Gloucester launches business startup program

Published January 29, 2015 by Jessica Sabbath

Gloucester County’s business groups are holding a business startup program that features a “Shark Tank”-like funding and startup contest.

Entry is available to prospective entrepreneurs and current business owners who want to expand or open a second location.

Prize packages, valued at a total of $95,000 include capital, marketing and communication support, business consultation, rent abatement, a ribbon-ceremony, video promotion and memberships with the Gloucester Main Street Association and the Chamber of Commerce. 

Awardees will start an 8-week business-planning course that starts in March.

Gloucester was one of three communities to receive $100,000 for small business development from Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s Virginia Community Business Launch. The additional funding for the $200,000 program came from regional business support, the Gloucester Board of Supervisors, the Gloucester Economic Development Authority and the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust.

Applications are available at www.launchgloucester.com. Eligibility requirements are available here: http://launchgloucester.com/about/.