The Virginia Enterprise Initiative (VEI) will hold informational workshops highlighting partnership and funding opportunities that can extend training, technical assistance, and capital to Virginia’s next wave of very small and emerging businesses.

VEI, Virginia’s micro-enterprise initiative, provides financial resources to nonprofit organizations that specialize in the delivery of training, support, technical assistance, and loans to for-profit businesses that employ five or fewer people. These individual entrepreneurs often lack access to business training or traditional credit.  Many of these entrepreneurs are minority, female, and/or low-income Virginians.  The ultimate goal of the program is to build the community entrepreneurial economic base by providing resources for individuals to become economically independent.

An often overlooked economic force, micro-businesses comprise well over 80% of all businesses in Virginia.  The “unexpected entrepreneur” exists in all corners of the state and VEI strives to reach each one.

Nonprofit organizations, local governments, economic development professionals and community members working to support micro-enterprises in their area are invited to attend.  To register for one of the following workshops, contact Doug Jackson at douglas.jackson@dhcd.virginia.gov or (276) 780-3244.

Manassas: October 28, 2010, 1-3 p.m.
Hosted by ECDC Enterprise Development Group
Manassas City Hall, Room 204
9027 Center St.

 Newport News: November 3, 2010, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Hosted by ECDC Enterprise Development Group
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, L. Marian Poe Room
2410 Wickham Ave.

Abingdon: November 9, 2010, 10 a.m.-Noon
Hosted by People, Inc.
Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator
851 French Moore, Jr. Blvd.

South Boston: November 15, 2010, 10 a.m-Noon
Hosted by New Visions, New Ventures
The Prizery
700 Bruce St.