What is Business First Richmond?
The Business First Richmond Program is a successful business assistance program that utilizes face-to-face interviews with
top leaders of existing businesses in the City of Richmond to gather feedback on doing business in Richmond. This feedback
helps the City of Richmond and its regional partner, the Greater Richmond Partnership, connect businesses with the resources
they need to stay and grow in Richmond and build an even better business climate. The Business First Richmond Program is
supported by dedicated volunteers from the business community who share our commitment to business success.
What are the goals of the program?
- Thank area businesses for their contribution and commitment to the regional economy;
- Give businesses the opportunity to share their opinions about doing business in the region;
- Work better to understand the factors critical to business success;
- Connect businesses with the resources they need to be successful. For example, we can provide assistance with
facility or product expansion efforts, address financial concerns or help troubleshoot workforce issues.
- Take the information gathered from businesses and use it to improve the business climate in Richmond.
What will I have to do as a participant?
It’s a simple process. Sit down for a face-to-face interview with a Business First representative to answer a few
questions and share your opinions on doing business in Richmond. Participants will be contacted by a Business First
representative from our office or by a trained Business First volunteer. Information is gathered in the interview,
which typically lasts 30 minutes.
How will the company information be used by the Business First Program?
First, the information obtained during the interview will be used to direct resources and assistance to participating
companies when needed. For example, if you would like to learn more about export opportunities to new markets, we could
refer you to a Business First partner with the appropriate expertise. The information and advice is provided to you
absolutely free. Second, the information gathered is presented in summary form in a published report in July. No company
names are ever used because the data is presented in aggregate form.
What has the program accomplished? Why is it important?
Since September 2006, when the Business First program launched, more than 400 City of Richmond-based businesses
representing 20,000 jobs have been interviewed. Participating businesses have received assistance in areas such as
international trade, business planning and strategy development, financing and workforce development. We know when
your business thrives, the region thrives, and we want to do whatever we can to assist you with the achievement of
your goals.
How can I find out more about participating in the Business First program as a business or a volunteer?
For information on how to participate as a company, sign up online at
www.businessfirstrichmond.com or contact Sheila Shepperson,
at Sheila.Shepperson@richmondgov.com, (804) 646-5491
