Empowering small business
Resources for your business are here!
OUR MISSION
CIC’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 $7.03 in wages from job creation in our community.
Businesses
Opened
Opened
FTE Jobs
Created
Created
Generated
Wages
Wages
Our Pillars
At the heart of our mission are four key pillars designed to empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Through our comprehensive 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop, we provide vital education to help individuals evaluate the viability of their business ideas and build actionable plans.
Education
Our signature program, a 16-week Entrepreneur 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.
Mentoring
We pair entrepreneurs with experienced business professionals from the community for ongoing advisory support.
Networking
We create opportunities for entrepreneurs to build business networks and market their products and services through community events and press coverage.
Financing
We are filling the lending gap by offering micro-loans of up to $50,000 to qualified entrepreneurs.
Featured Entrepreneurs
MERRIMENT DIGITAL MARKETING
CIC's entrepreneurship course changed my life and helped me start my business the right way! I recommend it to everyone looking to start a business.
Support small businesses. Shop local!
Together we are strengthening our community.
Whether you give your time, your resources, or your voice, every contribution makes a difference. Join us in building a stronger, more connected Charlottesville by donating, volunteering, or simply showing up. This is our home—and together, we rise.
Stay Connected!
From Creating Access to Capital to Empowering Small Business for Big Change.
The Community Investment Collaborative initially grew from the personal experience of Toan Nguyen, owner of C’ville Coffee during the recession. After numerous conversations, a workgroup of 48 people with nonprofit, business and education backgrounds came together to better understand the financing difficulties faced by micro-enterprises in our region. It became clear that small businesses lacked access to appropriate financial solutions and a comprehensive support system necessary for business success.
Business Insights
See some tips and insights from our blog
Aug
03
2026
2025 Annual Report
14 years and the growth continues! Our 2025 Annual Report displays another year of meaningful impact across Central and Southern Virginia. In the...
Jun
02
2026
Tom Tom Festival 13th Annual Crowdfunded Pitch Night
13th Annual Crowdfunded Pitch Night hobski (Tala and Fares Habbab) named Crowd's Choice and Eat Better Today (Troy Robinson) won the Grand Prize at...
Aug
15
2025
Jabrille Brown
When Jabrille Brown moved from Dallas, Texas to Danville in 2022, she brought with her a lifelong dream: to create a space where people could...
Jul
31
2025
Laura Brent
When life didn't go according to plan, Laura "Muff" Brent found her path to entrepreneurship in an unexpected place – her kitchen. After stepping...
Jul
01
2025
2024 Alumni Survey Results
Dear CIC Alumni, Thank you to everyone who completed our most recent Alumni Survey. Your feedback helps us stay focused on what matters...
Jun
03
2025
2024 Annual Report
CIC Celebrates 13 Years of Empowering Small Business Growth The Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is proud to share our 2024 Annual Report,...
Jun
03
2025
Ciearia Alexander
When Ciearia went on maternity leave with her fourth child in early 2024, she found herself contemplating life beyond her regular job. Drawing from...
May
01
2025
Robin Criscuolo
“The blueprint for the rest of your life is formed in the early years.” Robin Criscuolo’s belief in education is founded in her own upbringing in...
Apr
11
2025
Maya Hairston
Maya is pictured in the middle. In February 2023, Maya Hairston launched LabeledLex with a clear vision – creating affordable, high-quality handbags...
Jan
07
2025
Happy 2025! A message from our President
Dear CIC Community: I am pleased to announce key additions and changes to Community Investment Collaborative's leadership team as we begin 2025....