The Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Business Information Services (BIS) team hasbeen constantly engaged in the business community. The Business Services Managers haveorganized 85 events and participated in over 150 other events the last nine months, a 25%increase in hosted events from the previous year. BIS continues to add interesting breakoutsessions and topic specific Entrepreneur Express workshops, like adventure tourism and socialmedia. For workshops and seminars in the area,check out www.vastartup.org/register.

1. VDBA’s Business Information Services Team Continues to Support
Businesses in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Business Information Services (BIS) team has
been constantly engaged in the business community. The Business Services Managers have
organized 85 events and participated in over 150 other events the last nine months, a 25%
increase in hosted events from the previous year. BIS continues to add interesting breakout
sessions and topic specific Entrepreneur Express workshops, like adventure tourism and social
media. For workshops and seminars in the area, check out www.vastartup.org.
“Thank you for meeting with me and allowing me the opportunity to gain some wonderful feedback
from you. I've already implemented one of your ideas on our FB page today. I felt that our
meeting was very informative and you have guided me to solving some solutions for the future of
our business.” - Lori.
The One-on-One counseling service continues to be most valuable to clients. BIS conducted
nearly 750 sessions in 27 different markets partnering with a variety of local allies. One-on-One
sessions are up over 20% compared to the same period last year.
“I wanted to let you know that it was a pleasure meeting with you this afternoon. Thank you so
much for taking time out of your schedule to meet with me. You did a great job at showing me all
the things that I can do on the EVA program. I am very excited to implement what I have learned
today.” - Shirley.
Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC) continues to provide personalized business-
specific support and has experienced a 28% increase in contact volume. VBIC is the live
customer support for Business One Stop. To contact VBIC, call 804-371-0438 or e-mail
vbic@vdba.virginia.gov.
“Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. This is just what I needed; clear answers to my
specific questions. Thank you! I have to say, I am very impressed with the resources available to
people wanting to start a business and current business owners. Knowing the information and
support is there really makes a difference.” - Lindsay.
The all new Business One Stop (BOS), www.bos.virginia.gov, was launched on December 27,
2010. This phase included more complete business information organized by business stage
and incorporated more integration with iReg, Dept. of Professional and Occupational
Regulation, Dept. of Minority Business Enterprise and Dept. of General Services. As additional
agencies and processes are integrated, the user experience will continue to improve.
BIS recently started a new program, the Business Advocacy Program in January. The purpose
of this new initiative is to show commitment to existing businesses, to reduce barriers to growth,
job creation and to connect businesses with resources. For more information contact Dave
Fuller, david.fuller@vdba.virginia.gov.
Contact: Rachael Steinhoff
Virginia Department of Business Assistance
(804) 371-8127