Business Resources

The Commonwealth of Virginia and Federal Governments as well as other organizations offer many opportunities for new and existing businesses to receive counseling, technical assistance, training support, and much more. Here is a partial list of available resources:

On the Job Training - Virginia Workforce Network through the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board. Key points - participants are employed and trained in their occupation by the employer and the employer is reimbursed up to 50% of the wage rate for a specified period of time.
Contact: Jake Gilmer, Acting Executive Director, 540-562-8442 or jake.gilmer@westernvaworkforce.com

MidAtlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (MATAAC) - If your company is facing import competition, MATAAC's team of experienced professionals can recommend and implement strategies to strengthen your competitiveness. To qualify, businesses must manufacture or process a physical product and experience:

A decline in dollar or unit sales of a major product line
A decline or impending decline in employment
A growing import

Contact: 800-566-7522 or information@mattac.org
MATAAC Website

The Roanoke Regional Chamber - Established in 1890, the Roanoke Regional Chamber serves its 1,400 members by providing leadership, advocacy, and action that continues to help the Roanoke region achieve its potential as a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Contact: 540-983-0700
Roanoke Chamber Website

Roanoke Regional Partnership - The Roanoke Regional Partnership is the regional economic development organization responsible for marketing the region to prospective businesses and industries. The Partnership is a leader in economic and demographic research, leveraging regional economic development assets and branding, and implementing creative economic development programs and policies.
Contact: 540-343-1550
Roanoke Regional Partnership Website

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber - The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce remains a friendly, hospitable, and inclusive example of businesses supporting each other and the community. Membership is affordable. The benefits gained from participation are considerable. Come find out why this little Chamber has such a big impact on our area businesses and the communities they call home.
Contact: 540-387-0267
Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce Website

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - The SCORE Association is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and is dedicated to aiding in the formation, growth, and success of small businesses nationwide. SCORE provides small business mentoring and advice on a full range of business topics Contact: 540-857-2834
SCORE Website

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - The Virginia Small Business Development Center represents the most extensive business development program in the Commonwealth. Regional SBDC's provide high-quality, in-depth business counseling and training services to help grow and strengthen Virginia's businesses. The information, management counseling, and technical assistance services of the VSBDC professional staff are provided at no charge, or a nominal fee may be charged for training workshops.
Contact: 540-983-0717
SBDC Website

Total Action For Progress - Business SEED Capital Inc. The Business Seed program offers three primary services: small business financing, one-on-one business counseling, and small business classes.
Contact: 540-777-HOPE

U.S. EPA Small Business Resources - The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides an array of resources, including workshops, training sessions, hotlines, websites, and guides, to help small businesses understand and comply with federal and state environmental laws. In addition to helping small businesses understand their environmental obligations and improve compliance, these resources will also help such businesses find cost-effective ways to comply through pollution prevention techniques and innovative technologies.
Contact: 800-368-5888
EPA Small Business Website

Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) - This state-chartered, nonprofit corporation is dedicated to building Virginia's future through technology innovation. The CIT provides access to technology expertise, expands Virginia's R&D and technology infrastructure, and creates collaborative environments to advance Virginia's technology future.
Contact: 703-689-3000

Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) - The mission of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership is to enhance the quality of life and raise the standard of living for all Virginians, in collaboration with Virginia communities, through aggressive business recruitment, expansion assistance, and trade development, thereby expanding the tax base and creating higher-income employment opportunities. To fulfill this mission, the partnership focuses on cultivating new business investment, fostering international trade growth, and encouraging the expansion of existing Virginia businesses.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Office of International Trade - This office promotes international trade for companies throughout Virginia, with a mission of increasing the number of Virginia companies selling overseas as well as their volume of international business. Assistance is provided to both new and experienced exporters as they seek to enter new international markets. Services include identifying potential new markets and market research, developing market entry strategies, and identifying potential distributors for products and services at reduced costs.
Contact: 804-545-5754
VEDP Website

Virginia Jobs Investment Program - Supports companies that have 250 employees or few and must create a minimum of five new jobs within 12 months with $100,000 of new investment paying a minimum entry-level wage rate of $10 per hour.

VT KnowledgeWorks - This is a regional business acceleration center serving technology-based enterprises at all stages of the corporate lifecycle. It provides services for both pre-launch businesses as well as more established businesses, with events, retreats, and ongoing programs to help entrepreneurs launch, develop a business plan, raise capital and meet business challenges. VT KnowledgeWorks has conference and incubation facilities located in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and provides a free initial consultation to help entrepreneurs decide which of the services offered might be best for them.
Contact: 540-443-9100

If you have any questions or would like more details, please contact the City of Salem Planning and Economic Development Office at 540-375-3007.