Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center

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Someone hacked my Facebook business account? How do I get it back?

Published: February 2, 2023 | By Christine Kriz

Hackers are targeting the personal Facebook accounts of individuals who have admin access to business accounts. If you use Facebook and Instagram for either organic or paid marketing, you MUST take steps to secure your account. These 3 essential steps could mean the difference between your account’s safety and vulnerability: Require Two-Factor Authentication Assign a … Continue reading Someone hacked my Facebook business account? How do I get it back?

How Do I Get More Customers?

Published: February 2, 2023 | By Christine Kriz

The cost of acquiring new customers has increased almost 60% over the past six years. If this is something you’re struggling with, you’re not alone: 49% of companies report that customer acquisition is their primary marketing objective. Even with the best small business ideas, spraying and praying doesn’t work for anybody — you need to … Continue reading How Do I Get More Customers?

2022 State of the Restaurant Industry Report

Published: February 3, 2022 | By Jeff Nicely

On February 1st the National Restaurant Association issued a report that included forecasts for 2022 and the “new normal” eateries face as the nation attempts to move away from COVID. The report provided the following industry insights: Industry sales are anticipated to reach $898 billion in 2022 Foodservice jobs will likely grow by 400,000, for … Continue reading 2022 State of the Restaurant Industry Report

How to prepare for Virginia’s 31% Minimum Wage Increase

Published: April 28, 2021 | By Jeff Nicely

Hello there, I’m Cort Maddox. I’m an adviser with the Laurel Ridge SBDC and today I get to come to you and talk about changes coming to the Virginia minimum wage. Not sure if you’ve heard about this but as of May 1, 2021, in the state of Virginia, the minimum wage will go from … Continue reading How to prepare for Virginia’s 31% Minimum Wage Increase

Struggles Can Bring Out Our Best and Bring Us Together

Published: April 22, 2021 | By Jeff Nicely

Has life taken it’s toll on you and your business the last few months? Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck and exhausted trying to keep your business going? You’re not alone. Your struggle is real. Yet our struggles can bring us together. And yet there’s great news. As humans, we are made to work with each … Continue reading Struggles Can Bring Out Our Best and Bring Us Together

GO Virginia Grant Brings Lasting Change to Local Small Businesses

Published: March 26, 2021 | By Jeff Nicely

The Small Business Resiliency Training (SBRT) has been working in partnership with the Virginia Initiative for Growth and Opportunity (GO Virginia). The SBRT Team is made up of members of the Shenandoah Valley and Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Centers. Thanks to GO Virginia, small business grants were made available and those grants are … Continue reading GO Virginia Grant Brings Lasting Change to Local Small Businesses

If It’s Free, There Must Be A Catch, Right?

Published: March 26, 2021 | By Jeff Nicely

Have you ever said it? Have you heard others say it? Many people say it all the time. “If it’s FREE, there’s got to be a catch.” Look, I know a ton of small business owners that say the very same thing. But does every small business owner who gets free, personalized business coaching fail … Continue reading If It’s Free, There Must Be A Catch, Right?

How Jon Henry General Store Made Advancements During the Pandemic

Published: March 11, 2021 | By Jeff Nicely

Small Business Resiliency Team (SBRT) Program Helps Jon Henry General Store Implement Changes Needed to Respond to Pandemic When the Jon Henry General Store opened in New Market in 2018, owner and proprietor Jon Henry could never have guessed that in less than two years he would have to drastically overhaul the way he did business due to a global pandemic. Henry’s vision was to revive … Continue reading How Jon Henry General Store Made Advancements During the Pandemic

March National Days to Boost Your Social Media

Published: February 27, 2021 | By Jeff Nicely

Your inbox is full and your to-do list is growing. Where will you find time to make those all important social media posts? Try March National Days. They have proven to increase engagement and can start those much needed client conversations. We want to save you time so we’ve put these lists together in this … Continue reading March National Days to Boost Your Social Media

Give Your Social Media Engagement A Boost

Published: February 8, 2021 | By Jeff Nicely

Do you make social media posts for your business? Ever get stuck and wonder what to post next? Think it’s time to give your social media engagement a boost? Try National Days. They have proven to increase engagement and shares. And to make it super easy for you, we’ve put together a list of February … Continue reading Give Your Social Media Engagement A Boost

Laurel Ridge SBDC

173 Skirmisher Lane

Middletown, VA 22645

Phone540-868-7093
LFSBDC at Fauquier

MEC Office

70 Main Street

Warrenton, VA 20187

Phone540-216-7100

© 2023 Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and City of Winchester, Clarke County, Fauquier County, Frederick County Shenandoah County and Warren County. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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