Join us for an in-depth workshop designed to guide aspiring retailers through the crucial steps of finding the perfect retail space and securing the necessary funding to bring their business vision to life
Participants will gain insights into market research to identify prime locations, and discover effective strategies for negotiating favorable terms. Additionally, the workshop will delve into how to work with banks to secure the funding needed, from application to cash ready.
This workshop is ideal for new and seasoned entrepreneurs looking to expand their business footprint, securing not just a location but also the capital needed for success.
Join us in-person for the Loudoun edition of The PowerHER Network!
Meet fellow women business owners from across Loudoun, share your entrepreneurial journey, and build meaningful connections along the way. Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an established business, this event is designed to expand your network and find community with women who understand the entrepreneurial path- because together, we rise!
This is an in-person event.
This event is open to women business owners located in Loudoun County. If you are located outside the area, stay tuned! We’ll be bringing The PowerHER Network to your region soon.
In partnership with Loudoun County Economic Development.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Chris Ley at chris.ley@sbsd.virginia.gov.
Launch Loudoun x DC Metro Hispanic Contractors Association Luncheon
Join Loudoun County Economic Development and the DC Metro Hispanic Contractors Association for a networking luncheon focused on building connections, creating opportunities, and helping Hispanic-owned businesses start, scale, and soar in Loudoun County.
This special event will introduce attendees to Launch Loudoun, Loudoun County’s signature small business initiative designed to support entrepreneurs and growing companies through educational programming, one-on-one business support, technical services assistance, networking opportunities, and strategic resources.
Attendees will hear directly from Loudoun Economic Development staff, connect with fellow contractors and business leaders, and learn how programs like Launch Loudoun and LoudounBizConnect.com can help businesses strengthen operations, expand visibility, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Whether you are an established contractor, small business owner, entrepreneur, or industry partner looking to engage with the region’s growing Hispanic business community, this luncheon offers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and discover resources designed to help your business thrive.
SBSD Event Series: SWaM Lab: Doing Business with the Commonwealth of Virginia
Are you a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business who wants to do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia? Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM certified. The SWaM certification is a vehicle to promote economic growth of Virginia’s businesses.
Becoming SWaM certified is just the first step in doing business with the Commonwealth. Each year the state buys goods and services totaling more than $8 billion. The Commonwealth of Virginia wants to do business with you and increase participation of small, women owned, and minority-owned businesses.
This workshop will cover the SWaM Program and certification/designation types, on-line application process, required documents needed to apply, and how to use the certification to do business with the Commonwealth.
Bring your laptop or tablet to participate in this learning lab.
Do you need personalized, one-on-one assistance for your small business?
Office hours provide small business owners time to sit down with our team to receive personalized advice on operations, finance, and marketing and sales.
Browse the available dates below to register for an upcoming office hour. Times are available on Wednesdays, in 45-minute slots. If you don't see a time or location that fits your schedule, please contact Alberto Fernandez or Jenn Goldman.
Join One Million Cups for two engaging events this month.
1 Million Cups (1MC) is a national, licensed entrepreneur support program that provides community connections and a peer-to-peer forum in which people can help get their business problems solved. Twice a month on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to present their business concept, startup or re-invented company to a diverse audience of advisors, business people, entrepreneurs and service providers. Presenters have 8 to 10 minutes to share their business and problem(s) they are having. Participants provide supportive feedback and help you solve your challenges.
As a small business owner, understanding how money comes into and out of your business is crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of your business. Throughout 2026, Loudoun Economic Development is offering a variety of classes in their Ashburn office, hosted by Cheryl Wiehn, that will walk you through the essential financial concepts every entrepreneur should know, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, e-commerce, financial reports and budgeting. You’ll learn how to interpret and leverage these tools to make informed decisions, avoid common financial pitfalls, and ensure the financial health of your business.
Program and QuickBooks Overview
Start strong with the basics every business owner should know. In this intro class, we’ll walk through the Foundations of Finance program, basics of small business bookkeeping and give you a beginner-friendly tour of QuickBooks. You’ll learn what to track, why it matters, and how QuickBooks can simplify the whole process—no accounting background required.
We recommend you bring a laptop or tablet, but it is not required.