Empowering small business for big change
Apps are open! Build your business with our Entrepreneur Workshop!
Learn MoreCIC’s mission is to strengthen our community and contribute to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing, and networking.
CIC was founded in 2011 and held its first workshop in May 2012. Since then, for every $1 spent by CIC, we have helped entrepreneurs generate $6.28 in wages from job creation in our community.
131Businesses Opened
288FTE Jobs Created
$21.81Million Generated Wages
Our Pillars
Education
Our 16-week workshop enables entrepreneurs to determine whether their business is viable, develop an initial plan for launch or growing, and learn the fundamentals of how to act out that plan.
Networking
We create opportunities for entrepreneurs to build business networks and market their products and services through community events and press coverage.
Mentoring
We pair entrepreneurs with experienced business professionals from the community for ongoing advisory support.
Financing
We are filling the lending gap by offering micro-loans of up to $50,000 to qualified entrepreneurs.
Featured Entrepreneurs
"I am a proud CIC Entrepreneur Workshop graduate! I was a workgroup leader and I've been through the mentorship program. CIC has always been a great support — for this business and my next one - not only for funding but also educationally."
Beyond Fitness with Sabrina
A holistic health group program that inspires others to stay active, meal prep, and engage in a healthier lifestyle, one day at a time.
Learn More"I wouldn’t be here without CIC. Being connected opened doors that I never thought possible. It changed everything! I’m literally still in shock that it’s my real life, working in the pool."
Central Virginia Swim Services, LLC
Charlottesville’s premier aquatic company, offering private and semi-private swimming lessons at your home or one of their partner pools.
Learn More"If you plan on doing business in the Charlottesville region, it is essential that you go through CIC’s Entrepreneur Workshop. The wealth of information you gain is second to none...You access so many working professionals with real-world expertise on a daily basis."