What's Happening in Stafford, Virginia |
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We're thrilled to welcome you to the latest edition of our monthly newsletter, "What's Happening in Stafford VA." This communication serves as your go-to source for staying in the loop on all the exciting developments, programs, resources, and opportunities within the vibrant Stafford region. Whether you're a local business owner, a dedicated professional, or simply an enthusiast of all things Stafford, our newsletter is tailored to inform and inspire you. Get ready to discover the latest news, network with like-minded individuals, and unlock the incredible potential this dynamic community has to offer. We invite you to dive in, stay engaged, and make the most of the opportunities that Stafford, VA has in store for you.
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2024 Stafford EDA's Business Appreciation Reception Honoring all Stafford Businesses
Wednesday, April 24th | 5:00 - 7:00 PM | Riverside Center for the Performing Arts 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Stafford County is proud of the robust, loyal, and philanthropic professionals and leaders who choose to do business in Stafford. This annual event celebrates the businesses of Stafford.
We encourage all to join, celebrate, and be recognized for your commitment and success in Stafford.
Awards will be presented to businesses who are nominated and selected for one of the following: Business of the Year Award, Innovation Award and the Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship Award. Awards open Thursday, February 1st, and close on Thursday, February 29th. Nominate your Stafford business
HERE.
Please contact Linzy Browne for more information at [email protected] |
Business of the Year Award:
This award is to honor a local Stafford business who exemplifies the quality and standards of business in Stafford. This awardee is recognized as a business that contributes to the economic growth and quality of life in Stafford and whose practices and professional conduct contribute to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community. Some of the specific criteria that could be considered for this award include: a successful strategy, growth, community involvement, exceptional customer service.
Community Stewardship Award:
This award distinguishes a business, organization or person who demonstrates selfless community care by carrying out and/or participating in community service projects. These projects may be industry related or non-industry related activities. Some of the specific criteria that could be considered for this award include: volunteering of time, resources, monetary contributions, general philanthropic activity and service.
Innovation Award:
This award recognizes big thinkers, action takers and creative problem solvers. This award is intended to honor true innovation from startups to established entities or individuals. Some of the specific criteria that could be considered for this award include: new product or programs, and community impact solutions. |
Presented by the Stafford County Economic Development Authority, the Stafford Beer & Business Series is a quarterly event that brings together professionals from various industries. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to network and gain valuable insights at our next event!
On February 7th, delve into the fascinating topic of “AI’s Integration in Business” during a brief and insightful discussion led by Will King, AI Strategist at MF Growth. The event will take place at Full Distance Brewery, Stafford’s latest brewery, creating a vibrant atmosphere for networking and learning.
Sponsored by MF Growth, a company specializing in workflow automation and AI services for small businesses in the local Fredericksburg and surrounding communities, this Beer & Business event promises an exceptional evening filled with networking opportunities, exceptional brews, and engaging conversations.
Save the date! Join us on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Full Distance Brewing. Don’t miss out—register today for an evening of insights and connections! |
Exciting Opportunities Alert! |
Stafford County, Virginia is investing in its workforce and community recovery!
The Board of Supervisors and Economic Development Authority have teamed up for a Workforce Opportunities Marketing Project funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The EDA is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide comprehensive services.
Project Scope: Marketing Stafford to workforce in Qualified Census Tracts impacted by COVID-19, opening doors to job opportunities! Let's collaborate to make a positive impact! |
Small Business Owners: Submit your specials for FREE publication! Every Saturday should be Small Business Saturday. Now it is.
Whether you call them “specials,” “sales,” or just “notes from the bossman,” we’re posting them on our website, potomaclocalnews.com, to help our fellow small business owners in our communities. |
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Pixie’s Pole Gym and Dance Academy Ribbon Cutting | 10:00 AM
Organizer: Pixie's Pole Gym and Dance Academy Location: 2785 Richmond Highway #107, Stafford, VA
Join Pixie’s Pole Gym and Dance Academy for their grand opening and official ribbon cutting event on Thursday, February 1st, starting at 10:00 am. Pixie’s Pole Gym and Dance Academy is a brand new business opening its doors in Stafford County! Founded with a passion for pole dancing and a commitment to body positivity, their pole gym is more than just a fitness center; it’s a community where artistry and strength meet. Enjoy a gym tour, free class passes, and various giveaways! |
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First Thursdays with the SBA: Making Your Business Creditworthy | 12:00 PM
Organizer: UMW SBDC Location: Virtual
Grab your lunch and join us virtually for the first Thursday of each month to learn more about SBA programs and network with other small business owners. Finding funding for your business can be challenging if your credit score is weak. Join us as we discuss strategies to improve both your personal and business credit score. Key takeaways will be how your personal credit affects your business, how to improve your personal credit card to benefit your business, and how to improve your business credit over time.
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Blue Print Business Plan Workshop | 8:00 AM Organizer: UMW SBDC
Location: Virtual
This four-hour workshop covers the development of the business plan and financial forecasting of the business plan. Please be prepared to begin working on your business plan during the class. We will start by opening a Microsoft Word or Google Doc for you to add information to as we proceed through the workshop. By the end of the workshop you will have completed a rough draft of a portion of the business plan and have clear direction which areas you need to conduct research and add additional information to in order to complete. Key takeaways from this workshop are: research tools, business plan components, business concept, financial plan, and supporting documents.
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Payment Processing | 12:00 PM
Organizer: UMW SBDC Location: Virtual This one-hour webinar is designed for small business owners to learn more about credit card optimization, including reducing fees on credit cards and gifts cards. Learning outcomes will be: 1. Choosing a Processor - What to look for when picking a company to process credit cards. 2. Visa/MC Interchange - Find out how the processors get charged and how it affects you.
3. Gift Card Programs - Will setting up a gift card program for your business help? If so, learn how to set one up. 4. Cash Discounting - Find out how to pass the fees to the cardholder in a way that doesn't break Visa/MC compliance. |
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February Coffee Talk: The Power of Writing | 9:00 AM
Organizer: Women's Leadership Colloquium at UMW Location: Jepson Alumni Executive Center
Join the Women’s Leadership Colloquium at UMW for February’s Coffee Talk as they delve into The Power of Writing. There are numerous benefits to writing things down. Writing helps you remember but it can also help you take a deeper dive into your feelings and make more informed decisions. This session will focus on the science behind the power of writing as well as some helpful tips on how to make the power of writing work for you. February’s Coffee Talk will be led by Ms. Kimberly Young, Communications and Community Engagement Specialist for Caroline County Public Schools.
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GovCon 101: WOSB | 12:00 PM
Organizer: UMW SBDC Location: Virtual
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 5% of that spend is allocated for Woman Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Businesses (WOSB/EDWOSB). This is a huge opportunity for small woman owned firms, who qualify, to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of Government Contracting through set-aside opportunities. In this presentation you will learn: eligibility requirements for WOSB/EDWOSB, understanding the application process, understanding how to prepare before applying, and staying certified.
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Beer Exploration Course | 6:00 PM
Organizer: UMW Continuing & Professional Studies Location: UMW Stafford Campus / 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Co.
Join UMW Continuing & Professional Studies and 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company for a two-evening course on beer exploration on February 21st and 22nd. Learn about the history, origins, & styles of beer, what’s new in beer (including trends and limits), and the science and the art of beer making! The second evening will be on site at the 6 Bears & A Goat Brewery for a behind-the-scenes brewery tour and beer pairing experience. |
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The RFP: Who? What? When? | 12:00 PM
Organizer: UMW SBDC Location: Online
Many bid requests are written by different people, with different knowledge and interests, with no two bid requests exactly the same. To be successful in your bid submission you should follow the organizational priority set by those who manage the evaluation process. This training will outline the bid request structure for major competitive and negotiated procurements to simplify proposal preparation and evaluation for offerors, contractors, and contract administrators. Based on the RFP, you will successfully develop a proposal in accordance with the Government instructions and expectations.
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Brooks Appliance Repair & Electric Ribbon Cutting | 11:00 AM
Organizer: Brooks Appliance Repair & Electric Location: 107 Juliad Court, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Join Brooks Appliance Repair & Electric at their Grand Opening on Wednesday, March 6th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM! Brooks Appliance Repair & Electric is growing, and excited to have the community join them at their NEW warehouse for a ribbon cutting ceremony! Enjoy a food truck, giveaways, and a DJ! |
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Interested in your business event being featured in our marketing efforts? Submit your business event here. |
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