Start a Business
There are a number of reasons why the Roanoke Region is a great place to start a business. Ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the best places for doing business and among the Top 15 places for low business costs, the Roanoke Region is a nationally recognized (and locally tested!) place for starting and growing a successful business.
Determination and motivation are key to creating a successful business, but a little help never hurts. From a solid business plan to reliable research and available financing to creative marketing, the Roanoke Region offers a variety of resources to help you start and grow a successful business.
Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC), provided by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, plays an integral role in helping entrepreneurs develop and grow successful businesses. Services provided by the SBDC are confidential and free of charge. Some of the services provided include:
- Assistance in developing a business plan
- Assistance in market research and analysis
- Assistance in developing a marketing plan
- Assistance with financial and cash flow management
- General business counseling
- Help finding access to capital
- Educational classes (may involve a small fee to attend)
- Assistance in recordkeeping and taxes
- Assistance in government procurement
- U.S. SBA loan guarantee program information
Check out some of the SBDC success stories:
The New Century Venture Center is a business incubator which has assisted over 100 businesses and graduated 44 companies. The program offers flexible and affordable leases, a central receptionist, conference and meeting room, a shared copier and fax, business development seminars and training, and business mentoring. Services are available to start-up or existing businesses and onsite or offsite clients.
Roanoke SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and assisting in the formation, growth, and success of the region's small businesses. SCORE provides free and confidential counseling tailored to meet the needs and personal objectives of small business owners. SCORE also offers workshops for both start-up and experienced entrepreneurs.
Services are provided by real-world professionals with time-tested knowledge who donate thousands of hours to help small businesses succeed. Counselors are experts in such areas as accounting, finance, marketing, management and business plan preparation. SCORE also assists entrepreneurs in identifying loan, capital, and investment opportunities.
Additional online resources that may be helpful in starting and running your small business is available below.
Virginia Resources
U. S. Government Resources
Privately Operated Web Sites