Small Business Resource Center - HIVE

Small Business Resource Center - HIVE

Get your company on the path to success.

The new Small Business Resource Center (SBRC - HIVE) in Town Center is designed to support an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hampton Roads through collaboration with the City of Virginia Beach, academic institutions, other cities in Hampton Roads, Small Business Associations, and other entrepreneurial related organizations. Partnerships and collaboration are the core of the center’s approach to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the City of Virginia Beach.

Purpose

HIVE's immediate purpose will serve as a business incubator to develop business competitiveness, job creation, investment opportunities, infrastructural improvements, global inclusion, workforce development, and participation within the Hampton Roads community.

HIVE-Sponsored Events

Throughout 2021, the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, in partnership with Virginia Wesleyan University and Hampton Roads Workforce Council, will continue to support the small business community by providing a series of no-cost professional development​ workshops.

All of our workshops are free to attend. Our goal is to make the workshop series accessible to anyone who may be interested in learning, collaborating with community members, and/or growing their entrepreneurial skills.​ To see what is available, click here.

For upcoming Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity events, visit this page.

We strive to serve as a hub of knowledge for the students, faculty, and staff of Virginia Beach and beyond. We look forward to solidifying the foundations of any business that wants our help.

Our Vision

The mission of the Virginia Beach Hive is designed to support an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem within the City of Virginia Beach and other Hampton Roads cities. Our goal is to solidify the foundation of any business that seeks our services. The center aims to become a center of business knowledge and cutting-edge information that relates to the economy and business trends for students, staff, and faculty of Virginia Beach and beyond.

Location

​Located at 140 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (Virginia Beach Town Center at the corner of Independence Blvd. and Columbus St.)

Considering the initiatives of the Small Business Resource Center-HIVE, Virginia Beach Town Center is the ideal location for innovation and entrepreneurship. Town Center is a convenient location because members can enjoy close access to work, live and play - all are within walking distance. The location is in the center of Virginia Beach with access to the region’s arts, dining, and entertainment. SBRC-HIVE is offering its community the opportunity to grow and scale early-stage startups. In order for this to take place effectively, one must be among like-minded individuals in the city and the financial center of Virginia Beach.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
*With optional extended hours.

  • Strategy & Organization
  • Corporate Development
  • Promotional Services
  • ​Access to a Community of Entrepreneurs
  • ​Meeting Room Access
  • ​High-Speed Wi-fi

Events & Business Forums - Functioning as an inclusive and accessible location addressing the resource needs of the start-up and small business while fostering a networking system for hosting and co-hosting forums that will serve as a venue for shared knowledge and brainstorming events.

Co-working Platform- Designed to assist small businesses by providing the amenities to increase the impact of their enterprise and strengthen their scope as contributors to the local economy.

Startup Training – Providing entrepreneurs with a disciplined approach to entrepreneurship including customer discovering, problem-solving, product developing, and launching a business.

Partnerships and Collaboration - To encourage and sustain innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering relationships. The goal is to partner with corporates and entrepreneurs for reasons such as funding, expertise, networking, and innovation.


Getting your business off the ground?

Here are some helpful forms!

Business Finance

Capital Loans and Grants

Credit Enhancement Programs

SSBCI Cash Collateral Program


Starting up the Business

Child Care Financial Programs​

Loan Guaranty Program

Learn more about financing your business here!

Partners of the HIVE

The City of Virginia Beach partnered with Virginia Wesleyan University, Tidewater Community College, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, and other agencies to provide resources for the citizens negatively impacted by the pandemic and seeking new employment and training.


  • The Cooper Law Firm
  • Fulton Bank
  • Hampton Roads Workforce Council
  • LISC
  • SBDC
  • SBSD
  • Tidewater Community College
  • Truist
  • Poole Brooke Plumlee
  • Urban League of Hampton Roads,
  • Virginia Wesleyan University
  • Women's Business Center

Contact Information

Jeff Smith

Business Development Coordinator
Virginia Beach Economic Development
Phone: (757) 385-6453 // Email: jsmith@vbgov.com

Helpful Links

HIVE Documents