GO Start-Up Application

2025 Application Form
The Growing Opportunity (GO) Start-Up program is a four-week training program that prepares City of Charlottesville residents to become entrepreneurs. The program will allow participants to enhance and refine their business idea, test their business idea in a low-risk environment, and learn skills essential for business ownership. The September cohort will be held in person on Wednesdays from 5 pm - 7 pm. Students will receive a toolkit to start their business, as well as marketing materials and licensing for their business. GO Start-Up is offered at no cost to program participants courtesy of the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development (OED).

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS OF THIS APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED.

If you need assistance completing this application please contact Keith Groomes, OED Entrepreneurship Program Specialist, at groomesk@charlottesville.gov or (434) 970-3514.
Applicant Information
First Name*
Last Name*
Suffix
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Street Address*
Apartment/Unit/Suite*
City*
State*
Zip Code*
Phone Number*
Email*
example@example.com
Please select your preferred method of contact:*

PhoneEmailEither
Do you currently receive financial assistance through SNAP, TANF, or unemployment benefits?*

YesNoI Prefer Not To Answer
Please identify the highest level of education you have attained:*

High School Diploma or GEDSome CollegeCareer Credential(s)Associate DegreeBachelor's DegreeGraduate CertificateMaster's Degree or Higher
References

Please provide three (3) references. At least one (1) professional reference is preferred.
Reference #1 Full Name*
Reference #1 Relationship to Applicant*
Reference #1 Phone Number*
Reference #1 Email Address*
Reference #2 Full Name*
Reference #2 Relationship to Applicant*
Reference #2 Phone Number*
Reference #2 Email Address*
Reference #3 Full Name*
Reference #3 Relationship to Applicant*
Reference #3 Phone Number*
Reference #3 Email Address*
Employment Status
Are you currently employed?*

Yes, in a full-time positionYes, in a part-time positionI am currently a stay-at-home caregiverNo, I am not currently employed
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please provide the name of your current employer. (If you are employed by more than one employer, please provide the name of what you identify as your primary employer.)
Supplemental Information
Please describe your business idea in five sentences or more.*
What has been, or do you envision to be, the most challenging thing about starting your own business?*
Have you taken any other entrepreneurship training programs/classes? If so, please provide the program name(s), program summary information, and completion date(s).*
What are you hoping to get out of the GO Start-Up program?*
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
The City of Charlottesville Office of Development requires applicants provide proof of residency as part of the interview process. Please choose which item(s) you intend to provide as proof of residency:*

Virginia Driver's License or Identification CardUnited States Military Identification CardUnited States PassportOther Government-Issued IdentificationCurrent Employer PaystubCurrent Utility Bill
DISCLAIMER AND SIGNATURE
GO Start-Up offers a limited number of seats in each cohort. Should the number of applicants exceed the number of available seats, the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development will make final determination which applicants to offer admission to in its sole discretion, without regard to gender, race, age, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or the like.

The City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development intends to maximize GO Start-Up for the benefit of City of Charlottesville residents. As such, preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate residency within the CIty of Charlottesville.

Providing false or misleading information on this application form, any required supplementary information, or during the interview may result in the applicant being denied admission to the Go Start-Up or removed from the program if already accepted.

Participation in GO Start-Up gives participants no guarantee of any potential future grant funding or scholarships.

If accepted into GO Start-Up, participants agree to allow their name, image, and likeness to be utilized freely and without compensation by the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development for marketing purposes.
By checking the box below I acknowledge I have read and understand the disclaimers provided in the preceding section, and certify to the best of my knowledge that all information provided in this application is true and accurate as of the date this application is submitted.*

I AGREE
Printed Name*
Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Should be Empty:

2025 Application Form

Applicant Information

References

Employment Status

Supplemental Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

DISCLAIMER AND SIGNATURE