business owners can receive business
Associate Executive Director Debra
sbdc@lynchburgregion.org training, counseling and mentoring,
Hamilton Farley and referrals to other SBA Resource
sbdclyhr.org
600 Butler Farm Road, room A1105 Partners at a Veterans Business
Hampton Roanoke SBDC Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc.
(757) 865-3128 210 S. Jefferson St. This is also the place to receive
farleyd@tncc.edu (540) 983-0717 procurement guidance, which can
sbdc@roanokesmallbusiness.org help your business better compete for
Eastern Shore SBDC roanokesmallbusiness.org government contracts.
George Bryan
10956 Parkway Radford University SBDC Old Dominion University VBOC
Cheryl Keen Tucker Director Cherylynn Sagester
Melfa
Davis College of Business and Economics 112 Bank St.
(757) 789-3418
701 Tyler Ave., room 255 Norfolk
gbryan7600@gmail.com
Radford (757) 683-5505
Suffolk SBDC (540) 983-0717 vboc@odu.edu
sbdc@roanokesmallbusiness.org odu.edu/iie/vboc
Adviser Jack Leach
(757) 651-9555 roanokesmallbusiness.org
Community Business
jleach5@verizon.net
Mountain Empire SBDC Partnership VBOC
Director Tim Blankenbecler Director Charles McCaffrey
Williamsburg SBDC
3441 Mountain Empire Road 7564 Loisdale Court, suite 600
Director Jim Carroll
Big Stone Gap Springfield
4345 New Town Ave., suite 200
(276) 523-6529 (703) 768-1440
(757) 565-4373
tblankenbecler@mecc.edu charles@cbponline.org
jcarroll@hrchamber.com
mecc.edu/sbdc cbponline.org
Longwood University SBDC Southwest Virginia SBDC
Executive Director Sheri McGuire
315 W. Third St.
Director Margie Douglass
Richlands
Women’s
Farmville
(434) 395-2086
(276) 964-7345
margie.douglass@sw.edu
Business
mcguiresr@longwood.edu
sbdc-longwood.com
sw.edu/small-business-development-
center
Centers
Virginia Highlands SBDC Old Dominion University WBC
Longwood University SBDC Director Erika Small-Sisco
Director Ellen Templeton Director Cindy Fields
112 Bank St.
1964 Wakefield St. Virginia Highlands Community College
Norfolk
Petersburg 100 VHCC Drive
(757) 683-7150
(804) 518-2003 Abingdon
wbcinfo@odu.edu
templetonme@longwood.edu (276) 739-2474
odu.edu/iie/wbc
cfields2@vhcc.edu
Longwood University SBDC vhcc.edu/sbdc WBC of Northern Virginia
Director Linwood Hite 6564 Loisdale Court, suite 600
Blue Ridge Crossroads SBDC
820 Bruce St. Springfield
Director Mandy Archer
South Boston (703) 768-1440
1117 E. Stuart Drive
(434) 572-5444 info@cbponline.org
Galax
hitelc@longwood.edu cbponline.org
(276) 601-7727
sbdcdirector@brceda.org
brceda.org
12LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Your To report how a proposed federal
regulation could unfairly affect you,
Advocates
find your regional SBA advocate at
sba.gov/advocacy.
To submit a comment about how
your business has been hurt by an
existing regulation, visit
The SBA’s offices of advocacy and ombudsman are sba.gov/ombudsman/comments
independent voices for small business within the
federal government.
Advocacy
When you need a voice within the federal »» when you need economic and small »» seek remedies when rules are
government for your interests as a small business statistics inconsistently applied
business owner, the SBA’s regional advocates The SBA’s Office of Advocacy also »» recover payment for services done by
are here to assist. The advocates analyze the independently represents small business and government contractors
effects of proposed regulations and consider advances its concerns before Congress, the
alternatives that minimize the economic White House, federal agencies, federal courts, Make your voice heard by participating in a
burden on small businesses, governmental and state policy makers. Regional Regulatory Enforcement Fairness
jurisdictions, and nonprofits. Find your Roundtable or a public hearing hosted by the
regional advocate at sba.gov/advocacy. Ombudsman SBA’s national ombudsman. These events
Your advocate helps with these small Entrepreneurs who have an issue with an are posted periodically on the ombudsman
business issues: existing federal regulation or policy can website, sba.gov/ombudsman.
receive assistance from the SBA’s national To submit a comment or complaint through
»» if your business could be negatively ombudsman. the online form, visit sba.gov/ombudsman/
affected by regulations proposed by the comments. Your concerns will be directed to
The ombudsman’s office helps you:
government the appropriate federal agency for review. The
»» if you have contracting issues with a »» resolve regulatory disputes with federal SBA will collaborate with you and the agency
agencies to help resolve the issue.
federal agency
»» reduce unfair penalties and fines
13LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
COURTESY OF THE SBA
Adriana Medina, owner of
Fuerte Fitness, in Seattle, WA,
received counseling from a
SCORE mentor and a Women's
Business Center adviser.
How to Start a
Business in Virginia
Thinking of starting a business? Here are the nuts & bolts.
https://cbb.census.gov/sbe. Filter your located. If you’re a corporation, also
The Startup Logistics
search by business type and location to register with the state.
Even if you’re running a home-based
view data on your potential customers, Corporations, limited liability
business, you will have to comply with
including consumer spending, and a companies, limited partnerships and
many local, state, and federal regulations.
summary of existing businesses, available limited liability partnerships must certify
Do not ignore regulatory details. You may
as a map and a report. with the State Corporation Commission.
avoid some red tape in the beginning, but
It also issues certificates of authority
your lack of compliance could become
an obstacle as your business grows.
Business License & Zoning to foreign corporations, LLCs, LPs, and
Licenses are typically administered by a LLPs. The forms and fees for establishing
Taking the time to research regulations
variety of state and local departments. these business entities can be found at
is as important as knowing your market.
It is important to consider zoning scc.virginia.gov. Although the SCC is
Carefully investigate the laws affecting
regulations when choosing a site not involved with sole proprietorships,
your industry. Being out of compliance
for your business. Contact the local a business may be required to obtain
could leave you unprotected legally, lead
business license office where you plan a local business license from its local
to expensive penalties, and jeopardize
to locate your business. You may not Commissioner of Revenue.
your business.
be permitted to conduct business out Depending on the type of business, there
of your home or engage in industrial may be a professional licensing requirement
Market Research
activity in a retail district. with another state agency. To obtain a
Need to do research on your clients and
location? View consumer and business Virginia Business Registration Guide, visit
data for your area using the Census
Name Registration scc.virginia.gov/clk/begin.aspx.
Register your business name with the
Business Builder: Small Business Edition,
county clerk where your business is
14LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
»» State Corporation Commission seekers through the Social Security information, visit dol.gov/general/
Clerk’s Office Number Verification Service. topic/association-health-plans.
1300 E. Main St., first floor, Richmond
(804) 371-9967 or toll free (866) 722-2551 Employment Eligibility Environmental
sccinfo@scc.virginia.gov Verification Regulations
»» Virginia Department of Occupational The Federal Immigration Reform and State assistance is available for small
& Professional Regulation Control Act of 1986 requires employers businesses that must comply with
9960 Mayland Drive, suite 400 to verify employment eligibility of environmental regulations under the Clean
Richmond new employees. The law obligates Air Act. State Small Business Environmental
(804) 367-8500 an employer to process Employment Assistance programs provide free and
dpor.virginia.gov Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The U.S. confidential assistance to help small
Citizenship and Immigration Service offers business owners understand and comply
Taxes information and assistance through uscis. with complex environmental regulations
As a business owner, you should know gov/i-9-central. For forms call (800) 870- and permitting requirements. These state
your federal tax responsibilities and make 3676. For the employer hotline call (888) programs can help businesses reduce
some business decisions to comply with 464-4218 or email I-9central@dhs.gov. emissions at the source, often reducing
certain tax requirements. The IRS Small E-Verify, operated by the Department regulatory burden and saving you money.
Business and Self-Employed Tax Center, of Homeland Security in partnership To learn more about these free services visit
go.usa.gov/xPxYR, offers information on with the Social Security Administration, nationalsbeap.org/states/list.
a variety of topics including: obtaining an electronically verifies the Social Security
Employer Identification Number, paying number and employment eligibility Accessibility and
and filing income tax, virtual workshops, information reported on Form I-9. It’s the ADA Compliance
forms, and publications. quickest way for employers to determine For assistance with the Americans with
As the IRS continues to implement the employment eligibility of new hires. Disabilities Act, call the ADA Center at (800)
some of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Visit e-verify.gov, call (888) 464-4218 or 949-4232 or the Department of Justice at
provisions, your tax obligations may email e-verify@dhs.gov. (800) 514-0301. Direct questions about
change. Visit the Tax Reform Provisions accessible design and the ADA standards
that Affect Businesses page on irs.gov for Health & Safety to the U.S. Access Board at (800) 872-2253,
the latest tax reform updates that affect All businesses with employees are TTY (800) 993-2822, ta@access-board.gov
your bottom line. required to comply with state and federal or visit access-board.gov.
regulations regarding the protection of
»» State Taxes »» Virginia Board for People
employees, visit dol.gov for information. with Disabilities
Virginia Unemployment Tax
The Occupational Safety and Health Washington Building
Virginia Employment Commission
Administration provides information on 1000 Bank St., seventh floor, Richmond
703 E. Main St., Richmond
the specific health and safety standards (804) 786-7335
(866) 832-2363
used by the U.S. Department of Labor. info@vbpd.virginia.gov
vec.virginia.gov
Call (800) 321-6742 or visit osha.gov. vaboard.org
A seller is subject to a sales tax imposed
on gross receipts derived from retail »» Virginia Workers’
sales or leases of taxable tangible Compensation Commission Child Support
personal property, unless the retail 333 E. Franklin St., Richmond Employers are essential to the success of the
sales or leases are specifically exempt (877) 664-2566 child support program and are responsible
by law. The combined rate is 5.3%. questions@workcomp.virginia.org for collecting 75% of support nationwide
vwc.state.va.us through payroll deductions. The Office
»» Virginia Tax Office of Customer Services
of Child Support Enforcement at Health
1957 Westmoreland St., Richmond
Employee Insurance and Human Services offers employers
(804) 367-8037
Check with your state laws to see if you step-by-step instructions for processing
are required to provide unemployment or income withholding orders for child
Social Security workers’ compensation insurance for your support. Download the fact sheet about
If you have any employees, including
employees. For health insurance options, call the Employer’s Role in the Child Support
officers of a corporation but not the
the Small Business Health Options Program Program at the Office of Child Support
sole proprietor or partners, you must
at (800) 706-7893 or visit healthcare.gov/ Enforcement’s website at acf.hhs.gov/
make periodic payments, and/or file
small-businesses/employers. programs/css > employer responsibilities.
quarterly reports about payroll taxes
Department of Labor Association You can also find information about other
and other mandatory deductions.
Health Plans allow small businesses, employer responsibilities and tools that can
You can contact the IRS or the Social
including self-employed workers, to make meeting those responsibilities easier,
Security Administration for information,
band together by geography or industry such as electronic income withholding
assistance, and forms, at (800) 772-1213
to obtain healthcare coverage as if orders and the Child Support Portal. Send
or visit socialsecurity.gov/employer.
they were a single large employer. For questions to employerservices@acf.hhs.gov.
You can file W-2s online or verify job
15LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Copyrights protect original works of Bristol
Intellectual Property
authorship including literary, dramatic, (423) 989-4850
Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are
musical and artistic, and certain other bristolchamber.org
types of intellectual property that serve
intellectual works. Copyrights do not
to protect creations and innovations. Brunswick
protect facts, ideas, and systems,
The United States Patent and Trademark (434) 848-3154
although they may protect the way they
Office is the federal agency that grants brunswickchamber.com
are expressed.
U.S. patents and registers trademarks.
For general information contact: Buchanan County
For information and resources about
U.S. patents and federally registered »» U.S. Copyright Office (276) 935-4147
trademarks consult uspto.gov. Call the U.S. Library of Congress
patent and trademark office help center at James Madison Memorial Building Caroline County
(800) 786-9199 or visit the U.S. Patent and 101 Independence Ave. SE (804) 448-5264
carolinecountychamber.com
Trademark headquarters in Alexandria. Washington, DC
A patent for an invention is the grant (202) 707-3000 or toll free (877) 476-0778 Charlotte County
of a property right to an inventor, issued copyright.gov (434) 568-0174
by the U.S. patent office. The right charlottecountyva.com
conferred by the patent grant is the right
to exclude others from making, using,
Export Charlottesville region
offering for sale, or selling the invention Assistance (434) 295-3141
in the United States or importing cville.chambermaster.com
Mid-Atlantic Regional
the invention into the country. For
Manager Bill Houck Chase City
information visit uspto.gov/inventors.
1501 Wilson Blvd., suite 1225, Arlington (434) 372-0379
There are three types of patents:
(202) 557-4063 chasecitychamberofcomm.com
• Utility patents may be granted to
william.houck@sba.gov
anyone who invents or discovers any Chesterfield County
new and useful process, machine,
manufacture, or composition of matter, Chambers of (804) 748-6364
chesterfieldchamber.com
or any new and useful improvement.
• Design patents may be granted to Commerce Chincoteague
anyone who invents a new, original, (757) 336-6161
Alleghany Highlands
and ornamental design for an article chincoteaguechamber.com
(540) 962-2178
of manufacture. ahchamber.com
• Plant patents may be granted to Clarksville Lake County
anyone who invents or discovers and Altavista area (434) 374-2436
clarksvilleva.com
asexually reproduces any distinct and (434) 369-6665
new variety of plant, other than a tuber altavistachamber.com
Colonial Beach
propagated plant or a plant found in (804) 224-8145
an uncultivated state. Amherst County
colonialbeach.org
A trademark or service mark includes (434) 946-0990
any word, name, symbol, device, or amherstvachamber.com
Colonial Heights
any combination, used or intended to (804) 526-5872
Appomattox County
be used to identify and distinguish the colonialheightschamber.com
(434) 352-2621
goods/services of one seller or provider appomattoxchamber.org
from those of others and to indicate the Crewe-Burkeville
source of the goods/services. Trademarks Bath County (434) 645-7711
creweburkevillechamber.com
and service marks may be registered (540) 839-5409
at both the state and federal level. The bathcountychamber.wildapricot.org
Culpeper County
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office only (540) 825-8628
registers federal trademarks and service Bedford area
culpeperchamber.com
marks. Federally registered trademarks (540) 586-9401
may conflict with and supersede those bedfordareachamber.com
Danville Pittsylvania County
registered only at the state level. Visit (434) 836-6990
Blackstone
uspto.gov/trademarks. dpchamber.org
(434) 292-1677
»» State Trademark blackstoneva.com
Dickenson County
Virginia’s Division of Securities and
Botetourt County (276) 926-6074
Retail Franchising dickensonchamber.net
1300 E. Main St., Richmond (540) 473-8280
(804) 371-9051 botetourtchamber.com
16LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Eastern Shore Greater Williamsburg Luray-Page County Prince William Tappahannock-Essex
of Virginia (757) 229-6511 (540) 743-3915 (703) 368-6600 (804) 443-5241
(757) 787-2460 williamsburgcc.com visitluraypage.com/ pwchamber.org tecoc.com
esvachamber.org chamber
Hampton Roads Radford Tazewell area
Edinburg area (757) 622-2312 Lynchburg region (540) 639-2202 (276) 988-5091
(540) 984-8521 hamptonroads (434) 845-5966 radfordchamber.com tazewellchamber.org
townofedinburg.org chamber.com lynchburgregion.org
Richlands area Top of Virginia region
Emporia-Greensville Hampton Roads LGBT Madison (276) 963-3385 (540) 662-4118
(434) 634-9441 chamberhrbor.org (540) 948-4455 regionalchamber.biz
emporiagreensville madisonva.com Richmond LGBTQ
Hispanic Chamber of Chamber Twin County region
chamber.com
Coastal Virginia Martinsville-Henry (804) 464-8826 (276) 236-2184
Farmville area (757) 828-7337 County richmondbusiness twincounty
(434) 392-3939 hccova.org (276) 632-6401 alliance.com chamber.com
farmvillearea martinsville.com
Hanover Roanoke region Richmond
chamber.org
(804) 442-2093 Montgomery County (540) 983-0700 Virginia Asian Chamber
Fauquier County hanover roanokechamber.org
(540) 382-3020 (804) 334-1540
chamberva.com
(540) 347-4414 montgomerycc.org aabac.org
Russell County
fauquierchamber.org
Harrisonburg- (276) 889-8041
Nelson County Virginia Chamber
Rockingham russellcountyva.org
Floyd County (434) 263-5971 (804) 644-1607
(540) 434-3862
(540) 745-4407 nelsonchamber.org vachamber.com
hrchamber.org Salem-Roanoke County
floydchamber.org
(540) 387-0267
New Kent Virginia Hispanic
Highland County s-rcchamber.org
Fluvanna County (804) 966-8581 Chamber
(540) 468-2550
(434) 589-3262 newkentchamber.org Scott County (804) 378-4099
highlandcounty.org
fluvannachamber.org (276) 386-6665 vahcc.com
Hopewell-Prince New Market area
scottcountyva.org/
Franklin- George (540) 740-3212 chamber.html Virginia peninsula
Southampton area newmarketcoc.net (757) 262-2000
(804) 541-2461
(757) 562-4900 hpgchamber.org Greater Scottsville virginiapeninsula
fsachamber.com Northampton County svillechamber.org chamber.com
Isle of Wight- (757) 678-0010
Fredericksburg region Smithfield-Windsor northampton Shenandoah County Warsaw-Richmond
(540) 373-9400 (757) 357-3502 countychamber.com (540) 459-2542 County
fredericksburg theisle.biz shenandoahcounty (804) 313-2252
chamber.org Northumberland chamber.com wrccoc.com
King George County County
Front Royal-Warren (540) 358-1542 (804) 529-5031 Smith Mountain Lake Washington County
County kinggeorge northumber (540) 721-1203 (276) 628-8141
(540) 635-3185 chamber.com landcoc.org visitsmithmountain washingtonva
frontroyalchamber.com lake.com chamber.org
Lancaster by the Bay Orange County
Gloucester County (804) 435-6092 (540) 672-5216 Smyth County West Point/
(804) 693-2425 lancasterva.com orangevachamber.com (276) 783-3161 Tri-Rivers
gloucester smythchamber.org (804) 843-4620
vachamber.org Lexington-Rockbridge Patrick County westpointva
County (276) 694-6012 South Hill
chamber.com
Goochland County (540) 463-5375 patrickchamber.com (434) 447-4547
(804) 556-3811 business. southhillchamber.com Wise County
goochlandchamber.org lexrockchamber.com Petersburg (276) 679-0961
Strasburg
(804) 773-8131 wisecounty
Greater Augusta region Louisa County petersburg (540) 335-6263
chamber.org
(540) 967-0944 chamber.com strasburgva
(540) 324-1133
louisachamber.org chamber.com
augustava.com Wytheville-
Powhatan Wythe-Bland
Lunenburg County Surry County
Greater Richmond area (804) 598-2636 (276) 223-3365
surrychamber.org
(804) 648-1234 (434) 696-3626 powhatanchamber.org wwbchamber.com
chamberrva.com
17LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
York County Brunswick Count Essex County Hanover County Madison County
(757) 877-5920 (434) 848-0248 (804) 443-3258 (804) 365-6464 (540) 948-7500
yorkcounty bcida.org essex-virginia.org hanovercounty. madisonco.virginia.gov
chamberva.org gov/352/economic-
Buchanan County Fauquier County development Mathews County
Economic buchanancounty (540) 422-8270 (804) 725-7168
Development online.com fauquierbusiness.com Henrico County mathewscountyva.gov
(804) 501-7654
Accomack County Buckingham County Fluvanna County henrico.com Mecklenburg County
(757) 710-2025 (434) 969-4242 (434) 591-1910 (434) 738-6388
economicdevelopment buckinghamc fluvanna Martinsville-Henry mecklenburgva.com
accomack.com ountyva.org county.org/ced County
(276) 403-5940 Middlesex County
Albemarle County Campbell County Floyd County yesmartinsville.com (804) 6758-4330
(434) 972-4016 (434) 592-9595 (540) 745-9300 www.co.middlesex.
albemarle.org/business campbellvirginia.com yesfloydva.org Highland County va.us
(540) 468-2347
Alleghany-Highlands Caroline County Franklin County Montgomery County
highlandcova.org
Development Corp. (804) 633-4074 (540) 483-3030 (540) 382-5732
co.caroline.va.us/194/ yesfranklin Isle of Wight County yesmontgomeryva.org
(540) 862-0936
ahedc.com economic-development countyva.org (757) 365-1962
Nelson County
insidetheisle.com
Amelia County Carroll County Frederick County (434) 263-7015
(276) 730-3001 nelsoncounty-va.gov
Industrial Development (540) 665-5600 James City County
Authority carrollcountyva.gov fcva.us/departments/ (757) 253-6607 New Kent County
(804) 561-3039 economic- yesjamescity (804) 966-9631
ameliacova.com/ Charles City County development-authority countyva.com yesnewkent.com
departments/ (804) 652-4701
economic_ co.charles-city.va.us Giles County King & Queen County Nottoway County
development.php (540) 921-2525 (804) 785-5975 (434) 645-9197
Charlotte County virginiasmtn kingandqueenco.net nottoway.org
Amherst County (434) 542-5117 playground.com/work
(434) 946-5200 charlotteva.com King George County Northampton County
amherstva Gloucester County (540) 775-9181 (757) 678-0440 x515
business.com Chesterfield County (804) 693-1415 yeskinggeorge.com co.northampton.va.us
(804) 318-8561 gloucesterva.
Appomattox County chesterfield.gov info/690/economic- King William County Northumberland
(434) 352-2637 development-authority (804) 769-4926 County
appomattox Clarke County kingwilliamcounty. (703) 472-4015
countyva.gov (540) 955-5100 Greene County us/economic- northumberland
yesclarkecounty.com (434) 985-6663 development coc.org
Augusta County greenecountyva.gov
(540) 245-5619 Craig County Lancaster County Orange County
augustava (540) 864-5010 Greensville County (804) 462-5129 (540) 672-1238
business.com craigcountyva.gov (434) 348-4205 lancova.com thinkorangeva.com
greensville
Bath County Culpeper County countyva.gov Lee County Page County
(540) 839-7200 (540) 727-0631 (276) 346-7766 (540) 743-1216
bathcountyva.org culpeperva.org Goochland County leecountyida.com pageforbusiness.com
(804) 556-5862
Bedford County
Cumberland County goochlandfor Loudon County Patrick County
(540) 587-5670 business.com
(804) 492-3800 (703) 777-0426 (276) 694-8367
bedfordeconomic
cumberlandcounty. biz.loudoun.gov co.patrick.va.us/
development.com Grayson County, Blue
virginia.gov economic-development
Ridge Crossroads Louisa County
Bland County
Dickenson County (276) 601-7727 (540) 967-4581 Pittsylvania County
(276) 688-4622
(276) 926-1676 brceda.org yeslouisa.com (434) 432-1669
blandcountyva.gov
dickensonva.org pittsylvania
Halifax Lunenburg County countyva.gov
Botetourt County
Dinwiddie County (434) 572-1734 (434) 696-2142
(540) 928-2140 Powhatan County
botetourtva.gov/ (804) 265-1226 halifaxvirginia.com lunenburgva.org
dinwiddieva.us (804) 598-5605
econdevelopment
yespowhatan.com
18LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Prince Edward County Spotsylvania County Bristol Hopewell Radford
(434) 392-3231 (540)507-7210 (276) 645-7470 (804) 541-2271 (540) 731-3603
co.prince-edward. spotsylvania.va.us bristolva.org hopewellva.gov radfordva.gov
va.us/econdev.shtml
Stafford County Buena Vista City of Lexington Richmond
Prince George County (540) 658-8681 (540) 261-8600 Industrial (804) 646-5633
(804) 722-8612 gostaffordva.com bvcity.org Development yesrichmondva.com
princegeorgeva.org Authority
Surry County Charlottesville (540) 462-3700 Roanoke
Prince William County (757) 294-5271 (434) 970-3110 (540) 853-2715
lexingtonva.gov
(703) 792-5500 econdev. charlottesville.org bizroanoke.com
pwcecondev.org surrycountyva.gov Lynchburg
Chesapeake (434) 455-4490 Salem
Pulaski County Sussex County (757) 382-8040 (540) 375-3007
opportunity
(540) 980-7737 (434) 246-1000 chesapeakeva.biz salemva.gov
lynchburg.com
pulaskicounty.org sussexcountyva.gov
Clifton Forge Manassas Staunton
Rappahannock Tazewell County (540) 863-2500 (703) 257-8305 (540) 332-3869
County (276) 385-1271 cliftonforgeva.gov staunton
choosemanassas.org
(540) 829-7450 business.com
rrregion.org/ USDA Rural Colonial Heights Manassas Park
comecon.html Development (804) 898-3002 Suffolk
(703) 335-8800
1606 Santa Rosa colonialheightsva.gov cityofmanassaspark.us (757) 514-4040
Richmond County
Road #238 yessuffolk.com
(804) 333-3415 Covington City/
Richmond City of Martinsville
co.richmond.va.us Virginia Beach
(804) 287-1550 Alleghany Highlands (276) 403-5940
rd.usda.gov/va (540) 862-0936 martinsville-va.gov/ (757) 385-6464
Roanoke County
ahedc.com businesses vbgov.com
(540) 772-2069
yesroanoke.com Virginia Main
Street Program Danville/Pittsylvania Newport News Waynesboro
Rockingham County (804) 371-7000 (434) 793-1753 (800) 274-8348 (540) 942-6779
(540) 437-9868 virginiamainstreet.com discoverdanville.com newportnewsva.com waynesboro
thinkrockingham.com yestazewellcounty.org business.com
Emporia Norfolk
Rockbridge County Washington County (434) 634-5056 (757) 664-4338 Williamsburg
(540) 464-9662 (276) 525-1300 ci.emporia.va.us norfolk (757) 220-6104
www.co.rockbridge. washcova.com development.com yeswilliamsburg.com
va.us Franklin
Westmoreland County (757) 562-8508 Norton Industrial Winchester
Russell County (804) 493-0130 franklinva.com Development (540) 722-7577
Industrial Development westmoreland- Authority develop
Authority county.org Fredericksburg (276) 679-1160 winchesterva.com
(276) 971-0690 (540) 372-1216 nortonva.org
russellcountyida.org Wise County fredericksburgva.gov
(276) 328-2321 Petersburg
Scott County wisecounty.org Galax/Blue Ridge (804) 733-2352
(276) 386-2525 Crossroads petersburg-va.
scottcountyva.org Wythe County (276) 236-7727 org/126/economic-
(276) 223-3370 brceda.org development
Shenandoah County wytheida.org
(540) 459-6227 Hampton Poquoson
shenandoah York County (800) 555-3930 (757) 868-3000
countyva.us (757) 890-3317 hampton.gov/241/ ci.poquoson.
yesyorkcounty.com economic-development va.us/215/economic-
Smyth County development-authority
(276) 783-3298 Harrisonburg
Independent Cities
smythcounty.org (540) 432-7701 Portsmouth
Bedford
harrisonburg (757) 393-8804
Southampton County (540) 587-5670
development.com accessports
(757) 562-1958 bedfordeconomic
development.com mouthva.com
franklinsouth
amptonva.com
19LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Entrepreneurial
Opportunities
Regional Innovation Clusters
Create jobs and grow the economy through an SBA Regional
Innovation Cluster. Online Resources
Find free short courses and learning
Who should join
Small businesses driving innovation in one of these tech industries: tools to start and grow your small
• advanced composites business at sba.gov/learning. The
free SBA Online Learning Center is a
• agTech
great resource for every entrepreneur,
• bioscience
especially rural business owners looking
• food processing
for easy access to vital business training.
• data sciences
• medical sciences Courses include:
• power and energy • writing your business plan
• unmanned aerial systems • buying a business
• water tech • financing options
• wood products • digital and traditional marketing to win customers
• disaster recovery
How it works
• understanding your customer
Each industry cluster is based in a geographic region. Your small
business must be located in or near that region in order to join the
cluster. For example, the AgLaunch Initiative cluster, which focuses
on agricultural technology, is located in the Tennessee area. A
small agTech business in or near Tennessee will connect with
other agTech suppliers, service providers, and related institutions
through that innovation cluster.
Native American
Workshops
How it benefits you
Network with other industry innovators and connect with
resources that will help your small business find funding. You’ll
Tribal enterprises and business organizations
also receive guidance on how to better compete for government
contracts and other opportunities so you can grow and expand. can receive training at an SBA Entrepreneurial
Receive free technical and legal assistance to develop your tech Empowerment Workshop. These workshops
and get it to market for government and industry buyers. cover business concepts important for starting,
Get involved growing, or expanding a small business. RedWind
Find an SBA Regional Innovation Cluster near you by visiting instructors identify and help participants avoid
sba.gov/localassistance. Select the regional innovation clusters common pitfalls. Learn how to prepare a business
on the drop-down menu.
plan, gain access to capital, and basic book
keeping. Request a workshop in your area by
visiting nativesmallbusiness.org.
20LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Need financing?
Loan Fee Relief
To encourage lending to members of the
military community who want to start
or grow their business, the SBA reduces
upfront guarantee fees on select loans. That
means the cost savings will be passed down
to you, the eligible veteran or qualifying
COURTESY OF LIFEHEALTH
military member. Ask your local SBA district
office or SBA Lender about the Veterans
Advantage program.
Have an employee who was called to
active duty?
You may receive funds that enable your
business to meet ordinary and necessary
HOW THE SBA HELPED US SUCCEED operating expenses when an essential
Margot Adam Langstaff, left, and Elisa Hamill, right, sought assistance from their employee is called up to active duty in the
local Veterans Business Outreach Center, which helped them better compete for military reserve. Ask your local SBA district
government contracts. LifeHealth of Littleton, CO has expanded to more than 30 office or SBA Lender about the Military
states with offices in Washington, DC and San Antonio, TX. Their clients include the Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Department of Defense, the National Guard, and the Indian Health Service. They
also expanded their business using an SBA-backed line of credit for $350,000. Margot Interested in contracting?
started her career as an Army medic, eventually running one of the largest outpatient Veteran-owned and service-disabled
clinics in the Northeast at Ft. Devens, MA. veteran-owned small businesses interested
in federal contracting receive training from
Opportunities
the Veteran Institute for Procurement,
which offers a platform with three
training programs to assist veterans. Visit
for Veterans nationalvip.org.
VIP Start
Members of the military community can start and grow their small Enter the federal market and become ready
for procurement. Nearly 200 veteran-owned
businesses with the help of SBA programs.
businesses from 29 states plus Washington,
Need entrepreneurship training? For women veterans DC have graduated from the program.
In Boots to Business, you explore Receive entrepreneurial training geared VIP Grow
business ownership and other self- toward women veterans, service members, Strategize to expand and operate within
employment opportunities while learning and spouses of service members through the federal marketplace. More than 700
key business concepts. You will walk away these SBA-funded programs: veteran-owned businesses from 42 states
with an overview of entrepreneurship plus DC and Guam have graduated from
»» Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of
and applicable business ownership this program.
Entrepreneurship in Syracuse, New York
fundamentals, including how to access
»» LiftFund in San Antonio, Texas VIP International
startup capital using SBA resources.
Enter or expand your federal and commercial
Boots to Business is conducted on all
For service-disabled veterans contracting opportunities overseas.
military installations as part of the
Learn how to start and grow a small business Get certified
Department of Defense’s Transition
using these SBA-funded programs: Learn about the service-disabled veteran-
Assistance Program.
»» Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans owned small business certification program
Who’s eligible? with Disabilities in Syracuse, New York on page 65.
Service members transitioning out of
»» Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at For more assistance
active duty and military spouses.
the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship, Veteran and military entrepreneurs
Are you a veteran or member of
Spears School of Business, Oklahoma receive business training, counseling, and
the National Guard or Reserve or a
State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma referrals to other SBA Resource Partners
military spouse? Boots to Business:
Reboot teaches this entrepreneurship »» Veteran Entrepreneurship Jumpstart at at a Veterans Business Outreach Center,
curriculum off base and in local St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, sba.gov/vboc. For veterans business
communities. Register for either B2B Pennsylvania information visit sba.gov/veterans.
program at https://sbavets.force.com. »» Dog Tag Inc., affiliated with Georgetown
University in Washington, DC
21LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Write your
Business Plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a business plan with the help
of an SBA Resource Partner.
TRADITIONAL BUSINESS
PLAN FORMAT
When you write your business plan, you don’t have to stick to the
exact business plan template. Instead, use the sections that make
the most sense for your business and your needs.
Executive Summary
Briefly summarize your company and why it will be successful.
Include your mission statement, your product or service, and basic
information about your company’s leadership team, employees,
and location. You should also include financial information and
high-level growth plans if you plan to ask for financing.
Company Description
Go into detail about the problems your business solves. Be specific
as to audience and location. List out the consumers, organizations,
or businesses your company plans to serve.
Explain the competitive advantages you have that will make your
business successful. Are there experts on your team? Have you found
the perfect location? Your company description is the place to boast
about your strengths.
Market Analysis
Demonstrate a solid understanding of your industry outlook and tar-
get market. This is where it pays to partner with an experienced busi-
ness counselor from your local Small Business Development Center,
SCORE, Women's Business Center, or Veterans Business Outreach
Center—all these SBA Resource Partners provide free or low-cost
business assistance. Competitive research will show what other busi-
nesses are doing and their strengths. In your market research, look for
trends and themes. What do successful competitors do? Why does it
work? Can you do it better? Now's the time to answer these questions.
Business plans help you run your business.
A good business plan guides you through managing your business. Organization and Management
You’ll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, Explain how your com-
and grow your new business. pany will be structured
Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new and who will run it.
business partners. Investors want to see a return on their Describe the legal Want to see an
structure of your busi-
investment. Your business plan is the tool you’ll use to convince
people that working with you—or investing in your company—is ness. State whether you
example of a
a smart investment. Brain storm with a business counselor (visit have or intend to incor- business plan?
one of our SBA Resource Partners detailed on page 8) and write porate your business as View examples of business plans
a traditional business plan, which uses a standard structure a C or an S corporation,
at sba.gov/business-guide/plan/
and detailed sections. Once you've got it all down, you can then form a general or limited
write-your-business-
condense it to a lean startup business plan, which typically partnership, or if you're a
plan-template
contains key points on only one page. sole proprietor or limited
liability company.
22LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
TRADITIONAL BUSINESS PLAN CHECKLIST
LEAN STARTUP PLAN FORMAT
Write a lean startup plan if requested from an investor, or if your
❒ Executive summary business is relatively simple or you plan to regularly change and
refine as you go.
❒ Company description
Lean startup plans use more visual organization tools and only a
❒ Market analysis handful of elements to describe your company’s value proposition,
❒ Organization and management infrastructure, customers, and finances. They’re useful for visualiz-
ing your company's fundamental facts. Your business counselor can
❒ Service or product line
help you edit down into the Business Model Canvas, used here—the
❒ Marketing and sales most well known style, or another lean startup template.
❒ Funding request Key Partnerships
❒ Financial projections Note the other businesses you’ll work with--suppliers, manufactur-
ers, subcontractors, and similar strategic partners.
❒ Appendix
Key Activities
List the ways your business will gain a competitive advantage.
Use an organizational chart to show the hierarchy. Explain how
Will you sell direct to consumers or use technology to tap into the
each person’s experience will contribute to the success of your
sharing economy?
venture. Consider including CVs of key members.
Key Resources
Service or Product Line
List resources you’ll leverage to create value for your customer.
Describe what you sell or what service you offer. Explain how it ben-
Your most important assets include staff, capital, or intellectual
efits your customers and the product lifecycle. Share your plans for
property. Leverage business resources that might be available
intellectual property, like copyright or patent filings. If you're doing
to women, veterans, Native Americans, and HUBZone–certified
research and development for your service or product, explain it.
businesses.
Marketing and Sales
Value Proposition
Your marketing strategy should evolve and change to fit your needs
Make a clear and compelling statement about the unique value
in each context.
your company brings to the market.
Describe how you'll attract and retain customers. Show how a
sale will actually happen. You'll refer to this section later when you Customer Relationships
make financial projections, so be thorough. Describe how customers will interact with your business. Think
through the customer experience from start to finish. Is it auto-
Funding Request
mated or personal? In person or online?
If you're asking for funding, outline your funding requirements.
Specify whether you want debt or equity and the terms you'd like. Customer Segments
Your goal is to clearly explain how much funding you’ll need over Name your target market. Your business won’t be for everybody;
the next five years and how the investment will be used. it’s important to have a clear sense of who you serve.
Specify if you need funds to buy equipment or materials, pay Channels
salaries, or cover specific bills until revenue increases. Explain how List the most important ways you’ll talk to your customers.
you'll pay off the debt.
Cost Structure
Financial Projections Will your company focus on reducing cost or maximizing value?
Supplement your funding request with a prospective financial Define your strategy, then list the most significant costs you’ll face.
outlook for the next five years. Show how your business will be a
Revenue Streams
financial success.
Explain how your company makes money: direct sales, member-
If your business is already established, include income state-
ships fees, selling advertising space? If your company has multiple
ments, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the last three to
revenue streams, list them all.
five years. List collateral you could put against a loan.
Include forecasted income statements, balance sheets, cash
flow statements, and capital expenditure budgets. For the first
year, be even more specific and use quarterly—or even monthly
—projections. Make sure to clearly explain your projections and LEAN STARTUP PLAN CHECKLIST
match them to your funding requests. ❒ Key partnerships ❒ Customer segments
Use visual organization tools--graphs and charts—to tell your
❒ Key activities ❒ Channels
business's financial story.
❒ Key resources ❒ Cost structure
Appendix
Here you'll attach supporting documents or other requested ❒ Value proposition ❒ Revenue streams
materials. Common items to include are credit histories, CVs, ❒ Customer relationships
product pictures, letters of reference, licenses, permits, patents,
legal documents, and other contracts.
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