Business, Law, and Nonprofits
 
October 2025 Newsletter
 
 
The latest issue of our monthly newsletters to keep you informed of legal topics, small business programs, and nonprofit workshops. Please share this newsletter with others! If you have questions, please contact me. And check out our online resources at https://rvalibrary.org/richmond-room/
 
Charlie Schmidt, Law Librarian, 804-646-6500, charles.schmidt@rva.gov

Check out these upcoming programs!
Click on the titles to learn more
Nonprofits: Grant Writing 101
Tuesday, Sept 30,
5:30 PM

Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street

THIS IS A REPEAT OF OUR POPULAR SPRING PROGRAM! Want some tips on writing proposals? New to nonprofit grant writing? Learn how to write more effective grant proposals! This workshop, hosted with Sage RVA nonprofit consulting, https://www.sage-rva.com/, will also give insight on how to reach funders in the Richmond grantmaking community--and make your proposals stand out!

Space is limited. Click on the tile link to register.
Understanding Federal Contracting:
Pathways to Government Business Success

Starts Tuesday, Oct 14,
All sessions begin at 6:00 PM

Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street

This comprehensive 3-week workshop is designed to equip small businesses with the necessary tools, resources, and insights to effectively compete in the federal marketplace. Facilitator Tamara H. Reese, a certified federal acquisition professional and former Contracting Officer with the U.S. Department of Defense will provide her perspective based on years of developing relevant knowledge and expertise.

Weekly Topics: 
Oct 14 - Introduction to the Federal Marketplace
Oct 21 - Building a Competitive Edge - Proposals, Bids and Quotes
Oct 28 - Strategic Growth and Government Engagement.

Presented by the Office of Minority Business Development


Registration required. Click on the title link to register. 
 
CHANGE OF DATE - FOIA PROGRAM
Know Your Rights: Virginia FOIA
Saturday, October 25,
2:00 PM

Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street

CHANGE OF DATE - Because of scheduling conflicts with the presenters, we have changed the date of this program to Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 PM.

This Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) workshop, geared towards the general public, brings together lawyers, advocates, and practitioners to walk participants through the Virginia FOIA process. Topics covered include: crafting FOIA requests, negotiating with public bodies, common FOIA violations, and enforcing your rights in court. 
Estate Planning Legal Workshop
Friday, October 31,
11:00 AM

North Avenue Library, 2901 North Avenue

Will or a trust? What’s a Medical Directive? Learn the basics of wills, trusts, and estate planning. The Law Librarian will also show patrons how to find examples of wills, powers of attorney, and other legal forms using Lexis, Westlaw, Gale Forms and other legal research tools accessible for free at the Richmond Public Law Library.
Intellectual Property Law
Trademarks and Copyright

Friday, November 7,
11:00 AM

West End Branch Library

What's the difference between a patent and a trademark? How do I apply for a copyright? What is "fair use"? This workshop, presented by the Richmond Public Law Library, will help nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and small business owners get the information they need to protect their ideas and their brands. The Law Librarian will also show you how to access free, trusted small business legal resources online and at the Richmond Public Law Library.
 
Office of Minority Business Development presents a
Five-Week Business Growth Series
Thursdays at Main Library
 
Positioning Your Business for Success
Session 1 - Grow Your Business Revenue by Access to Capital
Thursday, Sept 25, 6:00 PM
Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street

Access to capital is critical for business growth. In this session, participants will learn how lenders evaluate businesses through the Five Cs of Credit and explore the differences between conventional lending and SBA loans. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of financing options available to them and how to position their business for loan approval. Registration required. Click on the title link to register.
Session 2 - The Importance of Choosing a CPA
Thursday, Oct 2, 6:00 PM
Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street

A CPA can be one of the most valuable advisors for a business owner. This class will cover how to find and select the right CPA, what to expect from the relationship, and how a CPA can support business growth, compliance, and long-term success. Participants will leave knowing the key questions to ask and how to align with a CPA who fits their unique business needs. Registration required. Click on the title link to register.
Session 3 - Protecting Your Business
Thursday, Oct 9, 6:00 PM
Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street

Every successful business needs protection. In this panel session, a banker, insurance professional, and attorney will share essential strategies for safeguarding your business assets, minimizing risks, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Participants will gain practical insights on financial protection, legal safeguards, and insurance solutions to keep their business secure. Registration required. Click on the title link to register.
Session 4 - Marketing and Branding
Thursday, Oct 16, 6:00 PM
Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street

A strong brand and effective marketing plan are vital for standing out in today’s marketplace. This session will teach participants how to build a brand foundation, create a strategic marketing plan, and leverage social media to expand their reach. Attendees will leave with tools to strengthen their brand identity and attract their ideal customers. Registration required. Click on the title link to register.
Session 5 - Graduation and Meet Your Resources
Thursday, Oct 23, 6:00 PM
Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street

Celebrate and connect with organizations and community partners who can continue supporting your business journey. Leave with a network of resource to grow beyond the program! Registration required. Click on the title link to register. 
Nonprofit Resource Spotlight!
 
 
The Richmond Public Library is your local access point for GuideStar Pro. While GuideStar has a free online version, GuideStar Pro is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate information on over 1.8 million nonprofit organizations.
 
With GuideStar you can gather insights on financials, people/leadership, mission, and more. Research a potential community partner. Search 990 tax returns to see what programs and initiatives are being funded - and who is funding them!
 
GuideStar Pro must be accessed from Main Library (no remote access).
 
Call or email for more information
Carissa Elder
804-646-6500, carissa.elder@rva.gov
 
 
 
Small Business Resource Spotlight!
 
Thinking of starting a business? Or want to grow your existing small businesses?
 
The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is an organization of 25 local offices across Virginia providing professional business advising, training, and business resources to help grow and strengthen Virginia businesses.
 
Thousands of business owners and managers received one-on-one advising every year, and twice as many business owners attended programs offered by the SBDC. 
 
SBDC professionals assist with business planning, marketing, financial analysis, access to capital, business start-up and other specialized services as requested. 
 
 Click here to for more information and to schedule an appointment.
 
 
 

Standby Guardian and
Power of Attorney
Legal Clinics 
 
The Law Library and the City of Richmond Office of Immigration and Refugee Engagement have teamed up to offer free legal support to immigrant families who may be in danger of detention or deportation.
 
Volunteer attorneys help families draft Standby Guardianships for minor children and Power of Attorney documents to secure property.
 
Clinics are held on the 4th Thursdays of each month from 9am to 12pm. Call 804-646-0145 for information and to make an appointment.
 
 

Looking for Legal Forms?

Need an Operating Agreement for an LLC? How about a Power of Attorney? Maybe you need to write a formal business letter? Next time you need a legal form, check out Gale Legal Forms.
 
Gale Legal Forms is accessible from the library, your home, or office (so long as you access it through the link on the library's website). It is a trusted, vetted source with hundreds of Virginia specific legal forms on a variety of topics.
 
Don't just web search for a "Non-Disclosure Agreement" - you may not know what you downloaded!
Go to trusted sources.
 
Click here to access Gale Legal Forms
 
 
Check Out Our Legal Resource Guide
 
Did you know the Law Library has a Legal Resource Guide?
 
This Guide has information on all the free and low-cost legal services in the Richmond area.
It can be found on the Law Library page in both English and Spanish.
 
The Guide has detailed contact information and links to local legal aid societies, pro bono clinics, and lists legal services by topics. It is helpful tool if you are seeking legal help. It is also helpful for service providers who have clients that may be looking for legal information.
 
Click here to download and view the Legal Resource Guide
 
Richmond Public Library
101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 646-7223

https://rvalibrary.org/