Charlottesville Office of Economic Development

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday! When you shop small, your dollar stays in the community, helping to create jobs, support local families, and build a stronger, brighter city for everyone. If you’re looking to explore new shops in the area, visit and follow Buy Local on Facebook (https://lnkd.in/e8eKWsC7) and Instagram (https://lnkd.in/ehAR4T9R). Remember to share your shopping experience using #BuyLocalCvilleAlbemarle #ShopLocal #CommunityFirst #SmallBusinessSaturday

This is just a small sample of all the incredible things we have to be thankful for today and everyday! Happy Thanksgiving from the Office of Economic Development team!

It's OED Newsletter Snapshot time once again. Check out the image below for a summary of our latest newsletter, or better yet, visit?https://lnkd.in/eSpADfge to read all the latest information from your friendly OED staff! While you're there don't forget to signup to have the newsletter delivered to your inbox hot and fresh, no more than two times per month!

A big congratulations to the newest graduates of our GO Solar program! On Friday, November 22, we celebrated these incredible individuals as they launch their careers in the renewable energy field. Thank you to FLIPP Inc, The Community Climate Collaborative, Sun Tribe, and Davenport Strategic Innovation & Design, for your invaluable support. To learn more about the GO Solar program, visit https://lnkd.in/ejjFcX-K. Congratulations, graduates—your future shines bright!

On National Entrepreneur Day we celebrate the ways that new ideas continue to grow and drive the City of Charlottesville business community forward. Entrepreneurs, keep bringing the grit and hustle that make those ideas within you come to life. Programs like our GO Start-Up training are designed to assist emerging and future entrepreneurs. If you have an idea that you think could make a difference and would like to learn more about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, contact our Entrepreneurship Program Specialist, Keith Groomes, at [email protected] or visit us at https://lnkd.in/eaJupZaj.

Is that our very own Director, Chris Engel, and the Mayor of the City of Charlottesville, Juandiego Wade, we see training to serve as tour guides? Indeed it is! We can't think of too many better people to help welcome visitors to C'ville!

Happy National Apprenticeship Week! This year marks the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, celebrated from November 17-23, 2024, with the theme "10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation". We’re honoring the incredible impact apprenticeships have had in creating pathways to success for individuals and building a stronger workforce! Apprenticeships provide hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience across many industries, helping people gain valuable skills while earning an income. Whether you’re starting your career, making a change, or an employer developing skilled talent, apprenticeships offer tremendous opportunities. Join us in celebrating apprenticeship programs, apprentices, and the employers who are making a difference!?#NAW2024 #Apprenticeship10

Yesterday we wrapped up the fall edition of The Future of Talent series. Katie Dulaney, PhD shared about the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership program and importance of internships, while Jennifer Hynson spoke about Virginia Works and the value of apprenticeships. A special thank you goes out to Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce for their partnership in putting on the Future of Talent series, and to Avature for their sponsorship of the fall edition. Make sure to follow our page so you can be one of the first to know about new programs and opportunities designed to assist City of Charlottesville businesses!

VIPC Awards Regional Innovation Ecosystem Grant to Venture Central to Expand Charlottesville’s Startup Ecosystem -- Read More Here: https://bit.ly/3AGkVDH

On this Veterans Day we celebrate the women and men who have served our country in the armed forces. We acknowledge and recognize the sacrifices that you have made to protect our freedoms and the freedom of others abroad. November is also National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time dedicated to honoring the sacrifices and contributions of military families. This observance acknowledges the unique challenges they face and promotes support, resources, and appreciation for their resilience and commitment. Here are some impactful ways to get involved and show support for military families: Express Gratitude: Take a moment to thank military families for their service and sacrifices. Donate to Military Support Organizations: Consider contributing to organizations that offer resources and assistance to military families. Offer Assistance: If you know a military family, lend a hand with tasks like childcare, home upkeep, or meal preparation. Join Community Events: Attend local events and initiatives that celebrate and support military families. Advocate for Military Family Support: Support policies that benefit military families, including affordable healthcare and educational opportunities. Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all military families and veterans for their resilience, service, and dedication.