The Virginia Department of Business Assistance recently published a Small Business Resource Guide. This guide is intended to help those willing to take a risk to start a small business and help them avoid pitfalls along the way. The Department of Business Assistance (DBA) worked with other state agencies and collaborated with experts in banking, legal and marketing to identify resources associated with starting and growing your business. View the Guide.

International Paper’s Franklin Mill this week is expected to begin operating equipment in preparation for the planned June start-up of the mill.

Residents can expect to notice activity similar to when the mill had previously been in operation, said mill Manager Allison Magness.

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This month the spotlight is on Accelerated Financial Solutions, a debt management company that recently won a Young Entrepreneur Award from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.  Also this month find out how many people attended a job fair for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and just how much of an impact the company will make in Isle of Wight.  If you’re a small business, don’t miss the new Small Business Resources Guide.  READ MORE

To view previous issues of Inside the Isle, visit the Newsletter Archives.

This month the spotlight is on Smithfield Family Automotive, a pre-owned car dealership, where “it’s all about the relationship.” Green Mountain Coffee is holding a Job Fair this month. Economic Development is accepting application for the 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and save the date for the Virginia Business Appreciation Week Luncheon on June 7, 2012. All this and more…inside the Isle.  READ MORE

To view previous issues of Inside the Isle, visit the Newsletter Archives.

Governor Bob McDonnell has declared 2012 “The Year of the Entrepreneur.” Since 2005, Isle of Wight County Economic Development has been honoring a County business as Entrepreneur of the Year in conjunction with its Business Appreciation Week celebration.  Economic Development is now accepting nominations for 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year. The winner will be announced at the Business Appreciation Week Luncheon on June 7, 2012. Previous winners include Bon Vivant Market, Ringo’s Donuts, The Oaks Veterinary Clinic, Darden’s Country Store and Sesroh Tack Shoppe. If you would like to nominate an Isle of Wight County business for the 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, please complete the Nomination Form and return it to Economic Development at iwced@iwus.net no later than Friday, May 4, 2012.

I came to Franklin from Courtland last June. I was very excited. This is the first time International Paper has ever restarted a facility.

Our top priority here is our people, getting the right people hired, making sure that they are ready to run the mill. We have around 225 employees currently and have just a few jobs left to fill. About 80 to 85 percent of the operators and mechanics we’ve hired worked at the mill before, which we feel really good about. Obviously, these people bring so much operational experience back to us, and we highly value that.

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Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is hiring and will hold a Job Fair on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront.  Come and learn about available positions and meet with GMCR! Visit http://www.gmcr.com/careers to apply online and learn more about these exciting opportunities. MORE INFO

Isle of Wight County Economic Development just launched a Facebook page and we need your help to get a custom Facebook URL.

Please like our page by clicking this link, then click the Like button. Thanks!”

The spotlight is on Windsor Gymnastics this month. Find out about all the programs and fun activities they offer, and register now for new spring sessions. This month we are also promoting educational workshops for entrepreneurs and farmers. All this and more…inside the isle. READ MORE

To view previous issues of Inside the Isle, visit the Newsletter Archives.

In this February issue, the spotlight is on Horse & Hound/Horseman’s One Stop in Carrollton. In preparation for the upcoming tourist season, retailers and restaurant owners should sign up for Marc Willson’s Team Eventacular presentation to learn how to leverage the traffic generated by local events. All this and more…inside the isle. READ MORE

To view previous issues of Inside the Isle, visit the Newsletter Archives.