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Small Business

Sep 30, 2021

Peduzzi Associates Ltd. names next president

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Garry Dean will become the president of Alexandria-based consulting company Peduzzi Associates Ltd. on Friday. Dean has served on the company’s board of advisers for the last four years. He has been an international airline captain for Delta Air Lines since he retired from the Air Force in [...]

Aug 6, 2021

Winchester manufacturer to build $1.25 million plant expansion

Winchester-based Evolve Manufacturing will invest $1.25 million to enlarge its plant in Frederick County, creating 84 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday. The company will add a second production line, triple its facility space and increase production for its major customers, including Home Depot, according to a news release. “Evolve … is a key employer […]

Small Black-owned businesses “were struggling before the pandemic,” says Tortica Anderson, owner of A Family Affair Event Management. “We feel like we have to work twice as hard to prove we’re capable of being business owners and invest in ourselves to show we’re legitimate businesses.” Photo by Will Schermerhorn
Jul 30, 2021

Bridging the gap

At the beginning of 2020, A Family Affair Event Management had already filled its schedule for the year with an array of weddings and corporate, social and destination activities. Then COVID-19 struck, wiping the Stafford event planning company’s calendar clean. “It greatly impacted us,” says Tortica Anderson, owner of[...]

Jul 12, 2021

Northam proposes $353M for small biz, tourism relief

Ahead of the General Assembly’s August special session, Gov. Ralph Northam said Monday he wants to spend $353 million of Virginia’s federal relief funding on small business recovery and assisting the tourism industry. Virginia received $4.3 billion in federal funds through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan passe[...]

Jun 11, 2021

State program would incentivize new workers with up to $1,000

To combat Virginia’s tight labor market, the state plans to invest $3 million in a program to provide new employees of qualifying small businesses with up to $1,000 to support their transition back into the workforce, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday. The Virginia Return to Earn grant program will match up to $500 from [...]

May 11, 2021

Virginia restaurants face new challenges at brink of full reopening

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia restaurants will soon be able to host more patrons, but establishments may not be able to accommodate more guests due to a shortage in workers. Restaurants and drinking establishments will be able to seat up to 100 patrons indoors and a maximum of 250 guests outdoors starting May 15, Gov. Ralph [&h[...]

A contract janitor for George Mason University, Consuelo Grandados is the sole breadwinner for a family of six. Her $12-per-hour salary doesn’t cover all of their expenses, she says. Photo by Stephen Gosling
Apr 29, 2021

Raising the bar

On May 1, Virginia’s minimum hourly wage will rise to $9.50 for most non-farm jobs, and for many business owners, that won’t be too disruptive. But the state’s upcoming Jan. 1, 2022, mandated raise to $11 “is of greater concern” to businesses, says Eric Terry, president of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging a[...]

Apr 26, 2021

State litter tax rate, penalty increase go into effect May 1

Rate increases and a large additional penalty for late payments for the state’s litter tax will go into effect for Virginian business owners on May 1. The changes, a result of legislation from the 2020 General Assembly session, are as follows: – The litter tax payment will increase up to $20 per business establishment. – […]

Apr 1, 2021

PPP loans deadline extended to May 31

Businesses and banks received a two-month extension to apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans this week, as President Joe Biden signed legislation delaying the deadline for the latest round of PPP loans from March 31 to May 31. This week’s extension takes some of the pressure off bankers and businesses, says Steve Yeakel, president and […]

Del. Luke Torian will lead the newly organized Virginia Minority Business Commission.
Mar 26, 2021

Northam seeks to include part-time workers in state IRA fund

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has proposed a change to a bill to allow part-time employees to participate in a newly created state-administered retirement fund for workers without 401(k) access, the governor’s office announced Friday. Northam also has signed legislation expanding an existing broadband pilot program to increa[...]

Mar 25, 2021

Newport News, Hampton launch Peninsula Cares Act Fund

The cities of Hampton and Newport News opened a new low-interest loan program for COVID-affected businesses on Thursday. Known as the Peninsula Cares Act Fund, it will lend a total of $1.5 million in amounts ranging from $7,500 to $375,000. Eligible businesses can use the funds for purchase and installation of machinery and equipment, building […]

Mar 25, 2021

Pitch Preview lets Central Va. startup founders practice pitches

The Virginia Small Business Development Center, along with the Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN), is offering a new program geared toward Central Virginia startup founders who need practice pitching potential investors. Pitch Preview’s first event is scheduled April 29 from 1-3 p.m. via Zoom. Participants commit to 30-minute time slots with a 15-minute pitch, and for […]

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