Loudoun Offers Special Event to Help Small Businesses Grow

Startups, small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to a special kickoff event for Loudoun SourceLink, an online tool that matches entrepreneurs to resources that can help small businesses grow.

“Grow Smarter,” hosted by the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, will be held Tuesday, February 5 at 5 p.m. in the Exploration Hall Atrium on the Loudoun campus of George Washington University, which is located at 20101 Academic Way in Ashburn, VA.

Orbital President and CEO David Thompson is the event’s keynote speaker, and will reveal how he grew the Loudoun-based aerospace company from a grad school project to a $1.4 billion corporation.

“We strongly encourage anyone who has launched a small business, or is thinking about starting one, to attend the event and hear the entrepreneurial success story of Orbital Sciences,” said Debi Roder, the small business and entrepreneur manager for economic development.

Following Thompson’s presentation, attendees will be able to register for a business license and/or a home occupation permit on site with the assistance of Loudoun County government staff. They will also have the opportunity to meet in person with Loudoun SourceLink partners.

“Loudoun SourceLink allows the entrepreneur to indicate, to a high level of specification, what assistance they need, and lists the providers who can best provide that assistance,” Roder explained.

Light refreshments will be served. The event is free but space is limited; attendees must sign up in advance at: www.growsmarter.eventbrite.com.