Small Business
Small Business
Small but Mighty
Small businesses are big business for the City of Virginia Beach and a key component to creating a vibrant, successful, and global community. As one of America’s largest cities, Virginia Beach understands the greatness obtained from embracing a diversity of people and business. By creating a dynamic framework where new ideas blend with the existing environment, we can ensure a sustainable and successful future. Part of that framework includes having a business community that represents all of the community.
In Virginia Beach...
99% of all establishments are small businesses (less than 249 employees) - (2020 VEC data)
7% of business establishments are new startups (2018 Census data)
On average, 432 new startup establishments are developed annually (2020 VEC data)

Program Objectives
While starting a business is fairly easy and inexpensive, it does require major commitments of time and resources. The Virginia Beach Economic Development staff can provide management, technical, and other resources to assist entrepreneurs and leaders interested in starting or growing a business in Virginia Beach. We and our partner agencies also offer various mentoring/training programs for small and startup firms, as well as women-and minority-owned companies of any size. The City of Virginia Beach's business portal can help your company find the best solution for its long-term growth needs.
One-Stop Shop Free Counseling Services
It's not a sales pitch, and it's not an investor pitch.
1 Million Cups is a global initiative of the Kauffman Foundation (www.kauffman.org) to support, educate and promote local entrepreneurs.
The Virginia Beach chapter (known locally as "Shark Tank….Without the Bite") was launched in 2015 by the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development and the local entrepreneur community. Over the years, more than 1400 entrepreneurs and small business owners have attended the meetings. The VB HIVE (140 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA) is the new home for this event, which is held the third Wednesday at 9 a.m.. If you are a local business owner or startup 1 Million Cups is a great place to refine your presentation skills, apply to present today here.
For more information, contact Letitia Langaster, Business Development Manager, Virginia Beach Economic Development at (757) 385-6412 or visit this page.
For information on the Operation Hope program contact Theresa Tumber below:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at The HIVE (140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach)
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (By Appointment Only)
(757) 276-1469 // Theresa.tumber@operationhope.org
The SCORE offers free business counseling if you are considering starting a business.
Tuesdays at The HIVE (140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach)
Walk-ins and by Appointment
c.caton@scorevolunteer.org
The SWaM Business Office is dedicated to the growth and development of small, women, and minority-owned businesses, including service-disabled/veteran-owned businesses by providing resources and trainings to assist your business in obtaining contracts with the City of Virginia Beach.
For information on the SBSD program contact Angela Barber below:
Mondays at The HIVE (140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach)
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (By Appointment Only)
(757) 385-6585 // angela.barber@sbsd.virginia.gov
For information on the Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (Virginia PTAC) program contact Daryl Corley below:
Wednesdays at The HIVE (140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach)
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (By Appointment Only)
(540) 538-1959 // dcorley@gmu.edu
For information on the Hampton Roads Workforce Council contact Deborah "DeDe" Bailey below:
Monday through Friday at The HIVE (140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach)
By Appointment Only
(757) 629-4695 // dbailey@theworkforcecouncil.org