Invest in PD16's Small Business Future

Small businesses are the backbone of Planning District 16. They employ our neighbors, sponsor our events, and reinvest in our community every single day. But for too long, they've been left to figure it out alone.

The PD16 Business Hub changes that — and it's free to every small business we serve.

That means it runs on partnerships, not fees. We are actively seeking Founding Funders — corporations, foundations, and institutions that believe a strong local economy starts with the businesses already here.

The Ask

Year One Total Program Value: $116,500

Cash Funding Goal: $85,300

In-Kind Contributions Already Committed: $31,200

We are seeking 3 Regional Funding Partners to fully sustain Year One operations. Every dollar is accounted for, every outcome is tracked, and every partner receives a full impact report.

What Your Investment Funds

Every dollar goes directly to program delivery — not overhead.

People A dedicated program coordinator and a roster of expert advisors delivering 300+ hours of free, personalized advising to PD16 small businesses.

Programming Workshops, cohorts, and procurement readiness training across three pathways — Launch, Grow, and Ready — serving entrepreneurs at every stage of business.

Hospitality Real food. Real community. Every session includes meals and refreshments so entrepreneurs can focus on learning and connection — not logistics. We budget $500 per session across 15 sessions because we believe the table matters.

Space All programming is delivered at A&B Creative Event Center in Fredericksburg — a fully equipped, professional venue contributed at below-market rates as part of our in-kind commitment to this work.

Outreach Strategic marketing and community awareness to make sure the businesses that need this most actually know it exists and show up.

Funding Partnership Levels

Anchor Partner

A full program track (Launch, Grow, or Ready) + 75+ entrepreneurs served + premier recognition

$25,000+

Regional Partner

Advising series + cohort programming + regional visibility

$10,000–$24,999

Community Partner

Workshop series + networking events + community recognition

$5,000–$9,999

Supporting Partner

Direct entrepreneur access, resources, and program support

$1,000–$4,999

Our Year One Commitment to You

We don't just track activity — we track outcomes.

By December 2026, the PD16 Business Hub commits to:

200+ PD16 entrepreneurs trained
300+ hours of free advising delivered
50+ small businesses stabilized or launched
25+ businesses prepared for procurement or capital access
3 regional funding partners secured and sustained

Every partner receives a mid-year progress update and a Year One Impact Report — detailing exactly where your investment went and what it produced.

Governance & Accountability

The PD16 Business Hub is a community initiative founded and led by Latasha Brooks, with programming delivered in partnership with Global Business Women Trailblazers, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Philanthropic and grant funding is received and administered through Global Business Women Trailblazers, ensuring full nonprofit accountability, transparent financial reporting, and tax-deductible contributions for eligible donors.

Corporate sponsorships and institutional partnerships are structured to meet the needs of each funder. We are happy to provide our nonprofit documentation, EIN, and program financials upon request.

Already Invested in This Work

The PD16 Business Hub is not starting from scratch. Founder Latasha Brooks brings:

10 years building A&B Creative Events — with the new larger event centers, it has become one of the region's most active small business venues
1,700+ entrepreneurs mentored across the East Coast
Leadership of the NCMA Old Dominion Chapter and a board of director with the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce
A fully built venue and operational infrastructure — contributed as in-kind support valued at $31,200

We are already here. We are already doing this work. We're asking you to invest in making it sustainable.