4 March 2008

Longwood SBDC to host
series of open forums for small business owners

The Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a series of open forums for small business owners. All sessions will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and a light supper will be served. There is no charge but registration is required by calling 434.791.7321 or by email to slaytonjd@longwood.edu. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, March 10	Southside Virginia Community College, Christanna Campus, Alberta
Tuesday, March 11	Riverstone Technology Park, building one, South Boston
Tuesday, March 18	An Inn for All Seasons, 355 Main Street, Chatham
Wednesday, March 19	Courtyard Marriott, 2136 Riverside Drive, Danville
Tuesday, April 1	Patrick Henry Community College, Frith Building, Martinsville
Wednesday, April 2	The Franklin Center, 50 Claiborne Avenue, Rocky Mount

The purpose of the sessions is to gain input from representatives of the small business community regarding the needs, wants, challenges, and frustrations facing small businesses. The sessions will be conducted in a confidential setting by professional facilitators.  A summary of each session will be presented in a report to the SBDC which will use the information to evaluate and enhance the services it provides to small businesses.

The Longwood SBDC provides free business consulting, education and economic research to potential and existing small business owners in 26 jurisdictions throughout Southside Virginia. Established in 1989, the SBDC works closely with Longwood University faculty members and is the university’s major economic development outreach program. The main office is in Farmville, with branch offices in Petersburg, South Boston, Danville and Martinsville.