The HIVE - VB Business Resource Center

The HIVE - VB Business Resource Center

The latest news from the HIVE

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Grow Business in Virginia Beach

Federal Business Accelerator

ScaleUP USA has partnered with The HIVE to launch a local chapter of the Federal Business Accelerator at Virginia Beach to create local companies, jobs, and competitiveness in the Virginia Beach region. Join the program now.

Thrive @ The HIVE

Supporting Small Business and the Entrepreneurial Spirit

The program is open to Virginia Beach startups, home-based businesses and Hampton Roads military spouse entrepreneurs.

Access to Capital

The following grants may be helpful to entrepreneurs and CEOs of emerging and new businesses.

Events Happening Now

Check out what classes are offered at the HIVE.

Small Business Development Grant - Closed

Thank you for your interest in the Virginia Beach Small Business Grant.

As of today, we have fully allocated all funds for this grant cycle, and we will not be accepting any additional applications at this time. Should we initiate another grant cycle in the future, we will make a public announcement.

We appreciate your commitment to doing business in Virginia Beach.

Proposed Application and Program Schedule

  • City Council briefing: Sept. 3.
  • City Council authorizing vote: Sept. 17, 2024.
  • Press release and marketing kickoff: Sept. 18, 2024.
  • Interested businesses must attend a pre-application workshop and submit a complete application. Pre-application workshops - eight sessions (four in person and four virtual): Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 8, and 10, 2024.
  • Begin accepting applications: Oct. 21, 2024 - until funds are depleted.
  • At least 10 days notice will be given before subsequent rounds open.

Related Documents

Register for the pre-application workshops (one per applicant) - a mandatory step to apply for the grant

    Virtual


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    Our Mission

    The HIVE is a business resource center designed to promote an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Virginia Beach. The HIVE is committed to serving small businesses, particularly those that are in socially and economically disadvantaged communities.

    Purpose

    The HIVE’s objective is to accelerate, establish, and showcase innovation and startups by translating insights into actionable strategies, rethinking the customer experience, improving operational experience and efficiency as well as testing new business models through the use of technology.

    The HIVE is the result of a successful collaboration among the City of Virginia Beach, academic institutions, other cities in the metropolitan area, Small Business Associations, and other entrepreneurial-related organizations in Virginia Beach and beyond.

    The HIVE focuses on offering its community the opportunity to grow and scale early-stage businesses by acting as a knowledge hub, providing useful resources, and connecting like-minded individuals in the City and the region to help businesses flourish.

    We strive to serve as a hub of knowledge for small businesses in Virginia Beach. We look forward to solidifying the foundations of any business that wants our help.

    What

    The HIVE offers individualized consulting, training programs, seminars, procurement assistance, capital formation, mentorship, networking, and a variety of fundamental resources to startups and established small businesses within a cooperative network of government agencies, educational institutions, private sector and community organizations.

    Where

    The HIVE is located in the Town Center of Virginia Beach, in the heart of the City’s Central Business District, where some of the region’s most prominent businesses are headquartered. It is a convenient location to meet with mentors and get access to a variety of resources.

    Who

    The HIVE is reserved for the exclusive use of entrepreneurs and existing businesses that need on-site resources to help guide them to growth and success.

    The HIVE is perfect for:

    • Companies in the infancy through maturity phase of their business
    • New entrants into the Virginia Beach business community
    • International businesses new to the U.S. and/or the City
    • Individuals looking to expand their skill set who can take advantage of continuing education opportunities offered at The HIVE
    • Existing businesses wanting to grow and expand

    Hours of Operation:

    Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Parking

    Download directions.


    At The HIVE, We Can Assist You With:

    Business startupIndustry-related certifications
    Business plan developmentGrant and loan application assistance
    Business legalHiring, training and managing staff
    Business insuranceMarketing and product development
    Guidance and connections for financingTalent innovation
    Government contractingOne-on-one counseling

    Capital access formation

    		Vocational education and skills

    City permitting and processes

    		Hard skills (e.g., welding, IT)
    Business licensingSoft skills (e.g., work ethic, attitude, leadership and communication)
    Government certificationsZoning-related questions
    Mentorship


    At The HIVE You'll Have Access to:

    Success Is Bred From Collaboration

    The HIVE focuses on offering its community the opportunity to grow and scale early-stage businesses by acting as a knowledge hub, providing useful resources, and connecting like-minded individuals in the City and the region to help businesses flourish.

    We partnered with Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU), Tidewater Community College (TCC), Hampton Roads Workforce Council, and other agencies to provide resources for small businesses.

    At The HIVE, you also get access to our network of organizations:

    • Virginia Beach SWaM business office (for small, women and minority-owned businesses)
    • Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
      agency (SBSD)
    • Women's Business Center (WBC) at Old Dominion University (ODU)
    • Hampton Roads Workforce Council
    • Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
    • Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)
    • Virginia Beach City Public Schools - Entrepreneurship and Business Academy
    • Virginia APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC)
    • Urban League of Hampton Roads
    • Educational support at VWU and TCC
    • Legal partners: Poole Brooke Plumlee PC
    • Banking partners: Fulton Bank, Langley Federal Credit Union
    • Business Development Center at ODU
    • SCORE - Hampton Roads Chapter
    • Virginia Beach Public Library
    • Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

    The HIVE: One-Stop Shop Free Counseling Services

    Please check out our latest newsletter to find out more business resource partners offering one-on-one counseling sessions.

    Helpful Links

    Contact Information

    The HIVE

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


    Phone: (757) 385-2470 / Email: thehive@vbgov.com