The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Richmond District Office will honor Virginia’s outstanding small business owners and champions at the Virginia Small Business Week Awards Luncheon on Monday, June 24, 2013, at the Westin Richmond Hotel. The awards celebration is co-sponsored by the Richmond Score Chapter #12 and the Virginia Small Business Center.

The SBA Richmond District Office is honoring Work It, Richmond Editor Jacob Geiger with the first annual SBA Outstanding Advocacy of Small Business Award. The award recognizes his commitment to Virginia’s small business community through his media coverage and active participation in local small business events.

The luncheon, “Stand Up for Small Business,” begins with a networking reception at 11:00 a.m., followed by the luncheon and program at noon. Paula Otto, executive director of the Virginia Lottery, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the event. Registration will open in mid-May at a cost of $40 per person. The Westin Richmond Hotel is located at 6631 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230.

$40 per person

Register Today
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/382420

The 2013 Award of Excellence for Organizational Development was presented by the Virginia Downtown Development Association to the Virginia SBDC for its Small Town and Merchants Program (STAMP).

"This is a true honor to have one of our State projects recognized by the organization that advocates, supports, and promotes leadership in downtown revitalization throughout the Commonwealth," said Jody Keenan, State Director of the Virginia SBDC.  "Not only is STAMP a great program but it actually has had a very positive impact on the retailers and restaurateurs who have participated.  Year-over-year revenues have increased by as much as 65% as a result of the advice given."

Marc Willson, Retail Consultant to the Virginia SBDC, was delivering a STAMP in Winchester on the day of the luncheon, but he said, "With today's retail industry changing as quickly as it is, keeping abreast of the new technologies and customer expectations is vital to retailers' very existence.  I am really glad we can do our part."

About Virginia Downtown Development Association

VDDA brings attention to the significance of historic downtowns to Virginia's economic vitality and to enhance the effectiveness of organizations, individuals, and communities to foster vibrant economic development.

About Virginia SBDC Network

The Virginia SBDC Network (www.VirginiaSBDC.org) is an organization of 29 local SBDCs across Virginia.  We are the most extensive business development program in the Commonwealth, providing free professional business counseling, low-cost training, and information resources to help grow and strengthen Virginia businesses.

Virginia SBDC Network is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, George Mason University--Mason Enterprise Center, and premier local host organizations throughout Virginia, including universities, community colleges, chambers of commerce, municipalities, economic development organizations, and private companies.  The Virginia SBDC Network is accredited by the Association of Small Business Development Centers

THE BIG BOOK includes new lists, familiar features include:

• Resources
• Most Influential Virginians
• Economic Development
• Construction & Development
• Largest Companies
• Education
• Financial
• Health
• Philanthropy
• Professional Services
• Tourism

http://www.virginiabusiness.com/index.php/news/article/a-variety-of-agencies-offer-help-to-small-business-owners

The SBA launched www.sba.gov/healthcare, a new health care web page that will help individuals and small business owners understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them. The new tools will serve as a gateway for small business owners connecting them with information provided by SBA’s federal partners responsible for implementing the law, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

With the new year comes a new look for Virginia SBDC: new logo, new website, new programs, and new videos about ourselves and our success stories. Yet we still offer the same quality of service you can rely on to help you plan, act, and succeed with your small business.

Virginia SBDC Network is accepting applications from veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses for this award. Learn more about this award get an application here. DEADLINE is January 31, 2013. Finalists will be notified on February 18, 2013.

New Passport for Global Markets programs will be given in 2013 in Fairfax, Norfolk, and Roanoke. Get an updated schedule and application here.