Page 2 - LongwoodSBDC-2016-Annual-Report

Who We Are Director’s Letter

Stressing client education, the Longwood Small Business Development Center is part of the federal government’s largest At the Longwood Small Business Development Center we spend our days meeting with new clients and encouraging
and most successful management and technical assistance programs for small businesses. The Longwoood SBDC them to evaluate their current market position, internal structures, processes and adjust to maximize growth.
program is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration. This year we took our own advice and used 2016 to evaluate how we can better meet the needs of our clients.

• A team of highly qualified consultants with an array of skills and experience. We started the year with a new look at our internal structure, management and growth, just as we
• Founded in 1989 advise our clients to do. This internal assessment led us to customize our menu of consulting
• Mission: To provide education, consulting, and economic research to support potential and offerings to better fit the needs of our client base. Looking to the future of Southern Virginia, our
existing small business owners throughout Southern Virginia. primary goal is to assist our existing businesses that are poised for growth.
• Position: An economic development outreach program under the umbrella of the
Office of Community and Economic Development of Longwood University. Starting with our Western Region, our team has broadened its scope. We’ve added contract
• Results: The Center’s effectiveness is measured in the success of our clients, consultants—experienced entrepreneurs and managers to offer expertise on finance,
some of whom are featured in this publication. Results are measured in strategic planning, and human resources. We also initiated “GrowthWheel,” a
consulting and strategic planning tool for growing companies.
terms of client capital investment and jobs created.
To continue assisting startups, we will increase our popular, on-site
offering, “Building the Foundation for Your New Business.” Our
vision is to broaden access to services for all potential or existing
business owners who desire assistance in growing a business.

I’d like to personally thank the supporters of Longwoood
FARMVILLE PETERSBURG SBDC programs. You make this outreach possible.
CENTRAL EASTERN The matching funds you provide ensure that we
WESTERN DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT can continue to leverage grant funding from
the Small Business Administration and
broaden our reach to small businesses.
MARTINSVILLE SOUTH BOSTON SOUTH HILL
DANVILLE EMPORIA Together, we will make 2017 a great
year for small business growth
Longwood SBDC operates 4 regional offices in 3 distinct districts: throughout our region!
Offices: Danville, Emporia*, Farmville, Martinsville, Petersburg, South Boston, and South Hill*
Western District:
Counties of Henry, Franklin, Halifax, Patrick, Pittsylvania, cities of Danville and Martinsville
Central District:
Counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Together, we will make 2017 a great year for
Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward
Eastern District: small business growth throughout our region!
Counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry, Sussex, cities of Colonial Heights,
1 Emporia, Hopewell, and Petersburg *part-time office 2