This program is designed for small business owners who are currently generating revenue and want to strengthen their financial management skills. It is ideal for entrepreneurs who are ready to engage actively and apply what they learn.

No, there is no cost for selected participants.

Participants are selected through a two-step process:

1. Completion of the online application.

2. A 30-minute interview with Rosi Beachy with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center.

This ensures the program is a strong fit and that participants are positioned to benefit from the experience.

Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions and actively engage in program activities.

The first cohort will take place from 5:00-8:00pm on Wednesdays:

• June 3
• June 10
• June 17
• June 24

Participants are expected to arrive 5-10 minutes early and be ready to begin at 5:00pm.

Because the program is fast-paced and builds from session to session, consistent attendance is required. If you anticipate scheduling conflicts, we recommend applying for a future cohort.

Topics include:

• Understanding income and expenses

• Cash flow management

• Reading financial statements

• Budget development

• Pricing for profitability

• Debt awareness and strategy

• Using financial tools and systems

After submitting your application:

1. You will schedule your 30-minute interview at https://cvsbdc.org/.

2. Applications will be reviewed after interviews are completed.

Applicants will be notified on Wednesday, May 20. Accepted participants will be asked to formalize their commitment by Wednesday, May 27. Those not initially accepted will be placed on a waiting list.

Financial Foundations for Growth is specifically designed for businesses located in Culpeper County. Participation is limited to local businesses in order to maintain a focused cohort and provide relevant, community-specific resources.

If your business is not located in Culpeper County, there are still excellent options available to support your financial growth:

• Schedule one-on-one advising with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisor – The Virginia SBDC offers guidance on financial planning, cash flow management, and more. Visit: https://www.virginiasbdc.org/ to find your local office.

• Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) – A local non-profit providing resources and education for small businesses, offers a Financial Management Program (FMP) focused on bookkeeping and recordkeeping support for startups or growing businesses. CIC provides up to 20 hours of financial coaching per participant.

We encourage businesses outside Culpeper County to explore these resources for tailored support in managing and growing their finances.

Participants will complete a financial confidence assessment at the beginning and end of the program. This allows us to measure knowledge growth and track overall program impact.

To help ensure this program is the right fit for participants, we’ve outlined what the program is not and what it does not provide.

• It is not a basic business 101 class. Participants are expected to already have an operating business generating revenue.

• It is not a replacement for personalized accounting or legal advice. While the program provides tools, guidance, and resources, it does not replace professional financial or legal consultation.

• It is not a hands-off experience. Participants should come ready to engage, participate in exercises, and apply lessons to their own business.

• It is not a one-time solution. This program provides foundational knowledge and practical tools, but long-term financial improvement requires continued practice and follow-through.

• It is not access to funding. While the program may cover capital planning and financial strategy, it does not provide direct funding or loans.