The HIVE - VB Business Resource Center

05/29/2026

🎉 Welcome Jerry Mathis to The HIVE at Virginia Beach Economic Development as our new Senior Business Development Representative!

With 14+ years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, Jerry brings a passion for community, business growth, and helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into action. We’re excited to have him supporting the Virginia Beach small business community and expanding resources for local entrepreneurs.

Welcome to The HIVE, Jerry! 👏

05/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium!

Virginia Beach Economic Development’s THE HIVE was proud to partner with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity(SBSD) to bring together entrepreneurs, small businesses, industry leaders, and contracting professionals from across the region for a morning of connection, collaboration, and insight.

From valuable discussions on government contracting opportunities to networking with local and regional partners, the event highlighted the strength and innovation of the Hampton Roads Alliance small business community.

A special thank you to our speakers, partners, and attendees who helped make this event a success. We’re excited to continue supporting businesses as they grow, compete, and thrive in our region.

Virginia APEX Accelerator | Virginia Beach City Government

05/14/2026

Honored to celebrate the businesses driving innovation and growth across Hampton Roads at the 2026 Small Business of the Year Awards. Congratulations to Adele Diamond, Holy Cannoli, and North Point Senior Homecare on their well-deserved recognition! 👏

We’re grateful to be part of a celebration highlighting the people and businesses shaping the future of our region.

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

The City of Virginia Beach has been recognized as the No. 3 Top City for Small Business in 2026 by the Diverse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting its strong commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business growth.

This ranking reflects key strengths across the local business ecosystem, including technology adoption, government support, and access to resources for businesses at every stage.

Through The HIVE, the City partners with academic institutions, business organizations, and regional stakeholders to provide free workshops, expert guidance, and one-stop entrepreneurial support. This helps businesses start, grow, and scale, with a focus on expanding access for underserved communities.

Virginia Beach also continues to support small, women-owned, minority-owned, and service-disabled/veteran-owned businesses through the SWaM Business Office and the Minority Business Council, which provide training, resources, and procurement support.

This recognition reflects continued collaboration between Virginia Beach Economic Development, local entrepreneurs, and community partners working to build a strong, inclusive environment where small businesses can thrive.

05/13/2026

Big things are happening at The HIVE this summer! 🌟

From hands-on workshops to powerful networking opportunities, May through July is packed with events designed to help entrepreneurs learn, connect, and grow. Kick things off with sessions like Business Finance Basics, and then dive deeper into topics like government contracting and building a standout business presence.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, The HIVE is where ideas turn into action. 🚀

👉 Check out upcoming events and save your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-hive-virginia-beach-business-resource-center-50711280383

05/07/2026

Join us for our upcoming Procurement Café—a relaxed, hands-on workshop designed to help small businesses better understand the procurement process and connect with real opportunities.

Whether you’re just getting started with government contracting or looking to grow, you’ll gain practical insights and have the chance to connect directly with the City’s Procurement team.

📅 Monday, May 11
🕙 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
📍 The HIVE, 140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach

Come grab a cup of coffee, ask questions, and walk away with tools you can actually use.

🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-procurement-cafe-doing-business-with-the-city-of-virginia-beach-tickets-1985330560149

Get the inside scoop on navigating the procurement process with the City of Virginia Beach at the upcoming Procurement Cafe.

05/06/2026

If you’re building a business or thinking about starting one, this week is a great reminder: you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s connect, collaborate, and keep building together!

05/06/2026

Ready to grow your business and your network? 🌟

Join us for Business Beyond the Clock Out in Virginia Beach, an evening dedicated to connection, collaboration, and community. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, this event is your chance to tap into valuable resources, build meaningful relationships, and learn how we support business growth across Virginia.

📅 Friday, May 8
⏰ 6 PM–8 PM
📍 HIVE Business Resource Center (140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462)

✨ What to expect:
• Professional networking
• Access to business resources
• Insights to support your growth
• Refreshments while you connect

This event is complimentary for small business owners, but registration is required.

Secure your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-beyond-clock-out-virginia-beach-tickets-1986955184444

Organized by the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce and Isle of Wight County, this gathering reflects a shared commitment to uplifting diverse businesses across the region. Together, these organizations are building bridges between communities, expanding access to resources, and fostering partnerships that create lasting economic impact.

An evening of networking, relationship building, and business resources for small businesses in VA Beach.

05/06/2026

Thinking about using LinkedIn to grow your business but not sure where to start (or what actually works)? 🤔 We’ve got you covered!

Join us at The HIVE for “Becoming a LinkedIn AI Maverick,” where we’ll break down simple, practical ways to improve your profile, reach the right people, and make LinkedIn work for your business.

We’ll also talk about AI, including what’s helpful, what’s not, and how to use it without losing your authentic voice.

Perfect for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build stronger connections and visibility online.

📅 Friday, May 8
🕘 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
📍 140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach

Come learn, connect, and walk away with tools you can actually use. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/becoming-a-linkedin-with-ai-maverick-tickets-1983774390604?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Whether you are primarily looking for B-2-B or B-2-C customers, becoming a LinkedIn Maverick will be one of the best ways to build relations