Home-Based Business Assistance
The Home-Based Business Conference and its related Lunch & Learn Series began as programs of the York County Economic Development Office, in partnership with the York County Chamber of Commerce. County representatives learned that two-thirds of York County’s businesses are home-based, a trend that is growing both locally and nationally. In 2018, all six neighboring localities joined together to co-host the conference and lunch & learn series. This strategic partnership allows these nationally award-winning home-based initiatives to reach and assist more local business owners.
Virtual Home-based Business Lunch and Learn Series
Lunch and Learn sessions are free, but requires preregistration. The session will include a keynote speaker and Q&A. This series will continue on the second Wednesday of each month through September. The Home-Based Business Virtual Lunch and Learn Series is presented by York County, Williamsburg, James City County, Poquoson, Gloucester, Newport News and Hampton.
Register for the entire 2022 Lunch and Learn Series. A unique Zoom link will be emailed prior to the monthly session.
Download the series flyer to see additional upcoming topics.
Gloucester County will host the fourth session on Wednesday, July 13th, at noon. Speaker Joey Pocan from the Small Business Administration, will discuss Home-based Businesses & Online Sales.
Home-Based Business Resources & Support
We love our home-based businesses!In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in home-based business licenses in York County. The data shows that two-thirds of York County's businesses are home-based and that this trend is growing, not just here, but nationwide. The number of home-based businesses in America more than doubled from just 2010 - 2012, with growth continuing upward each year since. Home-based entities are an important sector of York County's business community, creating jobs and generating important tax revenue.
- An annual Home-based Business Conference
- a Home-based Business Transition Grant Program and New Business Growth Grant
- Networking opportunities
- Monthly Lunch & Learns focused on home-based business needs
- The York County Chamber offers a special tier for home-based businesses, free/reduced rate office space and conference rooms for Chamber Members' Use
Featured Article
Coffee at Home Show
Check out our show featuring unique home-based businesses right here in York County!
Recent Interviews
Local Home-based Business Resources, Events & Programs
- York County Home-Based Business License Application
- York County Home-Based Business Assistance Programs Flyer (PDF)
- Home-Based Business Website
Grants
- York County Home-Based Business Transition Grant Program
- York County Business Growth Grant Program
- York County E-Commerce Grant Program
- Center for Retail Excellence (CRE) Program
- York County Google Street View for Business Grant Program (PDF)
- York County LOVEVA Grant Program
Local Programs
- The Retail Alliance LOVEVA Buy Local Initiative
- York County Chamber of Commerce Membership
- START! Peninsula - Annual Startup Weekend Competition
- Hampton Roads Small Biz Financing
- Launchpad - The Greater Williamsburg Business Incubator
- Ignition Center Business Incubator
State Programs for Starting Up and Getting Funding
- Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
- Virginia Startup Information
- Virginia Home and Commercial Kitchen-based businesses
State Programs for Home-Based Food Businesses
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Home Food Processing Exemptions (PDF)
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Home Food Processing Application (PDF)
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services- Guidelines for Providing Safe Food Samples at a Market (PDF)
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services- Food Labeling Guidance (PDF)