ATTENTION RESTAURANTS, ATTRACTIONS, OR OTHER TOURISM BUSINESSES!The purpose of the Goochland County LOGO & Tourist-Oriented Directional Sign (TODS) Grant program is to support businesses and organizations in Goochland’s tourism industry with advertising and directional signage to drive visitors to tourist locations in the County. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) regulates the size, location, and type of signage along public roads by requiring permits. There are annual fees associated with obtaining these permits. Small tourism businesses, like restaurants, craft beverage makers, and retail shops typically cannot afford extensive advertising budgets. This grant initiative is designed to: - Increase Visibility: Help travelers easily locate your business while navigating Goochland County’s roadways.
- Drive Tourism: Encourage visitation and economic activity by making our attractions and services more accessible.
- Support Your Success: Provide financial assistance to reduce barriers to participation in these vital signage programs.
To learn more and find out if you qualify, please visit our website.
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 Example of new sign allowed for industrial parks |
Industrial Park Signage Update!You spoke, we listened! We have heard from several businesses located inside industrial parks that they would like to have signage at the entrance to the industrial park. The Goochland Board of Supervisors recently changed the zoning ordinance to allow industrial parks to have signage at their entrances that allow names of individual businesses inside the park. The ordinance also allows businesses to keep their existing sign at their location. With this change in the ordinance, our hopes is that the businesses interested in having signage at the entrance to their industrial parks work together to add new signage at their entrance. Goochland County Economic Development is happy to help the individual industrial parks on new signage projects to ensure any new signage is in compliance with the County's regulations. Please let us know how we can help!
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Idea Factory Powered by StartUp VirginiaCreating a new business or product is an exciting journey, but having a great idea is not enough. Whether you’re expanding a business, innovating your industry, or aspiring to be an entrepreneur, ensure you build solutions people really want by basing your ideas on insights, not assumptions. At the Idea Factory, you’ll learn about customer discovery – the entrepreneur’s secret weapon. It’s the process of uncovering customers’ needs, wants, and pain points before building a business. It’s about getting out of your own head and into the minds of your potential customers. Don't wait – applications close on February 8! For more details, visit startupvirginia.org/idea-factory.
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Looking for Funding to Commercialize a Life Science Innovation?
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Grant Round 18 is Open! Could your team use up to $800,000 in non-dilutive funding to commercialize a life sciences innovation? Virginia Catalyst is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) for Grant Round 18. Key Deadlines: - LOI Due: March 14, 2025
- Full Application Due: April 30, 2025
Virginia Catalyst awards grants of $200k–$800k and connects recipients with additional funding and strategic partnerships. Funding Criteria: - Addresses a large, unmet need in human health
- Product/service with commercialization potential
- Collaborative team with industry and at least two Virginia universities (GMU, ODU-EVMS, UVA, VCU, VT)
- Creates jobs in Virginia and attracts follow-on funding
- At least 1:1 matching funds required
Learn more and submit your LOI here: https://www.virginiacatalyst.org/apply.html Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your innovative idea into a commercial success! |
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Interested in being a supplier or contractor for the New Project Rocky development? Join Panattoni Development Company and Gray Construction to learn more about ways your business can participate in the construction and operations of Project Rocky. When: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 4:30 pm EST. Where: Luck Stone – Rockville Training Center – 1950 Rockville Industrial Way, Rockville VA 23146 RSVP: projectrocky@gray.com The Panattoni and Gray teams will be onsite to share their vision for Project Rocky and discuss potential partnerships with contractors and suppliers. Project Rocky is seeking the following subcontractors, suppliers and diverse businesses. Open Scopes of work include: - Construction Subcontractors of ALL trades
- Landscaping & Irrigation
- Casework
- Flooring
- Exterior Fences & Gates
- Interior Fencing
- Toilet Partitions & Accessories
- Window Blinds
- Interior & Building Signage
- Cleaning
- Temp Labor
- Rental Equipment
- Office Trailer Supplies
- Food Trucks
Diverse Businesses Include: - Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
- Veteran-Owned Business (VOB)
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB)
- Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)
- HUBZone Small Business
- LGBTQ-Owned Business Enterprise
Project Rocky Event Agenda 4:30 – 5:00pm: Arrival of attendees and Networking 5:05 – 5:15pm: Vendor/Contractor Outreach Introduction 5:15 – 5:30pm: Project Overview 5:30 – 6:00pm: Vendor/Contractor 1 minute Soapbox 6:00 – 6:30pm: Wrap Up and Questions The Project Rocky team is looking forward to seeing YOU there! |
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Business Spotlight!Each Month we will spotlight a different Goochland Business!Grayhaven WineryTucked away in Gum Spring is a hidden gem with a long history, Grayhaven Winery. Founded in 1978, Grayhaven Winery is a family business, starting when the Peple family moved to the Isbell Estate in Gum Spring with the intent of starting a Vineyard. Gryahaven Winery is one of the oldest commercial vineyards in Virginia and Grayhaven Winery was the 22nd winery to receive a Farm Winery License from the Commonwealth. For almost 50 years, Grayhaven Winery has been growing grapes to turn into delicious wines for people to enjoy. Grayhaven’s day to day operations are now ran by Max Peple-Abrams and her husband, Deon Abrams. You can find them anywhere from the vineyard, the cellar, or the tasting room serving customers. Truly a family business, their son can be found bottling, pressing grapes, or bussing tables. A unique aspect of Grayhaven is that Deon Abrams is South African, bringing South African wine and culture to the winery. Max and Deon regularly visit South Africa to visit the wineries and winemakers they work with. In addition, Grayhaven holds their South African Wine Festival every September. A cherished tradition since 2006, this event celebrates South African wine, culture, and food. Grayhaven’s vineyard is on 12 acres where they grow 17 varieties of grapes that produce eight different wines. They also receive grapes from select mountainside vineyards in South Africa which are then processed, aged, and blended in their cellars. Grayhaven is dedicated to expressing the unique environment of the Virginia Piedmont region in their grapes and wines. From the soil to the distinct seasons of Virginia, all of these aspects of nature contribute to the personality of their wines. Head on over to their website and get your tickets for this year’s South African Wine Festival. And if you cannot make it to the festival, get some friends together and head out there for an afternoon of wine and fun! Grayhaven Winery is located at 4675 East Grey Fox Circle, Gum Spring, VA 23065.
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Explore Goochland!Check out the Goochland Guide to Food Beverage & Fun to find a full listing of dining and attractions in Goochland County!
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Upcoming Events You Don't Want to Miss!
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Do you know what to do in an emergency?If not, come join our FREE 22-Hour Training Class.In an emergency, learn how to help yourself, your family, friends, and neighbors!Examples of what you will learn: • Make a disaster kit • Use a fire extinguisher • Perform light search & rescue • Perform basic first aid • Help someone emotionally upset • Work as a team in an emergency If you are unable to attend all classes, make-up is easy with our new online capabilities. However, in-person participation in practice sessions is required to receive certification. *Note: Participants must be 16 or older. Hosted by the Department of Goochland Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services and Goochland CERT For more information or to register for the class, email GoochlandCERT@goochlandva.us or call 804-556-5366. |
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VRLTA Webinar: 2025 VTC Grant ProgramsJoin VRLTA on February 6th, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 AM as the team at Virginia Tourism Corporation's Grants Division discusses the opening Marketing Leverage Program Grants! The next round of VTC Marketing Leverage Program applications will open on February 11th, 2025 and close on March 13th, 2025. Join Staci Martin, Grants Director, and Noah Salaah ad-Deen, Grants Specialist, for a deep dive into the current and future programs. You will leave with a better understanding of each program, the marketing focus, who is eligible, in-kind and cash match requirements, timelines, and deadlines, and how to apply for the programs. Register Today!
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Small Business Administration February WorkshopsStarting Your Business Class February 2025
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. EST ONLINE
Financing Your Small Business - *Webinar (Live)* - PW
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. EST ONLINE
The Ins and Outs of Defense Production Act Title III
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 1:00 -2:00 p.m. EST ONLINE
Simple Business Plan Bootcamp February 2025
Thursday, February 6, 2025 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. EST IN-PERSON
Franchising 101: Starting a Business Through a Franchise
Thursday, February 6, 2025 12:00 -1:30 p.m. EST ONLINE
Marketing 101 *Webinar (Live)* - PW
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. EST ONLINE
SBA Women Owned Business Certifications
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 1:00 -2:00 p.m. EST ONLINE
Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant Programs
Thursday, February 13, 2025 12:00 -1:00 p.m. EST ONLINE
Patent Basics
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 12:00 -1:00 p.m. EST ONLINE
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Looking to Grow in Goochland? Check out available building and sites in Goochland to grow your business and give us a call to chat! |
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Preserving our Roots:Agri-Businesses in Goochland
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Grants Available to Help Farmers and Ag Producers Expand Market Opportunities and Generate RevenueThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for approximately $30 million in fiscal year 2025 funding to help agricultural producers and farmers expand market opportunities and generate more revenue through the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program. Eligible independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures can use these grants to generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities. USDA may award up to $75,000 for planning activities like conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing these products. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries. USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance key agency priorities to: - Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
- Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects; and
- Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
Electronic applications will be accepted via the VAPG application portal until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 17, 2025. Visit Grants.gov or contact Casi McKinnon to learn more about this funding opportunity. |
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Upcoming Events & Training
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