Virginia
Norfolk
NSU Innovation Center-Norfolk State University
At the NSUIC, we offer entrepreneurship and innovation services and support to the community. We seek to make Norfolk State University an agent of transformation and affluence through an entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving the economy. We seek to inspire and encourage disciplined entrepreneurship in the university community and surrounding communities.
Our chapter offers experienced mentors with decades of expertise in many areas of business including government contracting, manufacturing, hospitality, marketing, financial industries, and computing. Our mentors provide free face-to-face meetings and low cost workshops and events designed to enable entrepreneurs succeed and thrive in today’s challenging business climate. From helping start-up entrepreneurs get their small businesses off the ground to helping established small businesses grow and flourish, our mentors are ready to assist with all manner of business advice and guidance. SCORE Hampton Roads provides clients two convenient locations for mentoring appointments-Norfolk & Virginia Beach.
https://hamptonroads.score.org/
Virginia SBDC-(Small Business Development Center
The Virginia SBDC Network is the largest and most effective provider of customized counseling and education for small businesses in the Commonwealth. You can meet in private with a certified business analyst to discuss your specific issues. Or you can attend small-group trainings for in-depth presentations on critical management topics.
Community workshop and prototyping center that serves entrepreneurs and creators in need of 3D printing, laser cutters/engravers/cutters, CNC’s, welding and related equipment & services.
https://www.757makerspace.com/
Women’s Business Center-Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship-Old Dominion University
Helps elevate women to business success through education, counseling, networking resources and entrepreneurial training.
The Virginia MBDA Business Center helps Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) gain greater access to contracts, markets and capital in the federal government. The mission is to aid, counsel, and assist MBE’s create jobs and generate revenues to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
Virginia Beach
1 Million Cups is a free, weekly program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs.
https://www.1millioncups.com/virginiabeach
SCORE-Virginia (Hampton Roads)
Our chapter offers experienced mentors with decades of expertise in many areas of business including government contracting, manufacturing, hospitality, marketing, financial industries, and computing. Our mentors provide free face-to-face meetings and low cost workshops and events designed to enable entrepreneurs succeed and thrive in today’s challenging business climate. From helping start-up entrepreneurs get their small businesses off the ground to helping established small businesses grow and flourish, our mentors are ready to assist with all manner of business advice and guidance. SCORE Hampton Roads provides clients two convenient locations for mentoring appointments-Norfolk & Virginia Beach.
https://hamptonroads.score.org/
SWaM-Small Women and Minority Owned
The SWaM certification program is administered by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (“SBSD”) and is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s effort to help small, women- and minority-owned businesses with doing business with state government entities.
https://fiscal.gmu.edu/purchasing/do-business-with-mason/become-certified-swam-business/
Their mission is to advance and facilitate an environment of business opportunities, focusing on increasing expenditures to minority and woman-owned businesses by the City of Virginia Beach as a means to further the City’s economic development and vitality.
https://finance.virginiabeach.gov/purchasing/minority-business-council
Virginia SBDC-(Small Business Development Center)
The Virginia SBDC Network is the largest and most effective provider of customized counseling and education for small businesses in the Commonwealth. You can meet in private with a certified business analyst to discuss your specific issues. Or you can attend small-group trainings for in-depth presentations on critical management topics.
Newport News
Newport News Economic Development-Launch and Go
Your One-Stop-Shop for Starting or Growing Your Business. We look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Newport News business community, So, let’s get you the information you need to start a business in Newport News!
https://newportnewsva.com/resources/launch-grow-roadmap/
The purpose of this program is to assist small, women and minority-owned, for-profit Newport News companies in growing their business through E-commerce. The Economic Development Authority of the City of Newport News, Virginia (EDA) has agreed to help Newport News private businesses grow revenues and jobs through E-commerce, and has set aside a business assistance grant fund for that purpose.
https://www.nnva.gov/627/E-Commerce-Grant-Program
Newport News Micro Loan Program
Learn how your small business or start-up could qualify for a loan of up to $25,000.
https://www.nnva.gov/636/Newport-News-Micro-Loan-Program
757 Accelerate is a non-profit startup accelerator program. Their mission is to provide startups with the customized resources and capital they need to grow. They boost promising startups towards customer traction and revenue using their network of mentors, investors, support services, working space, and a lean startup education.
StartWheel is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to centralize and mobilize efforts that foster the growth of entrepreneurism in our regional innovation economy. We aim to guide and cultivate an entrepreneurial network where talent, resources information and leadership come together.
Richmond
Arts & Cultural District Micro-Enterprise Revolving Loan Program (MERLF)
Purpose: To provide access to capital to small businesses, entrepreneurs, developers and non-profits that are seeking to stimulate the arts and the revitalization of Richmond’s desig
Startup Virginia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a long-term, sustainable economy for Virginia. With support from our community partners, mentors, investors and donors, we help entrepreneurs of high-growth startups reach their full potential.
http://www.startupvirginia.org/about/
Citywide Revolving Loan Program
Administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, this financial tool provides access to capital for small businesses, entrepreneurs, developers, and non-profits that are seeking to stimulate the revitalization of Richmond’s neighborhoods and promote permanent job creation for low to moderate income residents.
http://www.yesrichmondva.com/local-business-assistance/Citywide-Revolving-Loans
The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is a discretionary incentive available by the Mayor’s Office to secure a business location or expansion project in the city of Richmond. Grants are awarded as a match to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Governor’s Opportunity Fund with the expectation that the grant will result in a favorable location decision for the city of Richmond.
SCORE Richmond offers free, confidential mentoring, affordable workshops, networking events and extensive online content