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 businesses.
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
Global Market Research Program
The Global Market Research Program, part of Virginia Economic Development Partnership's (VEDP) Division of International Trade, produces comprehensive, tailor made export marketing plans for Virginia companies that want to enter new export markets.
Since its inception in 1988, the Global Market Research Program, in cooperation with various colleges and universities in Virginia and overseas, has assisted more than 420 businesses.
The assists Virginia companies develop new export markets and to increase sales by matching teams of top MBA students from Virginia universities and colleges with eligible businesses to develop comprehensive export marketing plans.
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 Richmond Area SBDC serves Hanover County businesses, regularly hosting business seminars in the HCED office 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.
Virginia Biotechnology Park
The Virginia Biotechnology Research Park for the life sciences in Richmond adjacent to the medical science campus of Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals is home to 34 biotechnology, bioscience, and related companies and research institutions.
Virginia Commonwealth University is a Carnegie Foundation Research 1 University and is in the process of adding a number of exciting new programs and facilities. In addition, the School of Engineering has one of the most advanced clean room training and research facilities of any university in the United States.
Virginia Biotechnology Association
The Virginia Biotechnology Association (VaBIO) represents the interests of the biotechnology industry in Virginia before federal, state, and local legislators and regulators. Additionally, VaBIO promotes the biotechnology industry in Virginia and expands the knowledge and expertise of the biotechnology industry through seminars and educational publications. The Association also enhances public awareness of the industry and the scientific, economic and other benefits it provides.
Virginia Procurement Pipeline
The Virginia Procurement Pipeline is an on-line database of Virginia businesses that allows users to search by name, business type, locality, and number of employees. The purpose of the database is to increase business-to-business commerce within the Commonwealth. It can be accessed through the Virginia Department of Business Assistance website at www.dba.state.va.us/dobusiness.
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.
- Bi-monthly 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).