NORFOLK, VA – Don’t wait until daylight to develop your new business! StartGrowBiz is a new, online tool that will walk budding entrepreneurs through planning, launching, managing, and growing their business.
“As we think about economic inclusion and creating access and opportunity, the City of Norfolk is proud to offer a resource that’s available to entrepreneurs which takes their business from an idea to execution. Sometimes the best ideas come at 2am and StartGrowBiz supports that,” said Aleea Slappy-Wilson, Chief Diversity Officer.
StartGrowBiz was created by ARDX, a small, minority-woman owned, healthcare IT consulting firm based in Norfolk.
“Being keenly aware that economics is a major determinant of health, ARDX is proud to partner with the City of Norfolk to launch this much needed entrepreneur resource in Hampton Roads,” said Angela Reddix, founder and CEO of ARDX. “And the timing couldn’t be better – small businesses are the backbone of our economy, so establishing and building small businesses has to be a part of our economic recovery strategy.”
ARDX was awarded the contract to develop the site through Norfolk’s participation in Start-Up in Residence (STIR). STIR connects government agencies with businesses to develop technology products that address civic challenges and help make government more responsive.
StartGrowBiz’s four easy steps for business development feature helpful information with everything an entrepreneur needs for each stage.
• Planning – developing business plan, conducting market research
• Launching – Determining business location, opening business bank accounts
• Managing – paying taxes, purchasing assets and equipment, marketing and sales
• Growing – business mergers and acquisitions, exporting products, expanding
StartGrowBiz provides additional resources and support already available to small businesses in the Department of Economic Development.
“Economic Development is thrilled to lead the region and offer this online resource that will support our small businesses. The team’s experience working with entrepreneurs shaped StartGrowBiz and ensures we are providing the information an individual needs to develop a small business,” Jared Chalk, Director, Economic Development.
StartGrowBiz also serves as a one-stop shop for existing businesses by connecting established business owners to City contract opportunities. Existing businesses are also encouraged to register with the Department of Economic Development for additional customized service and support. Follow this link to register today.
Norfolk is the first city in Hampton Roads to offer an online business development resource.
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