Visa and F&M Bank Launch Co-Branded “Practical Business Skills” Portal to Empower Local Entrepreneurs
Timberville, VA – [October 1, 2025] – F&M Bank, in partnership with Visa, today announced the launch of a new co-branded online learning hub, F&M Bank | Practical Business Skills. This free platform provides small and micro-business owners across Virginia with access to practical, stage-based resources to help them start, manage, and grow their businesses. The initiative builds on Visa’s Practical Business Skills program, first introduced in 2019 to address high failure rates among small businesses by
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EDA Announces $200,000 Scholarship Initiative Supporting Skilled Trades
Frederick County Economic Development Authority Approves $200,000 in Scholarship Funding ~ Scholarships will support Frederick County residents pursuing select FastForward Credential Programs at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions ~ (WINCHESTER, VA) – A $200,000 scholarship initiative from the Frederick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) will help area industries meet critical workforce needs and provide Frederick County residents affordable training that will lead them into in-demand
The Digital Front Door Your Store Can’t Ignore
You’ve got a great space. Maybe it smells like coffee, maybe it smells like fresh lumber, maybe it smells like possibility. But if the only people who know about it are the ones who walk past your storefront, you're operating at a fraction of your potential. A digital presence isn’t optional—it’s oxygen. Without it, you’re invisible to the people who don’t already know you exist. Worse, your competitors—many of whom aren’t even in your zip code—are showing up in places you’re not.Make First Impressions
Scaling Without Slipping: How Smart Companies Navigate Growth’s Trickiest Turns
Growth has a habit of getting romanticized in the business world. The press loves a good rocket-ship story, and founders often see expansion as the ultimate badge of success. But the truth about growth is that it’s messy, uneven, and often more threatening than stagnation if not handled well. Businesses that endure don’t just grow; they manage growth with the kind of foresight and flexibility that doesn’t make headlines—but should. Foundations Before Flash Every growth story starts with a stable
TOP OF VIRGINIA REGIONAL CHAMBER’S CEO CYNTHIA SCHNEIDER EARNS ELITE CERTIFICATION
Contact: Tania Kohut Marketing & Communications Manager tkohut@acce.orgTop of Virginia Regional Chamber’s CEO Cynthia Schneider Earns Elite CertificationSchneider part of 2025 Certified Chamber Executive class — the largest in the program’s history ALEXANDRIA, Va. — July 23, 2025 — Cynthia Schneider, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber CEO, has been designated a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria,
Cardinal Technology Solutions Achieves CMMC2 Certification, Demonstrating Commitment to Cybersecurity Excellence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Winchester, VA (July 10, 2025) – Cardinal Technology Solutions, a leading provider of IT support, solutions and cybersecurity services, is proud to announce that it has achieved its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 certification. This achievement demonstrates the company's commitment to meeting the highest standards of cybersecurity in accordance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 requirements. The CMMC program is a federal
The Narrative Advantage: Storytelling Tactics That Cut Through the Business Noise
In the boardrooms, Zoom calls, and Slack threads of modern business, stories still do what they’ve always done: they carry weight. Not because they dazzle with theatrics, but because they make abstract goals personal, dry data vivid, and complex strategies human. When used with intention, storytelling becomes less of a soft skill and more of a strategic edge—one that engages clients, earns investor confidence, and aligns employees around a shared mission. The best business stories don’t just inform; they
The Ground Game: Building a Business That Actually Lasts
Starting a business is a gamble, but not because the odds are unknowable—it’s because many don’t respect how grueling and unglamorous long-term growth really is. Entrepreneurs too often chase speed, scale, or exposure without first understanding what they’re actually building. There’s no universal blueprint to winning, but there are behaviors and priorities that make staying in the game more likely. The work of sustaining a business requires an odd mix of stubbornness, humility, and adaptability—qualities
Picture This: How Visual Storytelling Can Boost Your Small Business
It’s not enough to simply tell people what your small business does. These days, you have to show them. And in a culture saturated with content, the businesses that rise above the noise are the ones that understand how to weave compelling visuals into every part of their brand’s narrative. You’re not just selling a product or a service anymore—you’re telling a story, and the visuals are often the only thing your audience will actually remember. The First Impression Isn’t a Handshake Anymore Before
Building Green: Strategies for Crafting an Eco-Friendly Business Model and Marketing Plan
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a business imperative. Customers are looking beyond price tags and quality, demanding transparency about how brands impact the environment. Companies that integrate eco-conscious practices into their core model don’t just appeal to the growing green market; they future-proof their operations against tightening environmental regulations and shifting consumer expectations. But designing an eco-friendly business isn’t as simple as slapping a "100%
Breaking Ground: Fresh Strategies for Launching a Green Construction Company
Starting a green construction company isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about innovation. The industry is shifting fast, and you don’t want to be another builder throwing solar panels on a roof and calling it a day. The companies making real waves are thinking beyond the obvious, blending technology, design, and new business models to redefine what “green” actually means. Whether you’re an architect, a contractor, or just an ambitious entrepreneur, there’s room to build something truly
2024 Valor Awards Beneficiary Check Presentation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETop of Virginia Regional Chamber Presents Valor Awards Beneficiary CheckWinchester, VA – December 5, 2024 – The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber proudly presented a check for $2,200 to the Winchester Fire & Rescue Department as part of the Valor Awards Beneficiary program. The presentation took place on December 5, 2024 at the Winchester Regional Airport. The funds will be used to offset the cost of purchasing new Class A uniforms for the Winchester Fire & Rescue Honor Guard. The Honor
PUBLIC OPINION POLL AFFIRMS PIVOTAL ROLE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 6, 2024 Contact:Jenny StoverDirector, Marketing & CommunicationsTop of Virginia Regional Chamber540-662-4118, ext. 17jstover@regionalchamber.biz PUBLIC OPINION POLL AFFIRMS PIVOTAL ROLE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCEU.S. adults recognize the wide-sweeping impact of their local chamber, ACCE/Harris Poll survey finds Winchester, VA (December 6, 2024) — Results from a nationwide public opinion poll indicate chambers of commerce are vital to the prosperity of their communities.
Build a Stronger Small Business with Expert Data Management
Data has become a vital cornerstone for modern business success, making its management essential for long-term viability. Safeguarding sensitive information fosters trust among stakeholders while supporting uninterrupted operations. Structured approaches to data governance align organizational practices with strategic goals, enhancing both security measures and workflow efficiency. Clear protocols for handling information responsibly enable businesses to make smarter decisions that reinforce their
