Bridging Virginia

04/16/2026

We’re excited to share that Leah Fremouw will be speaking at the Tom Tom Innovation Summit next Friday, April 24!

Join her for a session on Impact Investing in Virginia: Regenerative Agriculture, Main Street Lending, and Affordable Housing, where she’ll share insights on building stronger pathways for entrepreneurs and advancing access to capital across the Commonwealth.

If you’ll be at the festival, don’t miss the chance to hear from Leah and connect with leaders shaping the future of our communities.

Get tickets: https://ow.ly/JG9A50YKAOx

03/27/2026

Happy Women’s History Month!

Bridging Virginia exists to support women-owned businesses with the capital and resources they need to grow, overcome barriers, and sustain their work. Across Virginia, women entrepreneurs are building businesses that strengthen communities and drive real economic change. This year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Shaping a Sustainable Future,” reflects exactly what we see and strive for. We are so proud to celebrate all the incredible women entrepreneurs we serve, the women-led partners we work alongside, the women on our team who lead this work every day, and the women on our board who guide it!

03/26/2026

Spring is here and so is our Quarterly Newsletter!

Bridging Virginia is stepping into the season with new opportunities, meaningful partnerships, and fresh resources that highlight the impact of small businesses and build stronger pathways for entrepreneurs across our region. Learn all about how we continue connecting beyond capital through Care and Collaboration!

In this issue, you’ll find:
💠 Clients in the News
💠 New Portsmouth Loan Fund
💠 New Small Business Resources & Programs
💠 Meet Our New Team Members
💠 In the Field: Events, Research & More

Explore the full newsletter here: https://ow.ly/o04V50YzlKg
Not a subscriber? Join the mailing list to stay connected: https://ow.ly/Ce9b50YzlKj

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

New month. New connections. New momentum. ✨

We’ve lined up a powerful mix of experiences designed to help you get organized, stay focused, sharpen your skills, and expand your network. Whether you need dedicated time to handle your finances, a productive CEO Day, hands-on business training, or meaningful community connection, there’s something for you this month.

Here’s what’s coming up 👇🏾

📊 Books + Balance: Bookkeeping Session
Books + Balance is back at Lavender Hill. Get your books closed, ask your questions, and walk away feeling confident and organized as you move through the year.

💻 Mind Your Business: Monthly Co-Working Day
Your monthly CEO Day is back! Step away from your usual routine and into a space built for focus, accountability, and collaboration.

💡 The Lab Live: Business Basics
These online workshops are led by industry pros who don’t just teach, you’ll apply what you learn in real time with expert guidance.

🚌 BLCK-Owned Business Field Trip
BLCK Owned RVA Field Trips bring the BLCK Owned RVA Map to life through real experiences and real connections. Our first trip will be to Brandery Richmond. Join us for a guided tour, happy hour, lite bites,and community connection.

🧱 Special Event: LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop with VCU Shift & TNI
We’re partnering for an interactive strategy session using the LEGO® Serious Play® method to help entrepreneurs think creatively, solve challenges, and unlock new ideas for growth.

Let’s build together: thejwcfoundation.eventbrite.com

02/26/2026

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) serving Black communities and small businesses have long been at the forefront of the fight for economic justice, breaking down systemic barriers and creating new pathways to opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Rooted in the Civil Rights era, these institutions continue to support Black-owned businesses through lending, financial education, and advocacy, helping build stronger and more equitable local economies.

In Richmond, Reformers Bank (1888), established by former enslaved man William Washington Browne, became the first Black-owned and operated bank in the United States. It financed Black businesses and provided essential banking services at a time when access to financial services was severely limited for Black communities

02/24/2026

Now streaming!

Our President & CEO, Leah Fremouw, joined the Budget Your Business podcast to talk about how CDFIs support small businesses and expand access to capital.

In this episode, E #46: Bank Series: The Unknown Banking Solution for Under-Capitalized Small Business is CDFIs, Leah and Scott Geller discuss:
• What CDFIs are and why they can fund deals banks won’t
• How CDFIs help reduce risk for small businesses
• Which businesses are a good fit for CDFI capital

Listen now on all platforms or on our website: https://ow.ly/kNsZ50YliOB

02/20/2026

World Day of Social Justice

Bridging Virginia recognizes the vital role social justice plays in building inclusive, equitable communities by addressing inequality and expanding access to opportunity for all.

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to reducing barriers and supporting small businesses that have historically faced limited access to capital and resources, helping create pathways for long-term growth and stability!

Learn more about World Day of Social Justice at https://lnkd.in/gsXTQjkw

02/18/2026

We’re excited to share free, ongoing programming for entrepreneurs from The JWC Foundation. These monthly coworking sessions and learning labs offer dedicated time to focus on bookkeeping, strategy, and practical business skills alongside a supportive community. All sessions are open to the public. Register through Eventbrite: https://thejwcfoundation.org/events

1st Tuesday of Every Month, 9:00 am - 12 noon: Books + Balance

2nd Thursday of Every Month, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm: Mind Your Business

3rd Mondays of Every Month, 8:30 am - 10:00 am: The Lab Series

02/16/2026

Happy Presidents Day!

Bridging Virginia will be closed on Monday, February 16th, in observance of the holiday. We’ll be back to normal business hours on Tuesday, February 17th.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday!

02/13/2026

We’re excited to share that Leah will be speaking at the WBEC Greater DMV Richmond Meet & Greet on February 18th at the Quirk Hotel.

This free event is a great opportunity for women business owners and leaders to connect, learn about resources in the Richmond area, and build meaningful relationships.

Register here: https://ow.ly/oN6750YezhJ

We hope to see you there!