Small Business Focus: ReLaunch

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

“Disruption creates space for entrepreneurs.” — Kevin Sneader and Shubham Singhal, McKinsey & Company

The health pandemic fundamentally changed the way we do business. In 2020, we began operating in a changed world, conducting business online and virtually.

According to an insightful article by McKinsey & Company, our “new normal” is changing how we do business in the short and long term. In 2021, entrepreneurship numbers are up, and the need for technology is high. Access to capital is paramount to ensure an entrepreneur can access the tools they need to compete. How do we blend the increase in small business formation and the ongoing need to access capital to new and existing businesses?

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is committed to providing the professional tools small businesses need to compete in our “new normal.” ReLaunch is a new initiative sponsored by BizLaunch Arlington’s Small Business and Entrepreneurial Assistance Network to help newly launched and existing businesses adjust to the “new normal.” What’s the cost to participate? It is a free tool underwritten by AED.

Hear what businesses are saying about ReLaunch…

“Manoukian Oriental Rugs was grateful to have been selected for Arlington Economic Development’s ReLaunch program,” The Manoukian Family said. “The consultation improved our understanding of a strategic asset, which helped us position our business for better customer service and smarter growth. Thank you, team AED!”

The Manoukian Family owns Manoukian Brothers Oriental Rugs located at 2330 Columbia Pike in Arlington.

The program is divided into three key areas:

• ReVitalize (access to complimentary professional business consultants)
• ReNew (access to the latest tech to get online)
• ReBuild (all the newest info on grants, loans and resources to help small businesses fight the effects of the pandemic)

We identified these critical areas in a recent survey administered by AED, which showed most businesses need access to capital and would spend the cash on technology, consulting and legal assistance. Hence, we designed ReLaunch to meet the needs of Arlington’s small business ecosystem and promote growth, despite the effects of the pandemic.

AED will be accepting rolling applications from eligible Arlington-based businesses from now through Dec. 10, 2021. AED will underwrite costs to build either a website or eCommerce tool and to work directly with a consultant. Businesses will need to pay a small fee after Dec. 31, 2021, to maintain their website and eCommerce tool; however, Arlington County underwrites the development of the solution.

The Service Providers

• The ReVitalize program is administered by Revby. Revby is an experienced provider of small business consulting services and believes in the importance of businesses’ positive impact on the local community.
• The ReNew program is powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and administered by Nub8. Nub8 is an experienced provider of online services in the cloud and has excellent expertise in helping small businesses launch online.

If you are an eligible small business located in Arlington, Virginia, we encourage you to apply for ReLaunch today. All you need to decide is what service you’d like to receive. For more information visit www.relaunch.business.