Charlottesville Office of Economic Development

Save the shipping and stay on the good list, all while making a positive impact on our local community. Local shops are here for all of your last minute shopping needs this holiday season - no express shipping fees necessary! Visit https://lnkd.in/epDFzkg4 for information on shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the Charlottesville area, and follow @BuyLocalCharlottesvilleAlbemarle on Facebook and Instagram for more gift ideas and inspiration!

Charlottesville-based Apex Clean Energy is helping to lead the way in Virginia's energy diversification efforts!

Hats off to our GO Cook graduates! On Friday, December 13, we celebrated these bright talents at their graduation ceremony, where family, friends, and community leaders came together to honor their dedication and achievements. Throughout the program, taught at Culinary Concepts AB LLC, they gained not only culinary expertise but also professional and personal development skills to support their future success. GO Cook (https://bit.ly/4aXGcFV) is an intensive six-week culinary training program that equips participants with two nationally recognized industry certificates: ServSafe and Certified Chef. Tuition assistance may be available for eligible participants. Begin your journey today, and we could be celebrating you at the next GO Cook graduation! Photo credit: Kori Price

I agree Alex. It has been a journey but Yolunda (Armstrong) Harrell and the team at New Hill Development Corporation are making the BEACON kitchen a reality. Bravo! And the unveiling of the art piece on Saturday recognizing the funders was pretty special 🙂.

Virginia comes out on top yet again, being names Business Facilities Magazine's 2024 State of the Year! If you're interested in learning more about the opportunities for your business to start or expand in one of the best and most beautiful parts of the 2024 State of the Year, let us know!

LinkedIn has published its annual list of 25 world-changing trends and big ideas for the year ahead. There's lots to ponder that has the potential to impact both the business and personal sides of life. What do you see in this article that you tend to agree with, disagree with, or feel was left off the list? Let us know in the comments. https://lnkd.in/BI25UnitedStates

Calling all jobseekers! Make plans to attend the City of Charlottesville Downtown Job Center’s Winter WonderFair – a small job fair event on Wednesday, December 11th from 11am-2pm at City Space. Register today at https://lnkd.in/d7myJNNy.

Got a business idea? Start your new year with the tools to turn your dream into reality! Applications are now open for Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)'s Spring '25 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop, with in-person sessions in Charlottesville. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge, network, and resources you need to start or grow a thriving business! Learn more by visiting https://lnkd.in/dg84RcA6. Apply by January 3, 2025, and make 2025 the year you take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level! #DreamBig #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGoals #CICWorkshop

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday! When you shop small, your dollar stays in the community, helping to create jobs, support local families, and build a stronger, brighter city for everyone. If you’re looking to explore new shops in the area, visit and follow Buy Local on Facebook (https://lnkd.in/e8eKWsC7) and Instagram (https://lnkd.in/ehAR4T9R). Remember to share your shopping experience using #BuyLocalCvilleAlbemarle #ShopLocal #CommunityFirst #SmallBusinessSaturday

This is just a small sample of all the incredible things we have to be thankful for today and everyday! Happy Thanksgiving from the Office of Economic Development team!