Find our what all entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups should know about trademarks.

We discuss what trademarks are, the benefits of federal trademark registration, and the basics of the registration process. We also talk about why it’s so important for any new business to select a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable.

Discover the free resources that are available from the USPTO!

Webinar presented in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Updated for 2026

Are you interested in pivoting more of your efforts to ONLINE SALES?

This session covers:

• The variety of websites available, the possibilities for upgrading yours to better accommodate online sales and the estimated costs to accomplish this!
• The various e-commerce platforms available and how to select the best based on your specific business needs.
• How to setup and manage your online storefront or service portal and how to use data and marketing to maximize returns.

With ever-increasing numbers of technology solutions on the market, there have never been more data points available to the craft beverage producer. But in a sea of information, it can be hard to block out the noise and focus on what really makes a difference for a craft producer’s profitability.

In this session, Virginia SBDC Craft Beverage Assistance Manager Chris Van Orden asks Chris Farmand, Founder and Principal of Small Batch Standard, about five fundamental benchmarks that get to the heart of a business’s financial health.

Each year, the State buys goods and services totaling more than $7 billion – learn how your company can be a part of that!

This webinar educates small business owners about opportunities to sell their goods and services to the Commonwealth of Virginia and many local governments.

The workshop provides information about the Virginia procurement process (the eVA system) and the benefits of SWaM certification.

Speaker: Angela Barber, Business Services Manager, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Eastern VA Region

What does it take to be a successful franchise owner in Virginia?

Whether you are interested in operating a full-time business, being a semi-absentee investor, or having a highly profitable summer business, learn what to look for in a franchise, which franchises do well (and don’t do well) in our region, and state and local regulations to be aware of before signing a franchise agreement.

Speaker: Heather Rosen, President of FranNet of Virginia and D.C.

Building and maintaining strong business credit is essential for securing funding, lowering borrowing costs, and positioning your company for long-term success. In this session, we break down how personal credit influences early-stage financing – how business credit works – what lenders evaluate – and the practical steps small business owners can take to strengthen their credit profile.

Learn:

• The key similarities and differences between personal and business credit reporting practices

• How personal creditworthiness connects to business credit, and how to navigate the transition

• How to verify that the data on your credit report is accurate and up to date

• What lenders look for when assessing creditworthiness and financing applications

• Key credit reporting regulations and industry standards

• How personal and business credit scores are calculated and used

• Business credit products and practical steps for establishing credit in your company’s name

• What to prepare and present when applying for credit

This session is ideal for business owners who want to understand their current credit standing, move confidently from personal to business credit, and create a clear roadmap for long-term financial health.

Brought to you by Capital Pathways, a no-cost program from the Virginia SBDC that helps small businesses get the funding they need to grow. The program is designed for very small (fewer than 10 employees), emerging, and growth-ready businesses that face challenges accessing traditional financing. It offers hands-on group learning, guided implementation, and extended one-on-one support focused on strengthening your finances, loan applications, and legal setup.

This webinar covers the basic facts about patents. We explore the different types of patents, including utility, design, and plant. We define the difference and use of both provisional patent applications and non-provisional patent applications. Further, we discuss the process of patent prosecution, the role of the U.S. patent examiner and what to expect when working with the USPTO.

Information regarding a number of patent prosecution programs and initiatives available to applicants is also be provided.

Webinar presented in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 Updated for 2026

Does your business need a mobile app?

In this bootcamp you will learn if your small business will benefit from having a mobile app, and the steps to successfully deploy and market your app on the app stores. Areas covered include:

• Market Research
• App Scoping
• Finding a Developer and Budget
• App Business Planning
• Marketing Approach
• Building a Prototype
• Launching an App
• Promoting App

Presented by Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants

In-house sales have never been more important for Virginia’s craft beverage sector, making front-of-house staff vital to the long-term viability of craft beverage businesses.

In this edition of the Craft Beverage Conversation webinar series, Virginia SBDC Craft Beverage Assistance Manager Chris Van Orden asks Andrew Coplon, Founder of Secret Hopper and Craft Beer Professionals, how producers can train, incentivize, and retain customer-facing staff members.