Service Corporation of Retired Executive
The Service Corporation of Retired Executives (SCORE) offers free and confidential counseling, workshops on management, and a resource index for start-up or existing business.
Williamsburg SCORE has been dedicated to providing free small business advice and mentoring services since October 1985. In FY 2008, Williamsburg SCORE provided a total of 1079 services.
Hampton Roads Technology Council
The Hampton Roads Technology Council (HRTC) is the technology nerve center for the southeastern region of Virginia named Hampton Roads. As a member-driven non-profit organization, HRTC is transforming the region and its technology companies into world-recognized technology leaders.
HRTC's mission is to accelerate the transformation of Hampton Roads and its technology firms into world-recognized technology leaders. The Hampton Roads Technology Incubator System — a division of the HRTC — is dedicated to nurturing high-growth, high-tech businesses into profitable industry leaders. It's promoting economic growth for southeastern Virginia by:
- boosting the number of tech companies developing in or moving to Hampton Roads;
- administering programs to help entrepreneurs establish and operate these companies successfully; and
- facilitating access to and commercialization of technologies developed in the region's university, government and industrial labs.
James City County Technology Incubator
To encourage small business start-ups, James City County established a Business and Technology Incubator (JCCBTI), which provides office space and the College of William and Mary’s Technology and Business Center provides the overall management of the incubator. This facility offers full Incubator services, including high speed internet, board room facility, copier & printer services, common area, individually locked offices, after-hours access and new office furniture.
More information on the Incubator
Center for Innovative Technology
The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) addresses the challenges that directly promote the creation and retention of technology-based jobs in Virginia.
CIT draws upon higher education, federal laboratories, and other partners to deliver appropriate solutions to businesses, offering a range of business and technical assistance programs including: assistance to existing companies in the commercialization of products and enhancement of current business structures, and technical assistance to enhance existing technology-based products, processes, and services.
CIT focuses on five key industries:
- Aerospace & Transportation
- Biotechnology & Medical Applications
- Electronics & Advanced Manufacturing
- Energy & Environmental Technologies
- Information Technology & Telecommunications
Virginia Leaders In Export Trade (VALET)
This award-winning program assists companies throughout Virginia in expanding their international business. VALET offers a powerful combination of capital resources provided by the state along with professional services from expert, private-sector partners. Each year, 25 qualifying companies ramp up their global marketing efforts through this program. Companies have graduated from this comprehensive, two-year business acceleration program with greater focus on the potential of export trade profits. On average, companies experience an 88 percent increase in international sales during and immediately following the program.
Small Business Development Center Networks
Virginia’s Small Business Development Center network (VSBDC) provides management and technical assistance to small and medium-sized companies in the Commonwealth to grow and assist existing businesses through counseling and group training on topics including marketing, financing, cash flow analysis, human resources and business management.
The Hampton Roads Area SBDC serves James City County businesses with regularly hosting business seminars and provides counseling services by appointment.
Virginia's Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The Virginia Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s (VPMEP) improves the productivity and performance of existing small- and medium-sized manufacturers in southern Virginia through services such as needs assessment, general business assistance, business systems improvement, manufacturing process improvement, materials and product engineering, quality improvement, pollution prevention, workforce development, and identification, selection, and implementation of technologies.Southeast Virginia Advance Manufacturing Pipeline (SEVAMP)
Currently funded by US DOL, SEVAMP supports nationally recognized tools that can:
- Identify & prioritize critical job tasks
- Determine innate skill levels for the job
- Provide pay-for-performance criteria
- Develop performance-based training – on demand
With the help of SEVAMP and PDCCC we are training our workforce to get their skill levels in line with job requirements. The end result has been qualified workers with a skill level to succeed in today’s workplace. ~Dorothy Hickman, Hercules, Inc.
The adoption of the WorkKeys system at Siemens, through the support of TNCC, has had a positive effect on hiring, retention and promotion throughout our company. ~ Mike Lindsey, HR Manager Siemens VDO
Virginia Procurement Pipeline
The Virginia's Business Pipeline delivers information and data necessary to establish sustainable competitive advantages for the businesses of the Commonwealth. Using innovative vehicles, the Pipeline fosters relationships with each Virginia business, demonstrating their importance to the economic vitality of Virginia.
Also, the Virginia's Business Pipeline is an online database composed only of businesses located in the Commonwealth. It functions as a marketing tool for Virginia goods & services and as a supply management resource for organizations everywhere. Users can access the VPP database to identify and acquire resources needed in order to achieve strategic objectives. The Pipeline delivers organized and current data to end-users without the need for costly or time intensive research.
The Commonwealth of Virginia buys almost $5 billion in goods services and construction annually. This purchasing represents potential new markets and growth opportunities for Virginia businesses interested in selling their products and services to state government.
To help businesses access these opportunities, the Department of Business Assistance (DBA) has established "Selling To The Commonwealth." This program provides web resources, vendor training, technical assistance, and organized buyer-supplier networking events. “Selling To The Commonwealth” connects buyers and suppliers in an effort to maximize open competition and access to state contracting for Virginia businesses. Related services include:
- "Selling To The Commonwealth" section on the DBA website. Includes links to special announcements, events and related resources.
- Bimonthly electronic newsletter, “Supplier-Buyer Exchange,” with information and updates for buyers and sellers.
- Supplier-Buyer networking events.
- Supplier technical assistance through DBA's toll free Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC).
Virginia's government purchasing, also known as procurement, is conducted on eVA, www.eva.virginia.gov the state's electronic purchasing system. eVA is managed by the Department of General Services (DGS), the Commonwealth agency which oversees state purchasing and sets related policies. DBA has partnered with DGS to develop educational tools and provide outreach throughout the Commonwealth, helping businesses understand not only how to use the eVA system, but how to market their firms strategically to state government.
SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE is the premier source for experience based small business coaching and mentoring in the country. SCORE was established more than forty years ago. SCORE counselors provide advice and mentoring that helps entrepreneurs live their dreams of success.
Williamsburg SCORE has been dedicated to providing free small business advice and mentoring services since October, 1985. In FY 2008 Williamsburg SCORE provided a total of 1,079 services.