Deb Foley of Taste Oil Vinegar Spice speaks with Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger during Wednesday’s recognition of Small Business Development Center Day at the University of Mary Washington.
U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger visited the University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Eagle Village on the Fredericksburg Campus on Wednesday, March 15 – SBDC Day!
The annual celebration commemorates the impact America’s small business development centers have on the success of small businesses.
Spanberger was joined by U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Guzman and Virginia SBDC State Director Jody Keenan, along with several Fredericksburg-area small business owners, who met at UMW’s Eagle Village SBDC, where their enterprises first began to take root.
UMW SBDC Executive Director Brian Baker and Director Susan Ball attended, as did Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Director Bill Freehling.
The discussion centered around the successes and challenges faced by the businesses since they were launched and the notion that help is still available.
Adrian Silversmith from Sprelly talks with UMW Small Business Development Center’s Susan Ball during yesterday’s SBDC Day event.
Area small business owners who attended yesterday’s event included:
- James Fallon, Cork & Table
- Latasha Brooks, Coach Brooks Business Consulting
- Adrian and Casey Silversmith, Sprelly
- Dina Evans, Human Resources Director for Obsidian Solutions Group
- Beth Black and Joy Crump, Foode and Mercantile
- Valerie Gartrell, Selfie Social
- Deb Foley, Taste Oil Vinegar Spice
- Crystal Wellman, Sugar & Spruce
- Brian Lam, Collage Spa
- Rita Allan, City Vino
- Paul Wood, Rush Hour Live Escape Room
- Ernisha Hall, Virginia Black Business Directory
- Ed Wright, Abner Butterfield Ice Cream Co.
- Carolyn Gipson, Jus Pop’n
Participants in yesterday’s SBDC Day event, including U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, pose for a group photo.