Small Business Resources
- Black BRAND (African American Chamber of Commerce) blackbrand.biz
- Grow Lab – free technical assistance for Norfolk-based businesses https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WpPX6U2R5Cjdmvr6H4BbLGpeR_XmsgyTw9mJmBsqY5Y/edit
- B-Force Accelerator – 12 week intensive that helps Black and Latinx businesses become more fundable in order to access capital, scale your business, and build a great team https://blackbrand.biz/b-force-accelerator/
- SURGE Community Business Academy – Offers cohorts 3 times a year, pays for professional services, technical assistance, and potential grant opportunities
- Grow Lab – free technical assistance for Norfolk-based businesses https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WpPX6U2R5Cjdmvr6H4BbLGpeR_XmsgyTw9mJmBsqY5Y/edit
- Hendrix Business Center https://www.sloverlibrary.com/business
- The Hendrix Business Center, located in The Slover, provides resources for people in every phase of the business cycle. Business owners are eligible for a free, full-access library card that allows instant access to digital business and marketing resources, the Gale Database, and check out items.
- https://www.sloverlibrary.com/business
- City of Norfolk’s Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion norfolk.gov/DEI
- Assistance with Navigating City Services and Resources, Doing Business with the City of Norfolk, Assistance with Business Planning and Coaching
- dei@norfolk.gov
- Educational Services of Hampton Roads, Inc. eshrinc.org
- Aspiring Business Owners Project – In collaboration with Dollar Bank and LiSC Hampton Roads, ESHR, Inc. has launched an incubator program for aspiring entrepreneurs hoping to create local small businesses. This free 10-week course is designed to assist with constructing compelling business plans and pitches to investors.
- Tyrone Davis, Project Coordinator 757-409-9044
- LISC (Local Initiative Support Coalition) https://www.lisc.org/hampton-roads/
- National nonprofit that provides financing and support for community development around. As one of 38 local offices, LISC Hampton Roads works with local government, community development corporations and other nonprofits to revitalize neighborhoods and catalyze opportunity.
- Local office located in Portsmouth
- NSU Innovation Center https://linktr.ee/nsuinnovationcenter
- Offers free training and business consultations, hosts networking events to grow entrepreneurial support
- ODU Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship https://ww1.odu.edu/iie
- The ODU Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship provides focused business counseling, advisory, and support services through robust, inclusive, and compliant sponsored programs to foster economic development for the Hampton Roads, Virginia region.
- Multiple business resource centers available: Women’s Business Center, Veteran Business Center, Business Development Center, and more.
- Small Business Development Center https://hrchamber.com/programs/small-business/
- Provides free one on one counseling sessions free of charge.
- Hosts events and can assist entrepreneurs in search of technical assistance in finance areas.
- 757-664-2592 or sbdc@hrchamber.com
- 757 Accelerate https://757accelerate.org/
- 12-week-long mentorship-driven, milestone-based program.
- Additional programs under 757 Accelerate
- 757 Collab https://757collab.org/ – Catalyzing the 757’s startup ecosystem with incubation, acceleration and capital
- 757 Angels https://757angels.org/ – Connecting qualified investors with vetted founders
- Startup Studios https://757startupstudios.org/ – Community for founders, hub for growth minded entrepreneurs in Hampton Roads.
- Fulton Bank
- Fulton Bank offers their Small Business Education Center Diverse Business Banking Program, special purpose credit/deposit/payment products, as well as 1:1 mentorship with a dedicated, diverse business advocate.
- Joseph L. Barnes, Jr. Senior Vice President – Senior Commercial Relationship Manager
- jbarnes@fultonbank.com 757-962-9550 ext. 15750
- Dollar Bank
- Products that will aid in solutions to help your business run smoother.
- Kinte Smith, VP, Business Banking
- smithkd@dollarbank.com 757-451-4012
- Verizon Small Business – Digital Ready
- Verizon offers a variety of valuable resources including free online courses, tools, 1:1 coaching, access to a peer network of entrepreneurs, and $10,000 grant cycles.
- https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/small-business-training