Small Business Assistance

Joint IDA staff is available to answer small business questions of many types. We can assist with labor pool information, demographic data, commuting information, GIS mapping, and much more. If you’re in need of assistance gathering information or dealing with a government agency, utility company, or even a permitting process, we are here to help. The Joint IDA advocates for small businesses and entrepreneurs in our area as part of our mission. Contact us any time during office hours via telephone at 276-223-3370 or e-mail office@wytheida.org. We are happy to meet with you here in our office or at your place of business. If you are in need of long-term business counseling, we can make referrals to a variety of resource partners in our region. Let us help point you in the right direction if it’s beyond our capabilities.

The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity offers an array of business assistance and resources to Virginia’s growing community of small businesses. This organization can help your business become certified in programs like SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned businesses) and can also discuss procurement opportunities like becoming a vendor for the Commonwealth. Although the agency is based in Richmond, there is a satellite office in Abingdon.

The Joint IDA offers a Revolving Loan Fund to assist qualified small businesses with obtaining financing. Qualified borrowers can expect very competitive interest rates with flexible repayment options. Microloans are available, as well, for entrepreneurs at very favorable terms.

Formerly housed in the Joint IDA office, the Southwest Regional Enterprise Center was headed by Bob Kirby. Mr. Kirby, in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development authored a helpful guide for those considering opening a small business. This step by step approach asks a number of questions that an entrepreneur needs to be able to answer.