Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center

💡 Thinking about starting a business? Start here.

Our Start Smart Workshop is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in the Shenandoah Valley, whether you're exploring an idea, ready to turn a hobby into a business, or already up and running and realizing there are a few gaps to fill.

In just two hours, you'll get a 360° look at what it takes to launch successfully, from product development and target marketing to financial projections, bookkeeping, and the registrations and regulations you need to know.

And when the workshop is done, you'll have access to one-on-one follow-up appointments with our advisors to dig into your specific business needs.

📅 Next workshop: June 25th | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 220 University Blvd, Harrisonburg, VA
💲 FREE

Can't make it on the 25th? We host Start Smart twice a month; check our calendar for all upcoming dates!

🔗 Register for June 25th: https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=60460012
🗓️ View all upcoming dates: https://www.valleysbdc.org/calendar/

✨ Staff Spotlight | Kaitlin Pomerleau, Business Advisor

Kaitlin Pomerleau joined the Shenandoah Valley SBDC in 2026 as our marketing-focused Business Advisor, and she brings a background that's as locally rooted as it is professionally deep.

Most recently, Kaitlin served as Content Marketing Director at Estland, a Harrisonburg-based, full-service marketing agency, where she led messaging, email marketing, social media, and SEO strategies across a diverse client portfolio.

Prior to that, she spent six years at James Madison University Recreation, directing integrated marketing campaigns, promoting large-scale events, and mentoring marketing and design students. Her career has also included work with the American Cancer Society, where she managed volunteer teams and community fundraising efforts.

Raised in a third-generation family business, Kaitlin brings both personal and professional perspectives to her work with entrepreneurs. She specializes in helping business owners turn ideas into clear, actionable strategies and the sustainable systems to support them.

We're glad to have her on the team and excited for the Valley's small business community to work with her!

Learn more about Kaitlin and the rest of our team: https://www.valleysbdc.org/kaitlin-pomerleau/