Small Business Help, Close to Home: SBDC Expands Local Support for Entrepreneurs

Andy Gyurisin is no stranger to Front Royal. As a representative of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), he’s been helping small business owners across Virginia for nearly 25 years. Now, thanks to new funding from the Warren County Economic Development Authority (EDA), Gyurisin is back in town on a more regular basis — and he’s excited to get to work.

“We’re a free resource for small businesses,” Gyurisin explained during a recent interview. “That’s the key word is free. Whether you’re starting, growing, or even trying to sell your business, we’re here to help.”

The SBDC operates out of Laurel Ridge Community College but partners closely with local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and now the EDA to bring services directly to entrepreneurs. These include one-on-one counseling, help with business plans, financial advice, and connections to loan officers or industry specialists.

The new support from the EDA means Gyurisin is now based in Front Royal more frequently, with programs for the Chamber and outreach throughout the community. “Rob McDougal from the EDA saw there was a real need for deeper small business support, especially now with changing economic conditions,” Gyurisin said. “They’re giving us a year of funding to expand services locally.”

That support has already begun to bear fruit. In addition to private consultations, Gyurisin and the SBDC are hosting workshops for entrepreneurs, including an upcoming seminar on using artificial intelligence (AI) in small businesses.

“I don’t think AI is going to take jobs away,” Gyurisin said. “I think it’s going to help people work smarter. It’s like having an assistant — you can spend less time on social media scheduling and more time networking or growing your business.”

The SBDC doesn’t just help people who are launching startups. It’s also useful for long-standing businesses thinking about their next chapter. “Succession planning is a big thing we’re working on right now,” he said. “A lot of folks have been running businesses here for decades. They’re not sure what the next step is, and we’re here to help them figure that out.”

In today’s fast-paced world, Gyurisin said it’s more important than ever for small business owners to be aware of how quickly the industry changes and to take advantage of the resources available to them.

“We’ve spent so much time trying to bring in customers from Northern Virginia. But first, we have to make sure our neighbors know we’re here. That local support is the foundation of a strong economy,” he said. “When someone moves to town, their first experience isn’t with a big box store. It’s with a small business — a coffee shop or bookstore. That’s how you make a lasting connection.”

Gyurisin encouraged entrepreneurs at all stages, from a napkin sketch idea to full operations, to reach out. “If someone’s unsure if their idea is viable, that’s a perfect time to talk. We want to be your sounding board and your guide.”

He also emphasized that the SBDC is not about competition, but connection. “It’s not about one coffee shop versus another. It’s about creating a destination where people come to support all businesses. More businesses bring more people.”

And if your neighbor isn’t your customer, maybe they know someone who is. “We need to bring back the power of local referrals. That simple phrase, ‘I know a guy,’ goes a long way,” Gyurisin said with a smile.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.lfsbdc.org.