Loudoun Economic Development Celebrates Small Business Week with Signature Event and Visits to Loudoun’s Small Businesses

Loudoun Economic Development takes small business seriously.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and community development. Our commitment to small business is rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges that entrepreneurs face on their journey toward success. We recognize that the entrepreneurial path is often paved with obstacles, and our mission is to be a guiding force, lighting the way and providing the necessary support at every step.

That’s why we make such a big deal out of Small Business Week. It provides an opportunity to celebrate, showcase, and support our small business community and this year was no exception.

We kicked off Small Business Week with the 2^nd Annual Launch Loudoun Small Business Summit, held at The Lodge at Hal and Berni Hanson Park.

Bringing together local entrepreneurs, industry experts, and community leaders, the summit was a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration, and learning. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations covering a wide range of topics relevant to small business owners. In addition to the educational sessions, the summit also provided ample opportunities for networking and forging new connections.

Breakfast, treats throughout the day, and drinks were provided by Between the Hills Events and Catering, a Loudoun small business that utilizes Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown products for their offerings. The opening keynote was presented by Jason Dorsey, a nationally acclaimed speaker and CEO of The Center for Generational Kinetics, who led an engaging and insightful discussion about the generational differences in the workplace. The keynote was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Nancy Evanko, Workforce Business Development Manager of Loudoun Economic Development titled, “Expanding Successful Pathways: The Workforce Pipeline,” which featured Dr. Renee Dawson from Loudoun County Public Schools, Hugh Norton from VISA, Dr. Montressa Washington from Shenandoah University, and Dr. Julie Leidig of Northern Virginia Community College, who explored critical workforce issues and shared strategies for building and sustaining a talented workforce.

After the group broke for lunch which included selections from local food trucks Big Kyle BBQ, Arepa Vibes, and Fords on the Road by Ford’s Fish Shack, the day’s presentations concluded with an Ownership & Leadership workshop with Diana Patton. She engaged with attendees using Build Your Business with P.A.S.S.I.O.N. & RISE with Resilient Leadership Habits.

It was an amazing event full of networking and connections and was just the start of what was to come.

In the days following the summit, members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors joined Loudoun Economic Development staff in visiting several small businesses throughout the County, highlighting Loudoun’s diverse and unique economy.

The visits included (with links to the LinkedIn posts):

As we continue to celebrate and support our local small businesses, it’s clear that they play a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering a sense of community. We look forward to more such initiatives that empower and uplift our small business owners, ensuring a prosperous future for Loudoun County.

For more information on upcoming events and resources for small businesses, visit the Loudoun Economic Development website.