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11 Resources for Norfolk's Small Business Owners

Small businesses make a big impact and are vital to the fabric of every community. But let’s face it, owning a business requires unwavering passion and dedication, which can be daunting at times. Challenges often arise along the way, and this can be subduing for any business owner both new and experienced.
Luckily, here in Norfolk, the small business owner is never alone.

Our city’s expert system of organizations and programs is well-versed and dedicated to supporting business owners and entrepreneurs, offering free resources and opportunities for every stage of the business cycle from ideation to growth. Here is a snapshot of some of the partners the Business Creation and Entrepreneurship team engaged with during their first ECOsystem Roundtable in April.  For more information about Norfolk Development Small Business resources, check out our Facade Improvement Grant and Capital Access Program.

#1 Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Norfolk’s Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosts seminars, trainings, networking events, and 1:1 business support from a virtual office and in-person visits. Their focus is on using city services and program to provide inclusive economic opportunity and growth to all individuals.
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#2 Black Brand

Black Brand provides support for minority-owned businesses. They offer help with document creation (P&L, Cashflow, pro forma, balance sheet), contract creations, contract review/edit, web development, graphic design, business plan creation, tax filing, capabilities statements, government contracting sites registration, videography, photography, pitch deck creations, and proposal creation.
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#3 Verizon

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.
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#4 Downtown Norfolk Council

Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) is home to Norfolk’s Selden Market, a rotating line-up of up-and-coming concepts in local retail, food, and more. Small Businesses can apply to gain access to a storefront and guaranteed foot traffic. DNC also offers the Vibrancy Grant Program, known to fund exterior enhancements to Downtown local businesses.
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#5 Retail Allaince

Retail Alliance offers a Certificate in Retail Operations which is a 14-week online course designed to equip participants with education and skills to overcome challenges that come with starting or advancing in the retail industry. They champion retailers' success through education, lobbying/advocacy, collaborations, along with a variety of other products and services that benefit any small business.
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#6 Hendrix Business Center

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.
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#7 Educational Services of Hampton Roads, Inc.

Educational Services of Hampton Roads, Inc. assists small businesses with developing and writing business plans. Their incubator program, Aspiring Business Owners Project (ABOP) is a free 10-week course designed to assist with constructing compelling business plans and pitches to investors.
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#8 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.
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#9 Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) offers small business loans to established businesses. They also work to support culturally competent local business development organizations that can help entrepreneurs access capital, upgrade marketing and accounting systems, troubleshoot problems, or find affordable commercial space.
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#10 Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) offers small business loans to established businesses. They also work to support culturally competent local business development organizations that can help entrepreneurs access capital, upgrade marketing and accounting systems, troubleshoot problems, or find affordable commercial space.
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#11 757 Collab

757 Collab offers financial literacy, accounting, and legal, in addition to unique programs such as 757 Startup Studios, 757 Accelerate, 757 Angels, and 757 Partnerships.
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