Hampton Economic Development

06/11/2026

Ready to take control of your business finances?

Getting your finances organized is one of the most important steps toward growing your business and preparing for funding opportunities. Join Virginia SBDC for a practical, easy-to-follow session designed to help business owners build a strong financial foundation.

You'll learn:
✅ How to separate personal and business finances
✅ Basic bookkeeping practices—even using a simple spreadsheet
✅ Easy systems for tracking income, expenses, and receipts
✅ What financial reports like an income statement can tell you
✅ How to set financial goals and forecast cash flow

This workshop is perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to get organized before investing in accounting software.

Start building the financial systems that support growth and position your business for success. Register today! https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=940460030

06/10/2026

🎉🌟 CELEBRATING THEIR 5TH YEAR! 🌟🎉

Join YouthFest '26 on July 11, 2026, from 10 AM–4 PM at the West Hampton Community Center! Hosted by KEVEN'S WORLD & Friends & Ambassadors, this exciting Nickelodeon-style event features games, challenges, live broadcasts, talent showcases, food trucks, exhibits, and more.

YouthFest '26 welcomes:

✅ Youth Vendors
✅ Youth Entrepreneurs
✅ Mentoring Organizations
✅ Garden Presentations
✅ STEAM Exhibitors
✅ Community Organizations

Students can also become YouthFest '26 Ambassadors and participate in the KEVEN'S WORLD Live Experience!

Come celebrate youth leadership, entrepreneurship, education, and community with us!

📍 West Hampton Community Center
📅 July 11, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM

Visit https://gogacc.org/ -4778-4641-ac22-19c29a432d67 for additional information.

06/09/2026

Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant Programs
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Eastern
Location: Online

An informative virtual session led by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Grants team!

VTC offers several funding programs to assist the Virginia travel industry. This webinar will focus on the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program grant for tourism-oriented small businesses - like boutique retail, lodging, restaurants, and attractions. Applications open mid-June 2026.

Join Staci Martin, Grants Director, with the support of Shruthi Manimaran, Grants Coordinator for a deep dive into this program.

You will leave with a better understanding of:

* the program
* the marketing focus
* who is eligible
* in-kind and cash management requirements
* timelines and deadlines
* and how to apply for the program

Free event.
Register online: https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=900460002

06/03/2026

A big thank you to Marco Frigelj of IncuHub for leading an engaging and insightful workshop on “Storytelling to Brand Your Business.”

As a collaborative workspace community for business owners throughout Hampton Roads, IncuHub continues to be a valuable partner in supporting entrepreneurship and business growth across our region.

Attendees learned how sharing their unique story can strengthen their brand, build trust, and create meaningful connections with customers. Marco provided valuable strategies and real-world examples that demonstrated the power of authentic storytelling in business growth and marketing success.

Interested in growing your business? Be sure to follow Hampton Economic Development and watch for upcoming workshops, training opportunities, and resources designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. We look forward to seeing you at a future event!

05/18/2026

Looking to hire top talent? Don’t miss the 5th Annual Regional Job Fair — bigger, stronger, and more competitive than ever!

In partnership with Hampton Economic Empowerment, this premier hiring event connects employers with qualified, job-ready candidates in a high-impact environment designed for real hiring results.

Meet motivated candidates ready to work
Conduct on-the-spot interviews
Build your future talent pipeline
Increase your company visibility alongside top employers
Whether you’re hiring now or planning ahead, this is your opportunity to recruit smarter and hire faster.

Employer spots are limited and demand is high — secure your spot today!

Looking to hire? Join the 5th Annual Job Fair and connect with ready-to-work candidates! Employer spots are limited. Register today!

05/14/2026

Looking to strengthen or grow your business? The Virginia SBDC
offers no-cost individualized advising for entrepreneurs and business owners — from startups to established businesses.

Join these upcoming webinars designed to help your business succeed:
✔️ Organizing Finances
✔️ Standard Operating Procedures
✔️ Ask a Business Lawyer: What to Look for Before You Sign

Take advantage of expert guidance and practical tools to help move your business forward.

https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/events.aspx

05/13/2026

Professional Selling for Small Business - May 21; 10AM-12PM
Foxhill Neighborhood Center, 65 Hall Road, Hampton

Many new business owners feel uncomfortable with selling — but it doesn’t have to feel pushy or awkward.

This workshop will help you reframe selling as a natural, customer-focused conversation. You’ll learn how to:
✨ Ask the right questions
✨ Understand customer needs
✨ Present your product or service with confidence and clarity

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with practical techniques to turn everyday conversations into real business opportunities.

Stop “selling” and start connecting. Your next customer conversation could change your business.

Free event, registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professional-selling-for-small-business-tickets-1988320737851?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/12/2026

SBA Loan Programs: Up to $5 million Available for Small Businesses
Thu, May 14 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (Online workshop)

Small Business Administration loans can be used for a wide variety of needs including working capital, purchases of inventory and equipment, refinancing business debt, buying a business, and the purchase or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate.

During this webinar, we will discuss the three main SBA Loan Programs - 7(a), 504 and Microloans. You will receive guidance on….

* what to do before approaching a lender
* what the SBA application process looks like
* how to find SBA lenders

This event is part of Capital Pathways, a no-cost program from the Virginia SBDC that helps small businesses get the funding they need to grow. The program is designed for very small (fewer than 10 employees), emerging, and growth-ready businesses that face challenges accessing traditional financing. It offers hands-on group learning, guided implementation, and extended one-on-one support focused on strengthening your finances, loan applications, and legal setup.

No cost. Register now to save your spot!
https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=940460025&cid=1EKdsx9ACA1EoxnOicXVBu-IyulYU6ISCL2VZXXmxYRzpErKSM2gf5yNpHp7TopzOZG_b1RdBwQr8tORzS7JfT1suaRm7rX_x2GO2gbhtm2c=

05/11/2026

Applications are now open for the City of Hampton’s Retail Incubator, SPARK Shops!

Are you a home-based business ready to grow into a brick-and-mortar retailer? This program supports local retailers with affordable space, mentorship, training, and a supportive ecosystem designed to help your business thrive.

Eligible businesses include gift items, home décor, clothing, accessories, shoes, candles, soaps, children’s clothing, handmade or curated items, art, and packaged non-perishable foods.

Applicants must be located in the City of Hampton and able to commit to 12 months of training and coaching. Selected applicants will complete a short interview before final confirmation.

Apply Here: https://form.jotform.com/260684380747062

Tag a business owner who should apply or share this post with someone who’s ready for the next step.

05/08/2026

Hampton is where it’s at!

Ribbon cutting #2

Congratulations to The Foleck Center on their move to a new Hampton location (2306 Cunningham Drive)! From preventive care and cosmetic treatments to dental implants and restorative procedures, their team is dedicated to providing personalized oral health care for every patient. https://thefoleckcenter.com/

We’re proud to see businesses continue to grow and invest in Hampton!