Longwood SBDC Welcomes New Central Region Director Dana Knott

Dana Knott

Dana KnottThe Longwood Small Business Development Center (LSBDC), known for its three-decade-long commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in Southern Virginia, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dana Knott as Central Region Director. Starting August 25, Knott will spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic growth of the small business sector located in LSBDC’s Central Region, which includes the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward.…

Meet Dana Knott

Dana Knott

The world of small business isn’t new to Dana Knott. Her very first job was with a family-owned outfit, a foundation that now informs her role as the Longwood SBDC’s central region director.

“They were entrepreneurs, passionate about their businesses,” said Knott.…

Meet Ilsa Loeser

Ilsa LoeserIlsa Loeser first discovered the Longwood SBDC as a client enrolled in the business startup course. Today, as the founder of a successful marketing agency, she provides education and support to fellow entrepreneurs in her role as an SBDC consultant. Better yet, her agency helps other small businesses in rural Virginia to thrive.…

Meet Hope Harris-Gayles

Hope Harris-Gayles

Hope Harris-Gayles knows Southern Virginia. Born and raised in Charlotte County, she now lives in Halifax. Her understanding of this rural region — paired with a comprehensive foundation in marketing and firsthand knowledge of what it takes to run a small family business — makes her the perfect fit for the Longwood SBDC.…

Meet Jacob Dolence

Jacob Dolence

In 2004 as an undergraduate at University of Wyoming, Jacob Dolence started a web-based business to help students buy and sell textbooks.

“What stuck with me was how much I learned in putting something out there into the world,” says Dolence.…

Meet Vandy Jones

Longwood SBDC Eastern Region Director Vandy JonesAsk Longwood SBDC Eastern Region Director Vandy Jones why he developed an interest in helping small business owners, and you’ll get an unexpected answer.

“You might say a tornado brought me to it,” Jones says with a smile.

On the surface, Jones’ resume doesn’t read like a whirlwind career.…