Alexandria’s entrepreneurial spirit took center stage as AEDP and the City of Alexandria unveiled their new small business team and small business programming. Mayor Justin Wilson, Councilman John Taylor Chapman, city council members, and local small business owners gathered at Carlyle Tower to toast the launch.
Opening remarks by President & CEO Stephanie Landrum shared the crowd’s enthusiasm for AEDP’s continued support for small businesses. “While this is a launch, it is very much built on the foundation of 25 years of extraordinary work that was done by another organization that was part of AEDP, the Small Business Development Center,” said Landrum. Bill Reagan, founder of the SBDC, was among those celebrating the new announcement. “We’re so excited to have Bill here and want to make sure everyone understands that what we’re doing here today would not be possible were it not for the work Bill and his former colleague Gloria Flanagan,” shared Landrum.
In celebrating all things small, local favorites were served. Guests sipped on craft beers from Aslin Beer Co., Lost Boy Cider, and Port City Brewing Company, while enjoying bites from Flavors Catering. Alexandrian Veteran Laura Hatcher captured the night’s festivities.
AEDP Small Business offers services from one-on-one counseling and workshops to connections with the local community and guidance on access to capital. Visit the small business page of our website to learn more.
“Our vision is to create an ecosystem where every entrepreneur is empowered with the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to succeed,” shared Directory of Small Business & Entrepreneurship Cristina Amoruso. Her sentiments were echoed by the rest of the small business team: Philomena Fitzgerald, Senay Gebremedhin, and Talia Jones.
Stay connected! Sign up for the small business newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming events and resources to help your business. Photos courtesy of Laura Hatcher.