On Monday, 60 people representing dozens of restaurants across the Roanoke Valley participated in the first Foodiepreneur Symposium.

Roanoke is celebrating local entrepreneurs with a creative challenge this National Small Business Week.

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Just like commuters and residents, Roanoke County officials want to see the completion of projects in and around Tanglewood Mall sooner rather than later. It is likely Tanglewood Mall will look a lot different, the roadway will see major upgrades, and new businesses will pop up. Roanoke County officials met with business leaders Thursday as part of a virtual forum. The Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center spoke during the call saying they, “can help you determine what is right for you for space consideration in your business. As well as help you with business plans and market research.”The Small Business Development Center helps businesses with 250 employees or less.

ROANOKE, Va. – Small business owners now have the opportunity for one-on-one help applying for PPP loans as part of the Cares Act. The Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center is going on a road show and offering in-person assistance for businesses with 20 employees or less. Amanda Forrester, the director, said money is still available but not enough business owners are taking advantage of it, especially women and minority owned businesses. Business owners must register for time slots online. The first one will be at the Vinton War Memorial on Wednesday, March 10.

Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center has been there for local businesses every step of the way with free help on loan assistance applications and other resources. Another huge resource available is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Business Week. Throughout the three days, the U.S. Small Business Administration will recognize national award winners, name the 2020 National Small Business Person of the Year and most importantly, host discussions and panels with industry experts. “Particularly in our region, small businesses are the heart of our communities and they employ the majority of people. To register for National Small Business Week click here.

The Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been helping businesses in the Roanoke and New River Valley as well as the Alleghany Highlands for the past several months virtually. Business owners can make an appointment to meet at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce building for in-person application assistance for the Paycheck Protection Program loans and the Economic Injury Disaster loans. Forrester mentioned if you own a business you qualify but if you already applied, this pop-up event isnt for you. The Roanoke Regional SBDC will host the same event in the New River Valley July 23 from noon to 5 p.m. The event is happening at the New River Valley Business Center.