The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism has launched a new round of support grants to assist small businesses with expansion and marketing and ecommerce efforts. Restaurants can apply for payment or reimbursement of up to $25,000 for the purchase of items or services to enhance outdoor seating, curbside pick-up, or take-out options. Businesses can also apply for payment or reimbursement of up to $3,000 to be used toward paid marketing efforts and ecommerce upgrades. “These grants are another way to assist our local businesses to build their capacity to attract and retain customers,” said Kelvin Perry, assistant director of the Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism. “We are pleased to offer these programs to be part of their growth and expansion plans.” The grant programs are funded through the city's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. Qualifying expenses for the small business expansion and assistance include shelters, tents, awnings, furniture, signage, fencing, construction costs, heating lamps, outdoor cooling systems, etc. Qualifying expenses for the small business marketing and ecommerce grant include website development or upgrades, online shopping carts, advertising, design services, promotional materials, etc. To qualify, businesses must be located within the city limits, have an active business license, be current on taxes and utilities, and cannot have outstanding code violations. All funds are either reimbursed or paid directly to the vendor. Applications can be submitted at the link below.

Listen for a behind-the-scenes view of how our programs, people and partnerships are impacting Southern Virginia and beyond. Host Caleb Ayers and Producer Daniel Dalton interview someone new every episode, introducing listeners to IALR leaders and partners, promoting programs and highlighting opportunities to connect with them.

A four-month training platform that prepares adult-learners for in-demand manufacturing positions, the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is looking to fill multiple positions. Based at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. The program is seeking professionals across three shifts in areas like welding, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, metrology, student recruitment, industry support and more.  

You're invited to Business After Hours with Martinsville Speedway on the SkyDeck!

This event is a collaboration between Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

The George Washington Band Boosters is asking for donations to become Friends of the Band. Every dollar that is donated will go toward feeding the band members, cleaning uniforms, providing transportation, and funding band camps and rehearsals.  Names of those who are Friends of the Band will be printed in the River City Classic Program, (our marching contest on September 30, 2023) and our concert programs this school year.

Donations can be made at  the link below.

The Danville Police Department is helping people who were formerly incarcerated or heading down the wrong path find their way back into the community through relationships and resources.

If you know anybody that was incarcerated and needs help being inserted back into society, reach out to Ashtyn Foddrell. Class will restart up August 1^st and is held at our Parker Road location.

By Makayla Shelton

SaVida Health specializes in the treatment of opioid dependence, alcohol dependence, and co-occurring disorders (including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder)

CompTIA Data+ will meet in-person at the Southern VA Higher Education Center on Tuesdays, 5:30pm-8:30pm from Sept.5th-Nov.21st. Students will also be expected to complete approximately 2.5hrs of independent study outside of class time. Interested individuals must enroll by August 25th and proficiency with Microsoft Excel is required. For more information email olse@svhec.org or call 434-572-5568 or 434-572-5566.

• If you are a food service vendor, you may want to consider offering free samples of your menu items (small samples of donuts, cakes, BBQ, sandwiches, etc.) to market yourselves to these potential new shoppers. We do have electricity capacity, so make sure to note that need in the survey.

• If you are a non-profit, we would love to have you attend and promote your mission as well as your volunteer/internship needs to these future servant leaders.

• If you are a business with part-time positions or internship possibilities for students, we would also invite you to table at the Festival to promote your job openings.

There will be signs to shepherd you to parking for the event. The festival coincides with Averett’s opening convocation for all students, staff, and faculty, so you will have hundreds of potential new clients and shoppers. For your convenience, it may be easiest to drop off your supplies near the Carrington Gym. Averett's address is 420 West Main Street. You can turn on the Woodland Drive One-Way and then park in the designated spaces provided.

Contact Tia Yancey at Tyancey@averett.edu with any questions.