Programs Offer Opportunities for Loudoun Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs, small business owners and aspiring business leaders will find a full calendar of opportunities this June as Launch Loudoun and Loudoun County Economic Development continue their efforts to support and strengthen the county’s business community.

Throughout the month, a variety of free workshops, networking events and educational programs will be offered, providing business owners with access to expert guidance, valuable connections and practical tools for growth.

One of the featured events is the Launch Loudoun Lunch and Learn, “Finding Your Perfect Space and Securing Funding,” scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Loudoun Economic Development Innovators Room, 43777 Central Station Drive, Suite 300, Ashburn.

The workshop will help entrepreneurs understand how to identify suitable retail locations, negotiate lease terms and secure financing to bring their business plans to life. Presenters include Brian Cullen of Keane Enterprises, Charlotte Bonini of EXP Realty and Shay Essar of M&T Bank.

Women entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to connect and collaborate during The PowerHER Network on Friday, June 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Loudoun Economic Development Innovators Room in Ashburn.

The event is designed to foster meaningful relationships among women business owners throughout Loudoun County while providing encouragement, support and community-building opportunities.

Networking will continue on Friday, June 12, when Launch Loudoun partners with the DC Metro Hispanic Contractors Association for a special luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. at the Loudoun Economic Development Innovators Room in Ashburn.

The event will focus on helping Hispanic-owned businesses start, scale and succeed in Loudoun County. Attendees will learn about available resources, connect with fellow business leaders and explore opportunities for future growth.

For businesses interested in government contracting, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity Event Series will host its SWaM Lab: Doing Business with the Commonwealth of Virginia on Friday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Loudoun Economic Development Innovators Room in Ashburn.

Participants will learn about SWaM certification, the application process and how certified businesses can pursue opportunities within Virginia’s procurement system.

Business owners seeking individualized guidance can also take advantage of Launch Loudoun Office Hours, which offer free one-on-one consultations covering operations, finance, marketing and sales. Sessions will be held June 3 at Middleburg Town Hall in Middleburg; June 4 at Leesburg Economic Development in Leesburg; June 10 at SR Coffee Co., 940 Sycolin Road SE, Leesburg; June 11 at Sterling Library in Sterling; June 17 at the MyPerks Lounge at Dulles Town Center in Dulles; June 18 at the Purcellville Train Station in Purcellville; June 24 at Gum Springs Library, 24600 Millstream Drive, Stone Ridge; and June 25 at the Ashburn Recreation and Community Center in Ashburn.

Entrepreneurs looking for peer support and feedback can attend One Million Cups on June 10 and June 24 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Venture X Ashburn. The nationally recognized program gives business owners an opportunity to present their ideas and challenges to a supportive audience of fellow entrepreneurs, advisors and community members.

Those wanting to strengthen their financial management skills can participate in Foundations of Finance on Thursday, June 11, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Loudoun Economic Development office, 43777 Central Station Drive, Suite 300, Ashburn. Led by Cheryl Wiehn, the program introduces participants to bookkeeping basics, financial tracking and QuickBooks tools designed
to help small business owners make informed financial decisions.

County officials encourage business owners at every stage—from startup ventures to established companies—to take advantage of these educational and networking opportunities.

Loudoun County Economic Development and the Launch Loudoun initiative continue to play a key role in fostering entrepreneurship by connecting business owners with resources, expertise and community partnerships that help local businesses thrive.

For registration information, schedules and additional details about these and other upcoming programs, visit LoudounPossible.com.