Virginia SBDC Network
4031 University Drive
Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 277-7700
www.virginiasbdc.org



In This Issue:

   Virginia SBDC Network Receives National Accreditation
   TJPED Joins SBDC Network
   SBDC Clients Support the Virginia Economy
   Veteran Small Business of the Year
   Virginia SBDCs in the News

June 2006



Virginia SBDC Network Receives National Accreditation

On April 11, 2006, the Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network was notified by the National Accreditation Committee that the statewide network of 29 SBDC offices met all conditions and criteria for full accreditation by the national accrediting agency—the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). The ASBDC test of uniform high quality delivery systems used by the accreditation team ensures that the federal government, host institutions and local partners fund programs that have demonstrated effectiveness, efficiency and success in counseling and training small business entrepreneurs. The award presentations will be made during the SBDC Professional Development Conference June 9, 2006.



TJPED Joins SBDC Network

The Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development (TJPED) has joined the SBDC Network as the new host organization for The Central Virginia SBDC serving the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, Fluvanna, Nelson, and the City of Charlottesville. Since 2003, TJPED and its members have been champions of the SBDC program and the hosting relationship solidifies the SBDC presence in the region. TJPED, which is a private-public non-profit corporation represents the Greater Charlottesville region and its members include public jurisdictions, the University of Virginia, Piedmont Virginia Community College, Germanna Community College and local private sector businesses.



SBDC Clients Support the Virginia Economy

The SBDC Network of 29 local offices assisted more than 4,600 businesses and trained over 8,700 individuals in business management practices during 2005. The top areas of assistance were business planning, financing sources and marketing. Clients report success and impact as a result of their SBDC relationship---over $52 million in loans were obtained, $91 million in total capital formation was received, 3,500 jobs were created or retained, and an increase in sales of $68.9 million was reported in 2005.



Veteran Small Business of the Year

Mr. Mensel Dean of Harrisonburg, VA has been named the 2005 Small Business Veteran of the Year by the Virginia SBDC Network. Dean is a partner with PBGH, LLP, an accounting firm with offices in Harrisonburg, Warrenton and Fredericksburg. He specializes in small-business consulting and was selected for this award based on his strong record of community service as well as his success in business. An engraved urn commemorating the award is permanently housed at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.



Virginia SBDCs in the News

Lending a Hand: Business Schools Reach Out to Small Business – Harrisonburg
Small Businesses Toast A Milestone – Alexandria
A Growing Success: The Farmer’s Daughters - Southside
Hats Off to Entrepreneurs: Machinist by Day, Designer by Night – Chesapeake
Executive Town Car Service Customers Arrive in Style – Roanoke Region
Virginia Tech MBAs Assist SBDC Clients
A New Breed of Entrepreneurs Start Businesses in Region – Shenandoah Valley
Company Purchased by Microsoft



The Virginia SBDC network is the most extensive business development and assistance program in the Commonwealth. There are 29 local SBDCs across Virginia providing professional business counseling, training, and information resources to help grow and strengthen Virginia businesses. The network is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Mason Enterprise Center at George Mason University School of Public Policy and local sponsors including universities, community colleges, chambers of commerce, municipalities, economic development organizations, and private companies.

©2006 Virginia SBDC. All rights reserved.