small businesses

Small Businesses

The MPA region and the Commonwealth support new and existing small businesses in multiple ways; among these are technology business centers such as Gloucester CoWork and business services provided by organizations such as SCORE and the Mary Washington Small Business Development Center. Please see below for a summary of small businesses services available. Small business owners and entrepreneurs have a one-stop shop by contacting the Middle Peninsula Alliance to assist with identifying the most appropriate resource.

Incubator / Entrepreneur Space

Cowork Gloucester
6814 West Teagle Lane
Gloucester Courthouse, VA 23061
Website

Peace Frogs Incubator Space
7546 John Clayton Memorial Hwy
804-693-1415 (EDA)

Website


Virginia Business One-Stop

Web-based resource providing information on business establishment, licensing, tax structure, legal structure, etc. 
804-786-6585


Virginia Small Business Development Centers

Provides customized counseling for business startups and small business expansions.  Assists with business plan design, market analysis, etc.  Serving the Middle Peninsula is the University of Mary Washington SBDC
804-333-0286


Virginia Community Economic Network

The Virginia Community Economic Network (VCEN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education, networking and advocacy organization promoting innovative, creative and sustainable local entrepreneurship and place making strategies that spur job creation, increase wealth-building, and enhance community vitality.
804-527-4247


SourceLink Virginia

Web-based resource of the Virginia Community Economic Network that provides a one-stop shop of links to various programs and services supporting small and entrepreneurial-business development


Virginia Small Business Finance Authority

The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s business and economic development financing arm.  VSBFA offers programs to provide businesses, not-for-profits, and economic development authorities with the financing needed for economic growth and expansion throughout the Commonwealth.  Offers loans directly to businesses & non-profits, credit enhancements to banks that are lending to businesses & non-profits, as well as bond financings to benefit for-profit businesses, 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit entities. Also help small businesses seeking to attract equity investments by providing an equity incentive grant program.
804-786-8565


Virginia Community Capital

Partners with organizations and individuals to provide financial resources and advisory services for projects designed to have a positive impact in their community. Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a mission to create jobs, energize places, and promote an enhanced quality of life for Virginians.
804-344-5484


Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) supports the state's varied agricultural community by assisting producers and processors locate the best markets for their products, both domestically and abroad.
804-786-6911


Agriculture & Forestry Industries Development Grant

The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund is a discretionary, performance-based economic development incentive specifically for agriculture and forestry value-added or processing projects.  An AFID facility grant is awarded to a political subdivision for the benefit of the company, with the expectation that the grant is critical to the success of the new or expanding facility. The grant amount and terms are determined by the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and approved by the Governor.
804-786-6911


Virginia Economic Development Partnership/Virginia Jobs Investment Small Business New Jobs Program

The Small Business New Jobs Program supports Virginia companies which have 250 employees or fewer company-wide.
804-545-5702


Virginia Business Innovation Association

Membership organization providing support for small business entrepreneurs.


Richmond Score

Richmond Score is a volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a vibrant small business community in the Greater Richmond area through mentoring and education. They provide individual free and confidential business mentoring and low-cost workshops tailored to meet the needs of small business to achieve and sustain profitability and growth.