Greater Roanoke and NRV SBDC

09/17/2026

Childcare & Early Education Business Owners:

You didn't open a childcare or early education center to become a full-time operations manager, technology expert, accountant, AND HR manager! 😳

That’s why we’re excited for you to join our Early Education Business Program, a four-part series designed specifically for you, with practical, targeted guidance for the unique challenges you face in the childcare and early education industry.

Class 1 kicks off on MONDAY, September 21!

You can take each class separately, or join us for all 4.

Learn more and Register at:

www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/earlyeducation

09/17/2026

Nonprofits and community-based organizations in Roanoke!

Check out Grant Ready Roanoke, a new program designed to prepare you to apply for and receive formal grant funding from the City and other partners.

Grant Ready Roanoke – a City program that helps nonprofits build organizational skills and capacity - is accepting applications.

The application period remains open until Monday, September 28. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance no later than Friday, October 16.

Participants receive instruction and guidance designed to strengthen their nonprofit organizations. The program takes place in a classroom setting twice per month and includes regular one-on-one coaching. Topics range from fundraising and financial management to steps for taking organizations to the next level.

09/16/2026

Agripalooza 2027 planning is in full swing and we'd love to hear from you!

Pulaski County Small Business Solutions has partnered with Greater Roanoke and NRV SBDC to bring Agripalooza 2027 to the New River Valley. We have created a short survey to hear directly from farmers, producers, agricultural professionals, advocates, and others connected to our regional agricultural community about the challenges, opportunities, and topics that matter most to them. Your input will help us shape and plan this event!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/81iQghWRvc

09/15/2026

Botetourt County Small Businesses! Don't miss out on this grant opportunity!

09/15/2026

Are you attracting the right candidates, or just a lot of candidates? 🐟

In The Talent Funnel: Evaluating Your Attraction and Application Process, you’ll take a fresh look at how you attract applicants, evaluate candidates, and approach interviews so you can build a hiring process that works for your business.

You’ll learn how to:
✨ Identify the roles and skills you really need
✨ Strengthen your candidate attraction process
✨ Spot opportunities to improve your applications and interviews
✨ Make more intentional hiring decisions

👋 Small business owners + leaders: If hiring has ever felt like a guessing game, this workshop is for you!

📅 Join Katie Beach of Mojo Leadership Group for this session of The Talent Blueprint: From Attraction to Retention.

September 24th, 10:00am, Live Virtual via Zoom

🎟️ Save your seat!
www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/talentblueprint

09/14/2026

✨ Important upcoming dates! ✨

🖍 Early Education Business Program: Business & Systems Mindset Live Virtual - 9/21 🖍

https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/earlyeducation

🕵️‍♀️The Talent Funnel: Evaluating Your Attraction & Application Process - 9/24

https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/talentblueprint

💡Smart Start - Live Virtual - 10/6 💡

https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/smartstart

See all upcoming Workshops, Events, & Programs at:

https://www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/training

* Attn: Foodiepreneurs! If you are in the Restaurants & Food Trucks cohort and have received an acceptance email, please remember to finish your registration! Registration and payment is due today! *

09/10/2026

Don't miss your chance! The survey closes at midnight on September 11, 2026.

The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) is conducting the 2026 Virginia Small Business Survey as part of Governor Spanberger’s Comprehensive Economic Development Policy. Your input will help provide valuable insight into the challenges, opportunities, and needs facing small businesses across the Commonwealth, and can help inform future policies, programs, and legislative priorities.

The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes and includes 51 questions, most of which are multiple choice.

Whether you're a new entrepreneur or an established business owner, your perspective can help shape what comes next for Virginia’s small business community.

Learn more and start the survey at sbsd.virginia.gov/2026-survey

09/09/2026

Calling all Roanoke County and regional small businesses! 📣 As part of Governor Spanberger’s Comprehensive Economic Development Policy, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) is conducting the 2026 Virginia Small Business Survey to better understand the experiences, challenges, needs, and opportunities facing small businesses across the Commonwealth.

Virginia’s small businesses are essential to its economy, and the people who own and operate those businesses know best what it takes to start, grow, compete, and thrive.

The insights gathered will help inform this plan and future policies, programs, and legislative priorities affecting Virginia’s small business community, and help state leaders to identify where the Commonwealth can better support businesses as they work to succeed and grow.

The 2026 Virginia Small Business Survey is open through Friday, September 11. Complete the survey at: https://sbsd.virginia.gov/2026-survey/

09/09/2026

Ready to strengthen the foundation of your child care or early education business?

Join us for Session 1: Business & Systems Mindset, the first session in the Early Education Business Partners four-part series.

You’ll learn how to:
🔹 Identify critical processes for operating your child care center efficiently
🔹 Create and document clear, effective processes
🔹 Understand the essential elements of a strategic business plan
🔹 Connect planning and systems to long-term business success

Each session may be taken individually, so you can enroll in the topics that best fit your business needs.

Can't wait to see you on September 21st!

www.roanokesmallbusiness.org/earlyeducation