By supporting the Commonwealth’s nonprofit micro-enterprise development organizations (MDOs), the Virginia Enterprise Initiative (VEI) provides communities with access to training and credit for their micro-businesses.

Established in 1995, Virginia Enterprise Initiative (VEI) works with partner micro-enterprise development organizations (MDOs) to expand this access across the Commonwealth, extending credit, capital, training and technical support further into communities that have not had access to these resources, yet have the ability to create economic strength.

VEI supports nonprofit organizations that specialize in providing this direct service to these Virginians. Micro-enterprise development organizations provide or are in the process of expanding to provide the full spectrum of services to micro-entrepreneurs including training, technical assistance, access to credit, and follow up assistance after loans are made. Typically these are nonprofit organizations or part of a public/private partnership.

VEI is an integral part of VA Dept of Housing and Community Development, which integrates many programs to provide comprehensive service.  These programs include CDBG, Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA), Virginia Enterprise Zone, Virginia Main Street, Appalachian Regional Commission, and SW VA Cultural Heritage Commission. With their technical and financial assistance to communities, VEI endeavors to create entrepreneurial communities that are great places to live.

For more information, use the links below or contact the VEI office at (804) 371-7030.