VIRTUAL RESOURCE GUIDE

This resource page will be updated daily with current information and relevant programming to keep up with the changing business environment. Resources are free unless otherwise noted.

Click on a topic below to redirect to that section.
Programs
Professionals in Transition
Upcoming Webinars
Funding Assistance
Financial Resources
Human Resources
Legal Resources
Remote Working
Marketing + Sales
General Resources
Articles
Volunteer Opportunities

Programs

SVA PROGRAMS

Coffee Breaks (SVA Members Only)

Tuesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. 
Grab your morning beverage for this casual check-in and share what’s going on in your world.

EdTech Meet-ups (SVA Members Only)

Monthly on the third Thursday, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Hang out with other EdTech founders/team members to check-in on how things are going with the shift in education right now. Contact us to be added to the calendar invite, or join the Google Hangout here.

Sales Roundtable (SVA Members Only)

First Monday every month

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

RVATech Virtual Job Fair

Thursday, August 27, 2-6 p.m.
Discover new opportunities for growth with some of the leading pioneers in the technology industry. Hosted through Premier Virtual.

RVATech Virtual Job Fair graphic

Upcoming Webinars

Thursday, August 20, 1 p.m. – Building Real Business Solutions for your Startup: with Airtable and Hubspot (with Makerpad)
Come join us live to learn how Cottage uses Airtable and Hubspot to deliver their services. In this workshop, you will build along our no-code Educator Tom Osman and David Peterson from Airtable to see behind the scenes building solutions.

In this workshop you will learn:
- Advanced strategies for Airtable
- Scheduling automations to book calls
- How to utilize Hubspot's CRM when managing your client processes

Register here.

Tuesday, August 25, 12 p.m. – RVATech: Designing a Mobile-Frist Strategy with Alex Otanez, Chief Operating Officer of Shockoe
Register here.

Funding Assistance

Paycheck Protection Program (CARES Act)

The PPP loan application deadline is Saturday, August 8th. The Paycheck Protection Program is an SBA loan designed to help small businesses keep employees on the payroll. Independent contractors, partnerships, and self-employed are also eligible. These loans are subject to 100% loan forgiveness if certain requirements are met. Apply through local SBA lenders and participating FDIC banks and credit unions.

  • Review the PPP program details here. (By EDGE Business Planning; updated 6/7)
  • Read the SBA affiliation rules for the PPP here.
  • Read requirements for self-employed/partnerships here. (Posted 4/15)
  • Access the latest PPP application here. (Note: The bank where you apply will require additional financial/tax documentation)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) & Emergency Grants

The EIDL Advance (grant) program that provided businesses with $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000 has ended. The SBA Administrator has said that the $20 billion in funds appropriated for these advances has been used up. If you have not received your EIDL advance (grant) then more than likely you will not receive the grant.

Remember that if you received a PPP loan, any forgiveness you receive will be reduced by the EIDL Advance amount you received. So if you have a PPP, receiving an EIDL advance isn't a benefit since you can't receive free money twice.

The SBA will continue to accept applications for EIDL long term loans, which offer a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for not-for-profit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Businesses can apply for EIDL loans on the SBA disaster assistance page.

ADDED 7/23/20 – Summary by EDGe Business Planning of other federal stimulus programs available for business owners who need additional cash flow:
Payroll Tax Deferral Program
Employee Retention Tax Credit

Rebuild VA Grant Fund

The Rebuild VA Grant Fund is a program to help small businesses and non-profits whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19, including restaurants, brick and mortar retail, exercise and fitness facilities, personal care and personal grooming services, entertainment and public amusement establishments, and campgrounds. Businesses and non-profits that are approved for a Rebuild VA grant may receive up to 3 times their average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000. Learn more and apply here.

Black Founder Startup Grant

SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury and twelvenyc to make a small step towards progress by providing at least (3) $10K and (5) $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Learn more and apply here.

Virginia 30 Day Fund

The nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund provides forgivable loans for Virginia-based small businesses. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum three days) to meet payroll, preserve healthcare coverage for employees and save jobs while they await recently approved federal funding. Learn more and apply here.

City of Richmond Small Business Disaster Loan

The City of Richmond Small Business Disaster Loan program is offering interest-free loans of up to $20,000. Learn more here.

Your Complete Guide to Emergency Funding: Everything Female Founders Need to Know (The Helm)

Summary of emergency funding options nationwide, specifically targeted at female founders. Check it out here.

Resources for Entrepreneurs and Gig Workers by StitchCrew Accelerator

The spreadsheet includes funding/grant/loan resources, online tools, data/research, and more. Check out the list here.

Financial Resources

SUGGESTED MENTORS (Available to SVA Members Only):

Portrait of Eric GlymphEric Glymph - Available to provide guidance for financial business planning during these uncertain times, as well as information on the latest government programs and incentives for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. He’s holding daily mentor office hours and/or can be messaged through Union.

jeff distanlo headshotJeff DiStanlo - Available to provide guidance on cash flow management and related financial modeling. Contact him via Union for guidance, or email Noelle ([email protected]) to be connected directly.

Sandbox - If you're interested in setting up a virtual mentoring session with a member of the Sandbox team (Liz Doerr, Mike Page & Jill Lemon) to navigate financial options, email Noelle ([email protected]).

Fahrenheit AdvisorsFehrenheit Advisors logo - The Fahrenheit team is available to provide guidance on financial and HR matters, as well as the federal stimulus programs. If you're interested in setting up a virtual mentoring session with them, email Noelle ([email protected]). Visit their blog for additional resources.

Webinar – AMA: Start-up Funding Options Available Now (with HubSpot)

Join us for an AMA with four start-up financing experts as they discuss the evolving fundraising landscape, how they are thinking about financing for startups and what you can do to position your company for success in the coming months and year. Watch the recording. Pass: Fw1*+A!G (start at minute 3:55)

Webinar – Raising Money in a Crisis with Jason Calacanis

Jason Calacanis is a technology entrepreneur, angel investor, and the host of the popular podcasts This Week in Startups and Angel. He will be speaking on raising capital in a crisis and answering audience questions. As a “scout” for top Silicon Valley venture capital firm Sequoia Capital and later as an angel investor, Jason has invested in 250+ early-stage startups including 7 "unicorns" (billion-dollar valuations). Watch the recording.

Startup Virginia Webinar – PPP/EIDL Updates: What We Know So Far

Webinar date: May 20, 2020 (FOR NEW UPDATES: VISIT Financial EDGe Blog). Have you received a PPP loan and/or EIDL grant/loan? Eric Glymph, SVA mentor and owner of EDGe Business Planning, digs into what we know so far from the SBA on PPP loan forgiveness and EIDL loans, including the PPP loan forgiveness application released on Friday 5/15. View the webinar recording. Pass: 9Q*x0e.7

Startup Virginia Webinar – New Federal Programs: What Startups Need To Know to Address Cash Flow Concerns

Webinar date: April 2, 2020 (FOR NEW UPDATES: VISIT Financial EDGe Blog). SVA Mentor, Eric Glymph (EDGe Business Planning), discusses the federal stimulus programs most relevant to startups, how these programs work practically, and what can help with immediate vs future cash flow needs. Eric breaks down:

  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans + CARES Act
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • CARES Act Payroll and federal tax credits

View the webinar recording (start at 7:45). Download the slides.

Amazon Web Services – Business Session: Startup Strategies During Uncertain Times

Former founders on the AWS Startups team shared strategies/tactics for managing unexpected developments, including cash preservation tips, fundraising advice, and internal employee communications. Download the slides.

Amazon Web Services – Technical Session: How to Optimize Cloud Spend to Extend Your Runway

(This session is designed for CTOs, Data Scientists, Dev Ops, and Engineers) AWS Startup Solutions Architects discuss how startups can manage their cloud infrastructure, through the lens of minimizing cost and scale in changing economic environments. View the webinar recording. Download the slides.

Sandbox: Letter + COVID-19 Survival Kit (Liz Doerr, Mike Page & Jill Lemon)

Sandbox’s research, best practices and other insights from working with 30+ local and national startups, including HR policies, expense cutting ideas, non-dilutive financing resources, etc. Read the letter (PDF with links to resources).

Keiter: Federal and Virginia Tax Updates in Response to Coronavirus

Keiter CPA’s COVID-19 Business Resources Library provides info on the latest business and individual tax law changes. Check it out here.

P&L Spreadsheet for Financial Forecasting (JRINK Founder):

This P&L modeling template was created by founder, Shizu Okusa (JRINK) to help entrepreneurs with financial forecasting. The spreadsheet helps answer 3 critical questions:
1. When will I run out of money?
2. How much do I need and by when?
3. What are my fixed costs that I can cut and/or delay so that cash can be retained?

Human Resources

SUGGESTED MENTORS (Available to SVA Members Only):

Michael Kuhn - Attorney who can provide guidance on the recent law changes affecting sick leave and FMLA. Contact him via Union for guidance, or email Noelle ([email protected]) to be connected directly.

Jill Lemon headshotJill Lemon - Co-founder of Sandbox who can provide guidance on navigating/interpreting all the HR/people implications that this pandemic is having on businesses and employees. Contact her via Union for guidance, or email Noelle ([email protected]) to be connected directly.

If you need mentor expertise on other HR issues, please contact Noelle ([email protected]) to get connected to the right mentor.

Webinar – New VA Workplace Regulations: Is Your Business Compliant? (with Dominion Payroll)

Virginia adopted the first-in-the-nation workplace safety standards for COVID-19 pandemic. We provide an overview of these new regulations and to find out what your business needs to do to stay in compliance. Watch the recording.

Leading through a Crisis Podcast w/ Fahrenheit Advisors - Leadership Lessons from serial entrepreneur Shawn Boyer (Snagajob & goHappy)

Recorded 4/12/20. To watch the interview, click here.

Covid HR Practices - What You Need to Know (by Sandbox)

Sandbox has put together a one-pager detailing pertinent HR and employee-related information and resource links. Download it here.

Dominion Payroll Resource Page

Dominion Payroll has a comprehensive resource page on the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act and CARES Act. Visit the page. Highlights:

SUGGESTED MENTORS (Available to SVA Members Only):

Mike McCollum - SVA mentor for corporate and IP guidance

Buckley Warden - SVA mentor for general business and litigation guidance

Williams Mullen COVID-19 Legal Resources

For a list of legal updates and to sign up for COVID-19 legal news alerts, visit their resource page.

Woods Rogers: COVID-19 Legal Updates

Woods Rogers has created a COVID-19 resource page with legal updates and links to important resources. Visit the blog.

Remote Working

SUGGESTED MENTOR (Available to SVA Members Only):

Andrea Gouletandrea-goulet headshot - Founder of Corgibytes who can provide guidance on strategies around managing a tech team remotely. Contact her via Union for guidance, or email Noelle ([email protected]) to be connected directly.

Startup Virginia Webinar: How to Thrive When Working Remotely

Shifting to a new working model can be taxing, both mentally and emotionally. Dennis Bowne, a Principal with CapTech Consulting, discusses ways to not just work from home, but to thrive individually and as a team in this new normal. He shares practical techniques to make your environment and your company more effective and productive during this disruption. View the webinar recording. Pass: 1f=8=94d

Guidance from CapTech on Working Remotely

Hubspot – Remote Work: Tools & Resources for Startups and Entrepreneurs

No matter how tech-savvy your startup may be, moving your team from in-person to virtual may still be leaving you uneasy. But if there’s a group that is resilient and adaptable, it’s startups. And guess what? You may find that remote work is your company’s untapped superpower. Get tips and tricks you can implement today for your startup to thrive remotely. Check out the toolkit.

LinkedIn Learning Courses for Working Remotely

Optimize working remotely, whether you’re new to remote work or not, and whether you’re leading a team or part of a team involving distributed team members. Discover how to be productive and stay connected when working from home or other remote environments. Visit the course page.

Growing Through Challenges While Remote

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce partners with The KeePressingOn Project discuss ways teams can effectively work together while working remotely, not surviving while remotely operating your business, but thriving. To view the webinar recording, click here. Note: You will be asked to register. There are 7 1/2 minutes of silence at the beginning of the recording, so fast forward to that point.

Marketing + Sales Resources

Zero to Sold with Arvid Kahl (with Makerpad)

In this workshop, we're joined by Arvid Kahl, founder of The Bootstrapped Founder and author of Zero to Sold. Previously, Arvid successfully built and sold Feedback Panda in 2019 after growing it to $55k MMR. During this workshop, we cover: Scaling your SaaS business, identifying a problem, finding your first users, and selling your business. View the recording.

Startup Virginia Webinar – Profit or Survival: How Purpose Can Drive Business Growth

This is a conversation on the “purpose” of purpose, how to diagnose its effectiveness, and make it more active in your organization. Every leader is asked what the mission, vision, and values of their company are, but few see the true benefit of having or adhering to them. Christian and Mark of Joe Smith, a local Growth & Innovation consultancy, is here to help you understand and harness the power of your company’s purpose to drive it forward. View the recording. Pass: &8dk7=f6

The Remote Sales Playbook by HubSpot

Transitioning from field sales to remote selling isn't an easy task. Even as the world starts to open up, some buyers are still remote, and maybe your startups are remote too. We've put together a collection of 30+ of our best resources for sales reps and sales managers to help your startups tackle whatever is next.

Startup Virginia Webinar: What is the CA Funnel, and How to Implement SEO/PPC with Workshop Digital

In this day-and-age, there are countless ways to market a business. All marketing tactics play their part in the customer acquisition funnel, also known as the CA Funnel. With the rise of the internet, smartphones, and data-focused marketing, digital marketing is a part of the CA Funnel that is ever-growing in its importance. In this workshop led by Nic Thibodeau with Workshop Digital, we discussed what the CA Funnel is and how digital marketing, specifically SEO (search engine optimization) and PPC (pay-per-click) marketing, can be used to ensure success for one’s business. View the recording. Pass: 3t*I3M!x

Startup Virginia Webinar: Finding Your Value Proposition in Times of Disruption

Dan Morrison with Joe Smith shares how to leverage the value proposition framework to better understand what your customers want in a changing, dynamic environment. Customers are loyal to brands that provide them value and help them achieve their goal. But what do you do when the market is disrupted? Understanding the new value your customers seek will see you through disruptions like COVID-19, and can help you avoid a sustained loss in sales. View the webinar recording. Pass: 3A!*5r@O

Free Marketing Templates by Mortensen Designs

Created by SVA mentor Olivia Mortensen, these professionally-designed small business marketing templates are fully customizable to match your company’s brand. What’s Inside? 3 Social Media Templates, 2 One Pager Templates, 1 Pitch Deck Template. Download them here.

Hubspot – New Resources for Startups

Hubspot has created a brand new kit of tools, resources and education series designed to help businesses adapt their strategy for today’s unique situation and tomorrow’s new economy. Check out some of our favorites:

HubSpot – Adapt 2020: An Education Series

As we’ve heard from so many of you, the global health and economic crisis has upended businesses across every industry. We hope you'll join us as we work together to find new strategies, opportunities for connection, and paths for conversion. In the coming months - through weekly installments - we’ll be focusing on the shifts you need to make to build a marketing strategy for today’s unique situation and tomorrow’s new economy. Learn more and sign up for weekly emails here.

General Resources

Startup Virginia Webinar – MVE to MVP: No-code Options for Testing Your Startup Product Idea with BLDR

Founders with big ideas and no coding skills can create working tech products using tools like Airtable, Glide, and Stacker, but still fall victim to many avoidable pitfalls. Developing a minimum viable product (MVP) is one of the most misunderstood steps in the startup process, and the numerous “no-code” options to build custom software has made it more complicated. Even if you aren’t building a tech-based company, no code options are a great way for existing businesses to add web-based product or service offerings. View the recording. Pass: .xvmIV7u

[Resource] An Open Professional Network For Black Founders

Networks are a key factor in professional success, but Black individuals don't always have access to deep professional networks in the startup and marketing world. Despite 14% of the U.S. population being Black, at the top 75 companies in Silicon Valley, only 3% of employees are Black, and in advertising, less than 7% of employees are Black. Explore this network of professionals committed to creating more access for Black individuals in the startup and marketing space or consider offering up your time. This resource, co-founded by Kate Huyett, CMO at Bombas and Tyler Pietri, Product Manager, includes:

  • People Offering Their Time
  • Form to Offer Up Your Time to Network with Black individuals
  • Active Job Listings
  • Tips On Reaching Out and Networking
  • General Resources and Ways to Address Systematic Racism

Webinar Recording – Company Culture: Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (with Dominion Payroll)

As 2020 exposes long-overdue structural inequities, business leaders are asking themselves how they can push for diversity, equity, and inclusion within their own companies. Learn how your company can leverage business as a force of good and make real social impact. View the recording.

Webinar Recording: Antiracism and Inclusion In Tech with Dr. Tiffany Jana (by RVATech)

In this session, we explore actionable ideas that, when implemented, can help make the tech industry more equitable and inclusive. Dr. Jana shares pointed and direct advice on how you can be a force for positive change. View the recording.

Webinar Recording: Social Justice and Leading RVA in Uncertain Times (by the Metropolitan Business League)

A panel of leaders discuss the current state of injustice, how we got to this point, and what actions business leaders should be taking now. View the recording.

Anti-Racist Resource Guide for the Tech & VC Community

This resource list was compiled by Female Founders Fund for the tech & VC community with the intention of deepening anti-racism knowledge and to share ways we can participate in creating change. View the guide.

Webinar: ICAP & the Future of the Virginia Startup Ecosystem

In this webinar, members of the ICAP (Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program) and Virginia SBDC (Small Business Development Center) team discuss the success of ICAP over the past 2.5 years, provide details about the program's future, and offer current partners and an ICAP client the opportunity to discuss their experience with the program. Representatives from CIT also provide an update on the transition to VIPA and the current entrepreneurial landscape in Virginia. View the recording.

Webinar: Opening & Operating: Best Practices (with Dominion Payroll)

So your state is reopening...What does this mean for your business? We share practical ways for your business to safely, sanely, and effectively transition your workforce back to the workplace covering: CDC guidelines, HR best practices, scenario planning, and more! Featuring: Lesley Bruno, Dominion Payroll; and Mark Smith, Midas. View the webinar recording.

ChamberRVA Coronavirus Resource Page

Visit the website.

Envoy Portfolio: Us vs. Coronavirus

During this unprecedented time, the fields of healthcare, behavioral economics, and communication arts must weld together to win this pandemic war. To that end, Envoy Portfolio, along with speakers and partner subject matter experts, are providing the following practical tools for leaders. Topics include:
- Let Natural Crisis Leaders Rise
- 80 Seconds: How to Think About Strategy Overhaul
- Diversity & Inclusion as an Asset During Crisis
- 4 Quick Tips for Communicating in Times of Uncertainty
Watch the videos.

Facebook Business Resource Hub

Facebook for Business recently launched a resource page full of information and courses to help you manage through and build resilience during the outbreak. Visit the resource hub.

Fahrenheit Advisors Insights

Resource page with articles and webinars to help businesses navigate the changing and challenging times related to the COVID-19 virus. Visit the blog.

RVATech COVID-19 Resources

Check out the list of resources here.

Webinar: How to Market & Sell When It's Not 'Business as Usual' (Northern Virginia Technology Council)

Businesses are constantly adapting to change, but what do you do when it comes suddenly in the form of a global health and economic disruption? Your business can’t afford to come to a grinding halt, but it also can’t operate as usual. This webinar presents, through a marketing and sales lens, how to stay engaged with customers and drive growth, particularly in the face of global uncertainty.

The discussion touches on:

  • The role of sales & marketing in the continuity of business operations
  • Concrete steps your organization can implement today to pivot your customer engagement strategies
  • The dos and don’ts of marketing and PR in times of crisis

Watch the webinar here.

Articles

BizSense Assembly recap: Black Entrepreneurship in Richmond

Posted: July 23, 2020
A group of Richmond’s Black entrepreneurs reflected on how racism has created hurdles to the growth of their careers and companies in an installment of BizSense Assembly, an online panel discussion series. Read the recap.

The Definitive Guide to Investing in Black Founders

Posted: June 8, 2020
The meeting is only one piece of the puzzle. Learn how to find more black founders and how to build a relationship that will get you in their round. Read the article here. Also republished by Harvard Business Review.

The Conversation And The Data: A Look At Funding To Black Founders

Posted: June 5, 2020
“Black founders are often over-mentored and under-invested,” Woodard said during the event. “If you have the ability to write a check, but you will only offer mentorship to black founders, that is only helpful to your ego.” Read the article here.

COVID-19 Legislation: 6 Most Asked Questions (by Dominion Payroll)

Read the blog post here.

How To Keep Your Company Alive – Observe, Orient, Decide and Act by Steve Bank

Posted: April 1, 2020
We’re in uncharted territory with the Covid-19 pandemic. But it’s increasingly looking grim. // Companies that outlast this crisis will have CEOs who can rapidly assess these new circumstances, recognize new patterns and opportunities, and act with urgency to take immediate action to pivot and restructure their companies. Those that don’t may not survive. // So here’s a five-day playbook to help CEOs of cash-flow negative startups, or ones about to go negative, assess the new normal and respond with speed and urgency. Read the blog post.

COVID-19: Implications for business

McKinsey & Company, Category: Analysis, Posted: March 25, 2020 (Updated regularly)
This article is intended to provide business leaders with a perspective on the evolving situation and implications for their companies. Read the article.

The Elements of Value

Harward Business Review, Category: Sales & Marketing
It’s more important than ever to demonstrate that your company, and you as an employee, can provide value to customers. Here are all of the ways you can tangibly provide value. Read the article.

Volunteer Opportunities

#Kindnessgram (by Naborforce)

In this trying time, the kindness of community becomes even more important. Let’s take this opportunity to spread kindness from neighbor to neighbor throughout the community – and throughout the world! With the #kindnessgram, it's easy to let those who may need your support know that you are there for them. Simply enter your email address, look for the email with the link, print it out (two to a page), copy and start spreading kindness! Learn more here.

Hatch Helps

Hatch Kitchen RVA has a commercial-grade kitchen and wants to put it to work for the community. Hatch is taking cash donations and turning them into hearty vegetarian meals. Those meals can be purchased for yourself OR donated to help others that need a little help during these times. Learn more and donate here.

Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund

The Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund is a coordinated campaign to provide rapid support for local organizations and nonprofits helping those most affected by the pandemic. Launched with contributions from 18 regional foundations and businesses, and created as a partnership between the Community Foundation and the Emergency Management Alliance of Central Virginia, the fund can be nimble and will complement other resources at the national, state and local levels.

The Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund has raised $4.1 million to date. With the impact of COVID-19 likely stretching out for weeks and months, the need for action has just begun. They are seeking donations of money, in-kind materials, and/or volunteer hours from individuals or businesses who can contribute. Learn more here.

RPS Food Distribution

Richmond Public Schools has identified 10 school-based food distribution centers that will provide students and families with meals Monday through Friday. For details on how to sign up for on-site Food Distribution opportunities, click here.