The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism (DOEDT) will host the Southern Virginia Procurement and Business Resource Summit: Where Connections Create Opportunities, on April 16, 2025, at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue.
This event will seek to educate local businesses how to obtain contracts with large agencies and government entities, the SWaM (Small, Women, and Minority-owned business) certification process, funding opportunities, local business support resources, and how to access capital. The summit will also showcase a variety of resources available through the SOVA Innovation Hub, Longwood Small Business Development Center, the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, the City of Danville, and more.
“Empowering small businesses is at the heart of our office’s day to day mission,” said DOEDT Project Manager, Samantha Bagbey. “This event will equip our local businesses with the tools they need to continuously grow and broaden their products and services, setting them on a path for sustainable success.”
Presenting organizations include Letterpress Communications, Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Virginia APEX Accelerator, International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and the Virginia Department of General Services.
"Staying up to date with social media can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Alexandra Veatch, CEO of Letterpress Communications. “Our presentation at the upcoming summit will break down the latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn in a clear and actionable way. We’ll share practical strategies to help businesses cut through the noise, maximize engagement, and use their time more effectively online."
Mo Collins, Senior Director of Entrepreneurship at the IEDC, will explore how innovative leaders are driving business growth across various industries. “There has never been a better time to grow a company in Virginia. In spite of seemingly endless disruptions in the economy, new business models, global markets and technology have combined to give every founder the opportunity to grow and to define success on their own terms.”
The event will take place from 8am-1pm. The cost to attend is free, but registration is required. Register by April 14 at https://forms.office.com/r/vpywYtQCSJ.
About the Office of Economic Development and Tourism
The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism recruits and retains businesses for the Danville area. The office provides information on available sites and buildings, incentives and other financial resources and offers a website designed for the business community: www.discoverdanville.com.