Small businesses are vital to the economy, forming the backbone of communities and driving growth, innovation, and opportunity. The City of Roanoke is dedicated to ensuring small businesses have the tools and resources needed to thrive. With this commitment, Mayor Joseph L. Cobb’s 2025 Business Summit will provide new and prospective entrepreneurs, as well as established small businesses, with strategies for success and opportunities to connect with valuable resources.
The summit, titled “Starting and Developing Your Small Business,” will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Dumas Center, 108 1st Street in NW.
This free event, hosted in partnership with Total Action for Progress (TAP), the Virginia Small Business Development Center Greater Roanoke & NRV, and the City of Roanoke’s Department of Economic Development, requires advance registration at www.roanokeva.gov/MayorsSummit.
“From the seed of an idea to a ribbon cutting, investing in our small businesses is essential to our city’s health and wholeness. This Mayor’s Summit is part of our commitment to providing small businesses with the resources they need to grow and thrive,” said Mayor Cobb.
Event sessions will include: Empowering Your Business: Navigate taxes, legalities, and workspace management; Funding Resources and Programs: Learn about business funding opportunities; Social Media and Marketing Strategy: Build brand awareness and engage your audience; and Small and Mighty Business Owners: Hear from local leaders about resilience and growth. “Business Seed Capital, Inc. looks forward to hosting the Mayor’s Business Summit.
We look forward to being a part of a successful 2025 Business Summit as we leverage our CDFI (Community Development Financial Institutions) to foster equitable growth for new and established businesses in the City,” said Curtis Thompson, Vice President of Financial Services of Total Action for Progress.
“The Mayor’s Business Summit provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our resources and to learn what local government can do to help businesses succeed,” said Marc Nelson, Director of Economic Development.
“Small business owners wear a lot of hats and navigating the business side of things can be challenging. Events like this bring businesses together, share resources, and encourage growth,” added Amanda Forrester, Director Virginia SBDC Greater Roanoke & NRV.
