Despite words like "recession" and "economic downturn" flooding our TV screens and news headlines, the Lynchburg area has maintained its positive economic status throughout these few, trying years. Voted by Forbes magazine as one of the Best Places for Business and Careers, Lynchburg has become a prototype for businesses and entrepreneurs alike.
The Lynchburg area has proven to be the burgeoning model for the start-up or small business with new, unique businesses showering downtown Lynchburg and the surrounding area of Region 2000. With such a widespread demographic and young median age of 33.6 years old (2006 Census), it's no wonder that more and more entrepreneurs are choosing Lynchburg as the spot to plant their new business among the many local companies that have been here for upwards of a century or more.
Developing Young Minds
Central Virginia's school systems have proven to be successful in supplying the Lynchburg area with young entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas.
Here's a snapshot of what our area has to offer students:
- 11 colleges and universities within a 100-mile radius
- 12 public high schools (including a Governor's School)
- 10 middle schools
- 25 elementary schools
- 8 private schools (including a Montessori school)
- Smaller classroom size
- More one-on-one time with teachers
Connecting Young Professionals
Not only does the Lynchburg area educate our students to the highest degree, but high school or college graduates can take comfort in the many employment opportunities in the region. Central Virginia boasts a community of young professionals, called the Young Professionals of Central Virginia (YPCV), geared solely towards forming relationships and finding the right job.
Simply show up to the various Young Professionals events throughout the community, sign up for the weekly eBlast and you’re officially a member. With the mantra of, “Connect, Grow and Live,” the YPCV can help young professionals move into a new home, find a job or even discover that new, hip restaurant.
Central Virginia Community College (CVCC)
CVCC strives to be more than a local community college through programs like “Workforce Development,” which seeks to connect students with jobs in the local community. Through the Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, students can plug into a wide variety of programs that support the local business environment, with training for business, government agencies and non-profit organizations.
In 2007, CVCC , in cooperation with AREVA NP Inc. and The University of Virginia, expanded its engineering department to provide students with both two-year degrees and options to continue their engineering education. The program has since grown to more than 300 students. “Employers like local talent for local jobs; they continue to sponsor dozens of local students' educations so great engineers will be ready to work…This is just one example of how CVCC , local employers and the Region 2000 community came together to improve things locally,” George Sherman, Interim Vice President of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at CVCC , said.
For more information about the Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education, call (434) 832-7608.
Region 2000 Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
One of the greatest local assets for a small business in our area is the Region 2000 SBDC, which assists existing and prospective business owners throughout the economic region by providing in-depth counseling, business planning, and financing resources at no cost. The SBDC also provides a small business library for the general public.
For more information, call (434) 582-6170 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss your business issue or idea.
Greater Lynchburg Score
The Greater Lynchburg Score is a local chapter of a nationwide volunteer network of business professionals with real-world experience in a wide variety of industries and business specialties. Score provides those with small businesses, or considering a start-up, with business counseling, local and online workshops, avenues for financing and much more.
For more information, call (434) 846-3235 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
