Smart Start

This class is held virtually via Zoom. You will see the Zoom link once registration is complete. Please save the link to access the workshop. We recommend joining from your computer/laptop for the best experience.

To meet the growing demand of our region’s start-ups, we’ve created a course to accelerate your idea into an actionable start.

Smart Start Course Description

Are you thinking about starting a business or have you recently launched your business, and want to be sure you’re on the right track? Join us for Smart Start!

Businesses that start with a solid foundation of research, planning, and setup are up to 89% more likely to remain open three years later. That’s a percentage worth betting on!

Smart Start is an interactive introductory workshop designed to answer your start-up questions and help you take the right first steps with clarity and confidence. In this session, an SBDC business advisor will share the core building blocks of a successful business and provide practical guidance to help you move from idea to action. Whether you’re still shaping your concept or ready to formalize your plans, Smart Start offers trusted tools and insights to support informed decision-making.

Smart Start also introduces you to the support available through the SBDC. The topics covered in this class create a strong foundation for your next conversation with an SBDC advisor.

What you'll explore during Smart Start:

• If entrepreneurship is right for you
• How to pick the perfect customers
• How to best validate your idea
• Keys to growing an iconic brand
• Steps to laying the foundation for a legitimate business
• What resources are available to you
• Determine what stage you are in and what your next steps are

Smart Start participation is required for individuals who have not yet started a business before scheduling a one-on-one advising appointment with an SBDC Business Advisor. This ensures advising sessions are focused and productive.

Bonus Material Available to Smart Start Participants (worth $399) will be shared after the workshop with participants who complete a brief post-workshop survey:

1. Entrepreneur Certificate  We’ve partnered with StartUp Virginia to provide you with a scholarship to complete a certificate in entrepreneurship. You will receive a link to register upon completion of Smart Start.

2. Entrepreneur Guidebook - Digital Version Our region's #1 guide for entrepreneurs! Includes everything you need to start smart.

3. Tax Calendar - Digital Version A tax calendar prepared by a tax accountant to keep track of when and what taxes are due for businesses.

Cost: No Fee

Fine Print:

This workshop will not be recorded.

Supporting materials and follow-up resources will be shared after the session with participants who complete a brief post-workshop survey.

Our workshops, events, and programs are designed with a small business owner in mind. Actionable, sharing of ideas, and takeaways to keep things straight.

The SBDC reserves the right to cancel a workshop/event/program for insufficient enrollment, weather emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances. Should a cancellation occur we will use the email you provided to contact you. Pre-registration is highly recommended. If an event is canceled or postponed and you have not pre-registered we will not be able to contact you.

All programs of the Virginia SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.