Welcome to Goochland's Economic Development & Tourism Newsletter

In these monthly installments, Goochland County Economic Development will provide the latest news, updates, and events related to the Goochland business community. We are excited to begin the distribution and hope you find the content timely and relevant.

Capital Region Small Business Development Center

Have you heard of the of the Capital Region Small Business Development Center? They provide FREE resources to businesses including business plan development, market research, help with financial documents, and many other services. Their services are confidential and completely free to Goochland businesses. Contact us to learn more or you can find them on the web at www.capitalregionvasbdc.com.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership International Trade Division

VEDP – International Trade provides a range of services, programs, and grants to help both new and experienced exporters grow their international sales by identifying new international markets, developing market entry strategies, and locating distributors and representatives for products or services. Goochland businesses interested in increasing international sales will benefit from VEDP's export development programs, services, and grants. Click here to learn more!

Business Spotlight!

Each month we will spotlight a Goochland business!

Kindred Sprit Brewing, located at 12830 West Creek Parkway, is a craft beer lovers dream! They offer a variety of unique beers on tap and have their flagship favorites canned and ready to take home. Each weekend you will find live music and a variety of food trucks to enjoy. Kindred Spirits also offers event space for small or large events. Check them out at www.kindredspiritbrewing.com.

Looking to Grow in Goochland?

Check out available building and sites in Goochland to grow your business and give us a call to chat!

Preserving our Roots:
Agri-Businesses in Goochland

Spring is finally upon us, and motorists in Goochland County might notice an increase in agricultural vehicle traffic on the roads. Farmers are beginning to plant, starting with corn. Drivers will notice planters, but also sprayers and fertilizer spreaders. Hay equipment will also become more common as grass starts to put on vigorous spring growth. As frustrating as it can be to get stuck behind a piece of agricultural equipment, please remember that farming is an important economic activity in Goochland, and farmers are just doing their jobs. Steven Freeman, from Iowa State University Extension, has the following tips for rural drivers:

Be prepared for farm vehicles. Farm vehicles travel significantly slower than automobiles. You may only have a few seconds to react and slow down before overtaking a farm vehicle. Be prepared to slow down and follow; you may not have room to pass.
Slow down and keep your distance. Don’t assume that the farmer can pull over and let you pass. Shoulder conditions may make it unsafe for the farmer to pull heavy equipment to the side of the road.
Be sure of the farmer’s intentions before passing. Don’t assume that a farm vehicle is turning right or pulling over to let you pass if it pulls to the right side of the road. A farmer may have to swing right in order to make a left turn. Wait until you know what the farmer is planning to do.
Be patient and enjoy the scenery if you find yourself following a farm vehicle. Even if you have to follow a farm vehicle for a couple of miles, it will only take a few minutes of your time.
Be especially alert in the evenings; farmers are returning from the fields and dusk makes farm vehicles more difficult to see.

Source: Freeman, S. A. 2021. “Sharing Rural Roads with Farm Equipment Requires Patience and Caution.” Iowa State University Extension.