Economic Development
Management and Technical Support
Selling to the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth of Virginia buys almost $5 billion in goods, services and construction annually. To help Virginia businesses access these opportunities, the Department of Business Assistance has developed Selling to the Commonwealth to provide web resources, vendor training, technical assistance and organized buyer-supplier networking events. A bi-monthly newsletter, Supplier-Buyer Exchange, is available by emailing Loretta Vines. Check the DBA Events calendar or receive technical assistance through the Virginia Business Information Center at 1-866-248-8814. Virginia's government purchasing is conducted on eVA, the state's electronic purchasing system.
Virginia's Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership (VPMEP)
This statewide organization provides technical assistance to the Commonwealth's small and medium-sized manufacturers on issues ranging from improving production technologies to workforce development. VPMEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership and a partner of the Center for Innovative Technology. Contact Laura Rathburn, Regional Manager at (434) 582-6136, extension 222 or 147 Mill Ridge Rd, Suite 115, Lynchburg, VA 24502.
MidAtlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (MATAAC)
If your company is facing import competition, MATAAC's team of experienced professionals can recommend and implement strategies to strengthen your competitiveness. To qualify, businesses must manufacture or process a physical product and experience: 1) a decline in dollar or unit sales of a major product line; 2) a decline or impending decline in employment; and 3) growing import competition. For further information, contact MATAAC at 1730 Walton Road, Suite 204; Blue Bell, PA 19422 or call (800) 566-7522.
Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise
This department assures minority and women owned businesses have access to capital, small business assistance, and minority certification procurement opportunities. Certification is necessary for participation in the Commonwealth's minority business programs. Certified companies are targeted, contacted directly, and, as appropriate, given priority status for receiving services offered by the department. The SWaM Program supports small, women and minority businesses in contracting with state government. Certifications are MBE, WBE, or SBE. MBE or minority business enterprise refers to any company with at least 51% ownership by an African American, Hispanic American, Native American, or Alaskan and/or Aleut native, Asian or person of Pacific Island descent. WBE or woman business enterprise refers to any company with at least 51% ownership by a woman. SBE or small business enterprise means an independently owned and operated business with 250 or fewer employees or average annual gross receipts of $10 million or less. To pursue certification, contact the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise at (804) 786-5560.
National Association of Minority Contractors
This association's Major Corporation Partnership Program (MCP) allows large construction and major construction user firms, in partnership with the NAMC, to provide contract opportunities for minority contractors. For minority contractors, the NAMC provides education and training, promotes economic and legal interests, creates a forum for sharing information, publishes the bi-monthly newsletter, Building Concerns, and identifies national, state, and local procurement opportunities. Contact NAMC at (202) 347-8259 or fax at (202) 628-1876.
US Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program
Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act created a program to help small companies, owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged persons, develop their businesses. To qualify for this program, the firm must seek certification. Promptly after certification, program participants must submit business plans for approval by a SBA Business Opportunity Specialist. The SBA then provides participants with contractual and management/technical assistance, as well as eligibility to apply for loans under other SBA programs. Contact Florine Duncan, Small Business Administration, SBA 8(a) Business Development, at (804) 771-2400, extension 118.
Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (VMSDC) – As one of 39 affiliates of the national council, VRMSDC’s membership contains over 350 certified minority businesses. Established in 1977, this organization is also comprised of major corporations, regional companies, and state and local government agencies. It provides members assistance in identifying minority businesses offering quality products and services at a competitive cost. VRMSDC’s primary goal is to establish opportunities for corporations and minority businesses to meet and develop business relationships.
Minority businesses interested in VMSDC programs and services are required to complete a certification process. This procedure determines if the ownership and control of the company is indeed by a person representing a racial minority group. VMSDC’s services include:
Corporate Plus is a national membership category designed to recognize national capabilities, bringing these firms to the attention of more members and expanding their opportunities for participation.
The Business Consortium Fund is a financing program providing capital exclusively to certified ethnic minority-owned businesses in supplier/vendor relationships with corporate members and experiencing difficulty finding financing through conventional channels;
BCF Loan Guaranty/Loan Participation Program (LGPP) provides access to specialized loan programs and products through strategic alliances with other national financial services firms including equipment leasing, commercial and government accounts receivable, commercial real estate, and franchise financing.
Long-Term Debt/Equity Financing is available through Triad Capital Corporation, the BCF’s wholly-owned federally licensed Specialized Small Business Investment Company.
Educational forums and networking situations through trade fairs, training seminars, and a host of activities such as business card exchanges, luncheons, and breakfast meetings are available.
Contact Sylvia Thomas or Levern Greenhill, Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council, at (804) 320-2100. Their fax number is (804) 320-3966. You may also write to 9210 Arboretum Parkway, Suite 150, Richmond, Virginia 23236.
Virginia Women's Business Enterprise Certification
The Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise helps Virginia's women owned and operated companies to become certified. Requirements include the company be located in Virginia and have 51% or more ownership by a woman or women. The day-to-day operations must be under the direction of women owners. The company must be independently owned. However, franchises are acceptable. The control of the company must be real and continuing and it cannot be a branch or subsidiary of a foreign firm. Over six hundred certified companies are listed in the WBE Directory and database, which is sent to private, state and federal purchasing officials. Contact the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise at (804) 786-5560 and press option 1 for additional information.
US Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The MBDA funds Business Development Centers nationwide to assist with the start-up, expansion and development of minority-owned firms. The centers provide business and technical assistance for bonding, bidding, estimating, financing, procurement, international trade and franchising. Joint ventures to increase opportunities in domestic and international markets for minority entrepreneurs are also encouraged. Individualized assistance in the areas of accounting administration, business planning, construction and marketing is available in five multi-state regions. The closest minority business development center to Roanoke is located in New York, NY. For more information, please call (212) 264-3262 or fax (212) 264-0725.
Online Women's Business Center
Online WBC is a totally free interactive web community where women can learn how to start and run small businesses on their own. Business experts, peer groups, online forum discussions, mentors, technical assistance, and other resources are available 24 hours a day. The most current information on principles and practices, management techniques and networking is available, too. There is a Spanish translation.
Alleviation of Business Traffic Problems
For assistance with traffic problems within the City of Roanoke, contact Mark Jamison, Manager of Transportation, at (540) 853-5471.
Business Outreach Program
The City of Roanoke's Office of Economic Development has two programs for existing businesses. The BIZVIZ Business Visitation program provides staff with valuable information on existing business needs. Representatives from the Office of Economic Development will visit with various businesses in the city to learn about the business, its opportunities and challenges. The BIZBREAK program encourages local business owners to discuss business issues at an informal monthly breakfast meeting with the City Manager and the Mayor or a member of City Council. Twelve different companies will be selected each month to participate in the breakfast roundtable. If you are interested in having a representative come and visit you or would like to attend a BIZBREAK, please contact Melissa Murray at 853-2715.
Center for High Performance Manufacturing
The Center for High Performance Manufacturing (CHPM) was launched to counter the shift in manufacturing jobs to countries with lower labor costs. It offers services designed to help manufacturers in Virginia remain competitive, US-based, and solvent. These services include consulting, technical assistance, research and development, and organizing collaborative efforts among center members on problems of mutual interest. Contact Dr Robert Taylor, Director, at (540) 231-6201.
Center for Innovative Technology (CIT)
This private, non-profit corporation's mission is to increase and enhance the technological competitiveness of Virginia by stimulating Virginia institutions of higher education to help businesses. Direct technical assistance is available through:
CIT Connect - CIT Connect is a service line dedicated to helping large-scale federal and corporate consumers of technology identify and assimilate innovation created in private sector start-up companies. Contact Joe Svetina at connectinnovator@cit.org for more information.
Entrepreneurial Education Program - CIT’s Entrepreneurial Education Program seeks to develop the entrepreneurial community and educate entrepreneurs on matters pertaining to new business innovation, technology commercialization and funding. Contact Jennifer O’Daniel at jodaniel@cit.org.
Research and Development Program - CIT conducts world-class research and development programs to create new industry clusters by focusing on strategic directions in areas delivering significant economic impact and replacing older economies. Programs targeted for biotechnology, nanotechnology, information and communications technologies, marine sciences and defense and homeland security markets are available. In addition to providing strategic guidance, CIT develops and executes world class R&D projects and starts new centers, including the Institute for Defense and Homeland Security. Contact Carole Ottenheimer at cottenheimer@cit.org.
City of Roanoke Bid List
Minority and women owned businesses are encouraged to contact Purchasing at (540) 853-2871 for inclusion on its bid list. Businesses so registered will be contacted to submit bids for available City of Roanoke contracts.
City of Roanoke Current Bid Requests
The City of Roanoke currently places all bid requests on its web site. Minority and women owned businesses are encouraged to apply. A copy of the bid form, City of Roanoke Request for Quotation, can be obtained from Purchasing at (540) 853-2871 or downloaded from the web site.
HUBZone Program
This program stimulates economic development and creates jobs in urban and rural communities by providing Federal-contracting preferences to small businesses. These preferences go to small businesses obtaining HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification in part by employing persons living in a HUBZone. The company must also maintain a "principal office" in one of these specially designated areas. Census Tracts 7, 8, 9, and 10 are located in a qualified HUBZone. For more information, contact Tammy J Proffitt at (804) 771-2400, extension 116 or Mike O'Neill at (804) 771-2400, extension 121.
Reliability and Privacy Seals for Web Pages
The Better Business Bureau has developed the BBBOnline reliability and privacy seals. These seals signify an online merchant has met the highest standards for the treatment of personally identifiable information. For more information, visit BBBOnline.
The Management Association (TMA)
TMA is a regional, non-profit, employers' association which promotes positive, pro-active employer-employee relations. The association offers its members: human resources support services; confidential networking and research; practical and timely, customized, in-house training, in full and half-day seminars; annual wage, salary, and benefit surveys; a bi-weekly newsletter; and an employee opinion survey. Contact Dan Oyler, President, TMA, at (540) 342-7881.
New Century Venture Center
This center is a small business incubator located in the city of Roanoke. The facility accepts tenants involved in light manufacturing, research and development, and personal and service related businesses. By providing young, start-up companies with affordable space, shared office support, and management assistance, a business incubator nurtures companies through the start-up and early development stages.
A new program, "Venture Out", allows participants to use all the equipment at the center for a small monthly fee or on an as-used basis. This program is perfect for at-home businesses needing access to a secretary, a high speed Internet connection, copying machines, etc. Contact Lisa Ison, President, New Century Venture Center, at (540) 387-1555.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
This government agency provides technical information to assist workers, employers, and safety and health professionals in reducing occupational injuries. The staff from various OSHA offices have compiled information by subject areas at this site.
Neighborhood Services
Neighborhood Services
is the city's liaison to Roanoke's neighborhood organizations. There are 25 neighborhood members, as well as two business association members. Neighborhood and business organizations access city services through this department and conduct community improvement projects with small development grants. Neighborhood and business organizations also advocate for, or against, community development initiatives affecting them. It is highly recommended a business develop a working relationship with their nearest neighborhood association. To find out more about Neighborhood Services and neighborhood organizations, call (540) 853-5210.
Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce offers its 1,800 plus members the following services: a membership purchasing pool, enabling small businesses to take advantage of lower rates for long-distance calling; a professional lobbyist, who keeps abreast of pending legislation and represents businesses at the state and federal level; opportunities to network with potential suppliers and customers; a free subscription to all chamber publications, including the Business Agenda newsletter; a regional Business Development Division, offering training through seminars and workshops; a professional business advisor for one-on-one consulting through the Small Business Development Center; the Resource Center, containing information targeted to business start-up, development, and growth; and business referrals for goods and services purchased in the Roanoke region. Contact Joyce Waugh, Acting President, , at (540) 983-0700.
Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
This program provides management and technical assistance to small and medium-sized businesses in the Roanoke region. Free, confidential, one-on-one counseling and group educational events in marketing, cash flow analysis, loan packaging, human resources, and financial and general business management are offered to existing and prospective business owners. Contact the SBDC at (540) 983-0717, ext. 239.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE offers free, confidential business counseling by retired men and women with successful business careers. Small business owners meet with the chosen counselor(s) to analyze and define problems, work on solutions, and check progress. This organization also conducts periodic seminars and workshops for individuals needing to develop business plans or considering starting a business. Contact (540) 857-2834 for further information.
Virginia Department of Business Assistance's Business Launchpad
This web site will lead you step by step through the process of starting a business in Virginia. Checklists, helpful tips, licensing procedures, and links to needed forms are provided. Check off the information you wish and your personalized “briefcase” will collect it.
Virginia Economic Bridge
This organization provides a user-friendly database linking buyers and sellers by marketing and identifying products and services available in Virginia. Their mission is to promote the economic vitality and external competitiveness of the Commonwealth through business, industry and educational partnerships between Southwestern Virginia, Northern Virginia and other areas. To register your business or get a free listing on the database, contact Carl Mitchell, President of the Virginia Economic Bridge, at (540) 831-6398.
Virginia Tech Expertise Database
This database contains information related to the research interests and accomplishments of faculty members responding to queries from business, industry, government, and media representatives. Searches may be made by topic, department, or name, with results including contact information and links to additional pages. If you are unable to find the information you need, please contact Thomas P Caruso, Industry Program Development Specialist, at (540) 231-6771.
Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development
Virginia Tech has established an Office of Economic Development to connect businesses with the proper resources at the university. Check out their web site or call Ted Settle at (540) 231-5278.
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS)
DRS offers employers access to knowledgeable, skilled, and productive employees. For employers, DRS offers valuable services at no cost to help meet specific labor needs. Services include training employees, work force recruitment, accommodating employees, educational programs, and resources. Contact (540) 776-2731.
Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC)
The Virginia Business Information Center provides toll-free and e-mail access to Virginia businesses in search of answers and resources. VBIC can be reached toll-free at 1-866-248-8814 or by e-mailing VBIC@dba.state.va.us.
General Export Assistance
If your company is interested in exporting, the City of Roanoke Office of Economic Development can offer assistance. Contact Linda Bass at (540) 853-2716.
Accessing International Markets (AIM)
This program, through the Virginia Division of International Trade, provides each company selected a $5,000 grant to identify new markets in South America, Asia or Europe. Each will also receive market research and pro bono professional services from AIM partners. Companies must be accepted into the program and can apply in March, June and September. To participate, companies must have been in business for a minimum of two years, have at least 10 employees, and annual revenues of $1 million or more. They must also demonstrate export experience or have at least five leads in the past year. A commitment of visiting their target market during their time in the program must also be made.
Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Division of International Trade
This division’s goal is to create jobs by increasing both the number of Virginia companies exporting and the volume of Virginia exports through professional assistance. Contact Paul Grossman, International Marketing Manager, at (804) 545-5752 or email pgrossman@yesvirginia.org.
Employer Advisory Committee (EAC)
An EAC is comprised of employers working in partnership with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). The purpose of EAC is to maintain open lines of communication between the VEC and the employer community; to provide the customer's perspective regarding quality and improvement of VEC services; to assist in informing employers of services and programs of the VEC; to provide information to employers on issues affecting the business community; and to engage in public/private ventures of benefit to both employers and the labor force. Businesses joining the EAC have access to thousands of job seekers, labor market, training, and tax credit information, and assistance in recruitment, screening, and outplacements for workers experiencing mass layoffs or plant closings.
EACs work at the community and state level with approximately 30,000 employers participating in the program across the nation. Contact VEC at (540) 561-7525.
US Business Advisor
This web site is a one-stop, electronic link to all the business and information services the US government provides.
Virginia EnviroMENTOR program
If you own a small business regulated by environmental laws, free, confidential assistance is available through the EnviroMENTOR program, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). If a business requests assistance, the following areas are covered: identifying opportunities for pollution prevention and environmental management systems; answering environmental questions, completing requests for information from DEQ or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); determining need for environmental permits; assisting with permit applications; determining applicability and compliance requirements of environmental regulations; determining options for compliance with environmental regulations; resolving a Notice of Violation (NOV); or identifying other environmental resources. Businesses must have less than 100 employees and be independently owned. Contact Richard Rasmussen at 1-800-592-5482, extension 4394.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The Internal Revenue Service offers tax information for small businesses on its web site. In addition to the publications Small Business Tax Workshop Book, Tax Guide for Small Business, Starting a Business and Keeping Records, IRS e-file for Business Fact Sheets, Recognizing Illegal Tax Avoidance Schemes, and its yearly IRS Tax Calendar, businesses can order the following CD-ROMs: The Introduction to Federal Taxes for Small Business/Self-Employed, A Virtual Small Business Workshop, and The Small Business Resource Guide. Call 1-800-829-3676 to order.
VALET
VALET is a public-private partnership linking the resources of the Commonwealth with service providing businesses' skills to increase international sales for Virginia companies. Businesses must first enter an application process. Once approved, the business must develop a plan of action for international trade which includes the anticipated use of funds and resources as well as the scheduling of key events. The goal is to have the strategy fully implemented within an 18-24 month period. For more information, contact Paul Grossman at (434) 582-5182.
Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
This web site is a resource for Virginia businesses, connecting them with their local SBDCs, business assistance, training, and information sources. |