What's Happening in Stafford County, Virginia | | |
2025 Stafford Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Reception |
Wednesday, May 7th | 5:00-7:00 PM
Potomac Point Winery | 275 Decatur Road, Stafford, VA 22554
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Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the heart of Stafford’s success—our extraordinary business community. On Wednesday, May 7th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard will host this annual event dedicated to honoring the professionals and leaders whose hard work, innovation, and philanthropy drive Stafford forward.
Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere as we recognize outstanding achievements with the presentation of the Business of the Year Award, Innovation Award, and the Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship Award.
The following award categories are available for nomination:
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Business of the Year Award: This award is to honor a local Stafford business who exemplifies the quality and standards of business in Stafford. This awardee is recognized as a business that contributes to the economic growth and quality of life in Stafford and whose practices and professional conduct contribute to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community.
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Community Stewardship Award: This award distinguishes a business, organization or person who demonstrates selfless community care by carrying out and/or participating in community service projects. These projects may be industry related or non-industry related activities.
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Innovation Award: This award recognizes big thinkers, action takers and creative problem solvers. This award is intended to honor true innovation from startups to established entities or individuals.
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This celebration is more than just an event—it’s a tribute to the passion and dedication that make Stafford a thriving hub for business and growth.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. We look forward to seeing you there!
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We're excited to announce the launch of our new business resource initiative, "SPARK Hours," by Stafford County Department of Economic Development. SPARK Hours offers "office hours" for our local business community, providing an opportunity to connect with a member of our team to discuss a variety of business-related topics. SPARK, which stands for “Strategic Pop-Up Advisory & Resource Knowledge,” is designed to support the growth and success of both aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners.
What makes SPARK Hours unique is its flexibility. With sessions held at different locations, on varying days and times, we’re making it easier than ever to meet you where you are, offering dynamic "pop-up" mentoring right in your community.
Don’t miss our next SPARK Hours session on Monday, February 10th,, at Laudenbach Brewing. We look forward to seeing you there!
Event Details:
- Date: Monday, February 11, 2025
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Location: Laudenbach Brewing, 45 Centreport Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22556
- Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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Save the date for future SPARK Hours:
- March 11, 2025: The Grounds Coffeehouse | 7:00 am to 9:00 am
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| The Power of Community Support: Leveraging Local Partnerships for Business Growth | | |
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm | Barley Naked Brewing Company
15 Tech Parkway, Stafford, VA 22556
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Get to know your local business community through the Beer & Business Networking Series!
Presented by the Stafford County Economic Development Authority, the Stafford Beer & Business Series is a quarterly event that brings together professionals from various industries. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to network and gain valuable insights at our next event!
Join us on Wednesday, February 12th for the first Beer & Business event of 2025! Connect with fellow business professionals in a relaxed, vibrant setting at one of Stafford’s finest breweries, Barley Naked Brewing Company. Sponsored by Always Flavored, this Beer & Business event promises an exceptional evening filled with networking opportunities, exceptional brews, and engaging conversations. Always Flavored is a local company offering high-quality, gluten-free hot sauces, seasonings, and gourmet sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Known for their unique, fermented flavors, Always Flavored provides delicious, nutritious options perfect for busy, health-conscious individuals.
Save the date for February’s Beer & Business, The Power of Community Support: Leveraging Local Partnerships for Business Growth on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Barley Naked Brewing Company. Don’t miss out this opportunity to expand your network and kick off the new year with engaging conversations over craft brews.
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Sharpen Your Business Edge with UMW's Business Acumen Series!
The Business Acumen Series (BAS) is back! Designed to equip professionals with essential skills, this series of one-day seminars helps businesses build stronger teams, sharpen strategies, and lead with confidence.
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The Stafford EDA has invested in 50 seats to the Business Acumen Series to support the Stafford Business Community with educational resources. You may be eligible to attend these educational sessions on behalf of the Stafford EDA. Each seminar is valued at $275. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts! If you are a Stafford business, a limited supply of seats are available to you at no cost. We encourage you to apply to these sessions for the opportunity to be selected in this Stafford EDA provided educational resource.
Location: University Hall, UMW - Stafford Campus, 125 University Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM*, networking breakfast & lunch is Included
Learn more about the courses offered:
| | Community Events in Stafford, Virginia | | | | |
Blue Print Business Plan Workshop | 9:00 AM
Organizer: UMW SBDC
Location: Online
This four-hour workshop covers the development of the business plan and financial forecasting of the business plan. Please be prepared to begin working on your business plan during the class. We will start by opening a Microsoft Word or Google Doc for you to add information to as we proceed through the workshop. By the end of the workshop you will have completed a rough draft of a portion of the business plan and have clear direction which areas you need to conduct research and add additional information to in order to complete.
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First Thursdays with the SBA: Certifications | 12:00 PM
Organizer: UMW SBDC
Location: Online
In this class, you will learn these main takeaways: where and how to apply, application preparation, benefits of certification, and four certification programs - 8(a), Hubzone, Veteran-Owned (VOSB) and Women-Owned (WOSB).
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February Coffee Talk | 8:00 AM
Organizer: UMW Women's Leadership Colloquium
Location: 718 Venue
Save the date for February’s Coffee Talk, which will take place on Tuesday, February 11th, discussing the topic of “Empowering Your Team.”
Terri White, Certified Coach, Speaker, and Leadership Strategist, will be leading February’s Coffee Talk.
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GovCon 101: Proposal Development | 12:00 PM
Organizer: UMW SBDC
Location: Online
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 5% of that spend is allocated for Small Business. In order to be successful in government contracting you must know how to respond to a solicitation with a winning proposal. A properly formatted proposal will help you get noticed and differentiate you from your competition and show you are a responsible and responsive bidder.
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