Business briefs Oct. 31

New options for VA loan refinancing

Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a Department of Veterans Affairs guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which the president signed into law Oct. 10.

VA has never guaranteed subprime loans. However, as a result of the new law VA can now help many more veterans who currently have subprime loans.

The new law makes changes to VA’s home loan refinancing program. Veterans who wish to refinance their subprime or conventional mortgage may now do so for up to 100 percent of the value of the property. These types of loans were previously limited to 90 percent of the value.

SCORE offers small business counseling

SCORE, a small business credit counseling agency, will provide free, confidential counseling for small business owners and prospective owners at the Mason Enterprise Center Prince William, George Mason University on Tuesday and Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, e-mail jleonard@gmu.edu or call 703-993-9415.

Seminar focuses on state eVA

Interested in doing business with the Commonwealth of Virginia? For free business counseling on eVA, the State’s web-based purchasing system, or SWaM (small, women and minority) business certification, contact the Mason Enterprise Center at 703-993-9415 or e-mail jleonard@gmu.edu. Seats are limited.

Got FIOS? Get voting info

Verizon’s FiOS1 local TV channel is offering viewers a place to get informed, get caught up and get their facts straight before they cast their votes.

Through Nov. 4, FiOS1 will air rebroadcasts of the three presidential debates and the vice-presidential debate, as well as key speeches from the Democratic and Republican conventions. In addition, FiOS1 is offering video segments from FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that monitors and researches the accuracy of statements made in political advertisements.

Expert to speak at business workshop

National level speaker Hilary Fordwich, a noted expert in the field of strategic relationships brings to life the principles from the business bestseller, REVVED!, as she outlines proven strategies for building relationships with your team, customers and prospects. This workshop is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 7 at 8 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club/Hylton Branch, 5070 Dale Boulevard in Dale City and is sponsored by the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The cost is $45 for members and $65 for non-members (both prepaid). Call 703-590-5000 for reservations or visit www.regionalchamber.org.

Chamber members given new site access

Every member of the Chamber has been given a free Media Room as an added benefit of membership. The Media Room is an Internet site where the organization can post information meant for the media.

Jonathan Arehart, president and CEO of Cavendo Corporation will offer free monthly tutorials to Chamber members wishing to learn how to use the My Media Room site. Upcoming tutorials are scheduled for Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Western Prince William Branch Office, 7450 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 202 in Gainesville. For more information, contact Laurel Vaughan at 703-368-6600, Ext. 14 or lvaughan@pwcgmcc.org.