Your local Longwood SBDC office is available to assist with specialized small business research on your industry or target market.
The SBDC subscribes to several databases and information services that contain valuable consumer and industry information. We are able, in most cases, to provide SBDC clients with this information FREE OF CHARGE as a component of business and marketing plan consulting. Click here for your local office location and contact information.
For those who need immediate access to other web resources, the list below will get you started. Call us if we can help you find more Resources for Growth!
Helpful Links
Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
A great site for statistical research in Virginia with links to information about other states.
Virginia Employment Commission
Provides easy access to information about jobs and the labor market in Virginia.
Virginia Department of Taxation
Get information on various tax topics, download tax forms, and ask tax questions.
State Corporation Commission
Get information about the Commission and its issues and services.
Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
Offers business certification programs, serves as the small business economic development arm and small business financing.
Virginia Small Business Development Centers
Provides management counseling, information resources, technical assistance, and training.
Small Business Administration Online
Information about financing, disaster assistance, and an on-line library.
SBA Online Forms and Publications
Includes numerous forms and workbooks, many in PDF format.
Small Business Administration GILS
Identifies public information resources throughout the U.S. Federal Government, the information available in those resources, and assists in obtaining the information.
SBA Learning Center
Online learning programs designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way.
U. S. Business Advisor
Provides one-stop access to federal government information, services, and transactions.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Up-to-date statistics on employment nationally or by region.
The U.S. Census Bureau
The official current and future population and economic statistics.
Independent Agencies Index from the White House
Links to all federal government agencies and commissions.
Internal Revenue Service
Information and forms from everyone’s favorite federal agency.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Deals with every aspect of small business concerns.
IRS Website for Small Business
Designed to help serve the small business and self employed community.
Economic development region covering the counties of Halifax, Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania, and the cities of Danville and Martinsville.
Virginia’s Growth Alliance
Economic development region covering the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Greensville, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Lunenburg, & Prince Edward, and the City of Emporia.
Shop Local VGA
Regional online store for businesses in the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Greensville, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Lunenburg, & Prince Edward, and the City of Emporia.
Virginia’s Great Adventures
Regional tourism website for the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Greensville, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Lunenburg, & Prince Edward, and the City of Emporia.
Think Bigger VGA
Regional entrepreneur portal for businesses in the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Greensville, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Lunenburg, & Prince Edward, and the City of Emporia.
Guerilla Marketing
A weekly web magazine for small business, entrepreneurs, sales people and marketers.
Small Business Information Clearinghouse
A great online library of publications.
NOLO: Small Business Law Center
A website designed to answer legal questions.
National Association for the Self-Employed (SE)
Helps the self-employed meet the challenges of making their businesses successful.
The Business Plans Resource Center
Offers thousands of pages of free sample plans, planning tools, and expert advice to help you start and run your business.
Entrepreneur Magazine
Offers solutions for growing businesses.
Better Business Bureau
Search for Better Business Bureaus in a locality.
Business Town
Ideas to help start and manage a business.
Insidebiz.com
Gives you up-to-date information and news on local businesses.
CNNMoney.com
Gives the latest on national small business news.
Inc. Magazine
The magazine for growing companies.
Kauffman Center Resources
Current articles on the strategic planning of small business.
Virginia Chamber of Commerce
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest, most influential general business organization, representing all business sectors in every region of the Commonwealth, including small business enterprises and Fortune 500 companies.
Business.com
A search engine designed for everyday business needs.
National Federation of Independent Business
NFIB gives members access to many business products and services at discounted costs. NFIB also provides timely informational resources designed to help business owners succeed.
U.S. Customs Service
Information on importing, exporting, and enforcement.
World Trade Organization
A business and educational website focusing on international business.
Starting a Business in Southern Virginia: Building the Foundation for Your New Business
If starting a business in Southern Virginia is your dream, we can help you make it a reality. With our business workshops, you’ll find the practical knowledge and skills you need to succeed at starting and running a small business.
Starting a business in Southern Virginia requires planning and consideration. Choosing your legal structure, writing a business plan, securing funding, and other steps help you build a solid foundation for your business.
About This Business Workshop
Building the Foundation for Your New Business is one of many free classes offered by the Longwood SBDC for those considering starting a business in Southern Virginia.
Cost: FREE
Potential new and existing business owners will learn how to:
- Evaluate your entrepreneurial abilities
- Choose a legal form of organization
- Prepare and present your business plan
- Find financial resources
- Create marketing strategies
- Cybersecurity Tips
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll benefit from this practical, focused information. You’ll leave this free workshop with business insights and actionable strategies to help you launch, build, or grow a Southern Virginia-based business.
**IMPORTANT**
Scheduled workshops may change due to inclement weather, scheduling conflicts, etc.
Your pre-registration enables the Longwood SBDC to keep you updated on changes or cancellations as quickly as possible.