Small Business Resources
"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." — Proverbs 15:22
This week is National Small Business Week and we want to make sure you actually have access to the counsel and resources that can help your business thrive.
We've curated a short list of resources below. Most are free. All are accessible to businesses in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover. And for two of them, we can personally make a connection for you.
1) Who You Are Matters as Much as What You Build — Faith Driven Entrepreneur
Most business resources will help you with your plan, your cash flow, or your marketing. Faith Driven Entrepreneur asks a different question first: who did God make you to be, and what does that mean for how you build?
FDE is a global movement equipping Christ-following entrepreneurs with community, content, and courses — all at no cost. No expensive membership. No long-term commitment. Just a handful of business owners working through what it actually means to build a company for God's glory.
They also offer a weekly podcast, video stories of entrepreneurs living out their faith in the marketplace, Bible reading plans designed specifically for business owners, and a searchable map to find or start a group near you.
If you've ever felt the tension between your faith and your work — or wondered if your business is actually part of your calling — this is where to start.
👉 Explore the Foundations Course: faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/foundation-course
👉 Listen to the podcast: faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast
2) Free Business Advising — Capital Region SBDC
The Capital Region SBDC offers free, confidential, one-on-one advising for small business owners at every stage — whether you need a business plan, help with cash flow, a marketing strategy, or just a seasoned set of eyes on what you're building. Their consultants serve businesses in Richmond, Ashland, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan. No cost. No catch.
👉 Request a free session: virginiasbdc.org/request-appointment(Check your spam folder — their confirmation emails sometimes end up there)
3) Free Local Mentoring — SCORE Richmond
If you'd benefit from an ongoing mentor relationship — someone with real business experience who will meet with you confidentially and at no cost — SCORE Richmond is one of the most underused resources in our region.
👉 Book a mentor session: score.org/richmond
4) Connect with Other Christian Business Leaders
Needle’s Eye’s Business Owners & Executives Connect – A place to get to know other faith-driven business leaders in the Richmond Region. Come network with a purpose on May 21, 6-7:30 at Brambly Park! Register Here Today!
Virginia Christian Chamber of Commerce — A community of Christian business owners and professionals seeking to live biblical values in the marketplace, hosting networking events and bringing together leaders and training in business and leadership. We can connect you. Virginiachristianchamber
C12 Business Forums — Richmond — A monthly peer advisory forum for Christian CEOs and business owners. This is a deeper commitment and a higher investment, but if you're at a stage where you want serious peer accountability rooted in faith, it's worth exploring. Tony Ponsiglione serves as the C12 Chair for the Richmond/Central VA area. C12
5) One More Free Resource
The Richmond Public Library's Small Business Resource Center offers free access to business databases, sample contracts and operating agreements specific to Virginia law, and workshops — no library card required for most online tools.
Stewardship isn't just about what you give — it's about using well what's been given to you. These resources exist to serve you. Take one step this week.
