Dorian Cunion of Your Path Coaching and Consulting
Local business owners looking to sharpen their marketing skills and grow their revenue are invited to attend the Downtown Ashland Association’s Business Bootcamps, held on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the Ashland Branch Library, 201 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005. Registration and more information are available here.
This March and April, the bootcamps are especially designed to help business owners gain clarity, confidence, and actionable tools to accelerate growth. These sessions feature Dorian Cunion of Your Path Coaching and Consulting bringing expertise, guidance, and an interactive approach to each workshop. We are proud to be co-promoting this workshop with the Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce (CVAACC),
In March, participants will dive into the art of validating their customers and understanding their market. Attendees will explore practical ways to identify their ideal customer, uncover insights about their target market, and leverage free and low-cost resources—ranging from library collections and government tools to emerging AI platforms. Through interactive exercises with fellow business owners, participants will learn how to implement a “test-and-learn” process, gain confidence in their marketing decisions, and leave with clear steps to grow their business.
Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce’s April’s Business After Hours event at Annie Ruth’s Wine Bar and Bistro in Midlothian, VA, with guest speaker Dr. Dwayne Whitehead
April’s session focuses on building a marketing strategy that works. Attendees will explore a variety of ways to market their business and will walk away with a 90-day plan designed to turn strategy into action. The workshop emphasizes execution and reflection, helping entrepreneurs evaluate results, refine approaches, and invest their time and money more efficiently to generate revenue.
“March and April are critical months for business growth,” says Dorian Cunion. “Many small businesses face slow revenue in January and February, and this year, challenges like snow and school closings have added extra hurdles. These workshops give entrepreneurs a chance to pause, reflect, and put a concrete plan in place to make up lost ground and accelerate revenue growth.”
Cunion hopes participants walk away with three key insights: that growth doesn’t have to be expensive, that free resources like the Ashland Branch Library are a powerful tool for learning and skill development, and that a focus on the fundamentals of marketing can dramatically improve time and money investment in growing revenue.
The impact of these workshops is already clear. “I first partnered with the Downtown Ashland Association on the Entrepreneur Bootcamp two years ago,” says Cunion. “Watching participants like Karie from Shaken Not Spurred and Liz from Bravo Bakeshop move from idea to fully formed business has been incredibly rewarding. Quarterly updates show how they continue to refine their business models and seize new opportunities.”
Business Bootcamps in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia
For CVAACC, the results are equally inspiring. During a Fall workshop for their Business Accelerator Program, participant Devine Crenshaw of Crenshaw Janitorial shared that the frameworks provided gave him clarity and direction for strategic planning. “With the right tools and guidance, small business owners can take confident, actionable steps toward success,” says Cunion.
The Downtown Ashland Association and CVAACC are dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs thrive. CVAACC’s mission is to support business growth, especially within the African American community, by connecting entrepreneurs to resources, education, and opportunities that strengthen and advance their businesses (www.cvaacc.org).
Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your marketing strategy, these bootcamps offer practical skills, networking, and expert guidance that can transform your business. For Ashland entrepreneurs ready to take their growth to the next level, attending the Business Bootcamps is more than an opportunity—it’s a smart business decision.
Date & Time: First Wednesday of every month, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Ashland Branch Library, 201 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005
Registration & More Info: https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/bootcamp