Hampton Roads Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Start Peninsula has produced this interactive map to help our small businesses and entrepreneurs with visualizing the resources within our Entrepreneurial Ecosystem available to assist them. Each tab of the interactive map represents different areas of the ecosystem. The Virginia Peninsula provides an environment where entrepreneurs and innovative companies are supported, nourished and thrive. So whether you’re thinking of starting a business or growing one – there are resources to help.

If we miss something please let us know here.

START Ecosystem

Accelerators/Incubators

Business Accelerators

Title

Description

1000Four

1000Four is a virtual video resource library with content that practically covers all areas of the business lifecycle - from accounting and legal, to marketing and content creation. If you need specific know-how on something related to business, chances are 1000Four will have the content to help your business to grow and succeed.

http://1000four.com

FinImpact

A website that provides an overview of grants available for small business owners. https://www.finimpact.com/small-business-grants/

Ignition

Ignition is a business accelerator located in Williamsburg and was founded by entrepreneurs with the mission of helping entrepreneurs create and build profitable and sustainable businesses.

http://ignitioncenter.com

Launchpad

The Launchpad is located in Williamsburg and provides a comprehensive support process designed to assist and accelerate the successful development and growth of start-ups and young companies.

http://www.gwlaunchpad.com

Peninsula Technology Incubator

Peninsula Technology Incubator is located in Hampton in close proximity to NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace. It is dedicated in helping start-up technology companies build the future.

http://www.ptincubator.org

The Arsenal

The Arsenal is a virtual business accelerator for new ventures and companies that want to grow fast and validate their assumptions. The primary industries of focus are healthcare, environment, infrastructure/logistics, and education startups.

http://www.buildthearsenal.com

Co-working Facilities

Educational Institutions

Title

Description

Collaboration Space

A co-working place that helps growth of your start-up/work.

https://thecollaborationspace.com

Gather Downtown Norfolk

From startups to small businesses to enterprise teams and entrepreneurs, Gather provides the right space for you to work, grow and flourish in our curious collective.

https://workatgather.com/

Gather Newport News

From startups to small businesses to enterprise teams and entrepreneurs, Gather provides the right space for you to work, grow and flourish in our curious collective.

https://workatgather.com/

Studio 9

Studio 9 is located in Phoebus and is a place for creative professionals or those desiring a professional setting and who want to gather in an affordable community environment.

http://studio9workspace.com

The IncuHub

The IncuHub brings together entrepreneurs looking to grow and connect. We offer private offices as well as a coworking space, all located within a federally designated HUBZone.

https://www.theincuhub.com

Work Nimbly

Work Nimbly is Williamsburg's creative Co-Working space and is a productive haven for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent workers in Hampton Roads.

http://www.worknimbly.com

Chambers of Commerce

Educational Institutions

Title

Description

Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce

The Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that serves as the voice for issues and actions affecting business and industry in our county.

https://www.gloucestervachamber.org

Gloucester County Grants

Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance

Representing nearly 800 small, medium and large businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance aims to advance the best interests of the business community.

http://www.williamsburgcc.com

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (VPCC) serves the Cities of Newport News, Hampton and Poquoson; and James City County and York County.

http://www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com

York County Regional Chamber

Located in the heart of the Virginia Peninsula and stretching 27 miles from Williamsburg through York County to Hampton, the chamber can help you with a strategic location for your business.

http://yorkcountychamberva.org

Educational Institutions

Title

Description

Christopher Newport University

Christopher Newport University entrepreneurship program is for those who have the drive to start their own business as a pathway to success.

http://cnu.edu/public/undergradcatalog/2017-18/pdf/32-civengsocent.pdf

College of William and Mary Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center

Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center at the College of William and Mary's Mason School of Business provides degree programs to develop successful business leaders and provide them with best-in-class instruction and unparalleled opportunities for mentorship and experiential learning.

http://www.millerec.com

Hampton University

Hampton University's Certificate in Entrepreneurship is a series of Entrepreneurship courses for individuals who are interested in starting their own business. Courses will promote entrepreneurial thinking and develop the necessary skills for founding and growing an entrepreneurial venture.

http://huonline.hamptonu.edu/page/Certificate-in-Entrepreneurship

Strome Entrepreneurial Center

The Strome Entrepreneurial Center (SEC) is a key regional resource and collaborator open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

https://www.odu.edu/univ-impact/entrepreneurship/strome

Thomas Nelson Community College

Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) - take classes to increase your skills in business, leadership skills and entrepreneurship. TNCC is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, small and large business owners and individuals in various industries interested in training to become well-versed in today's innovative business strategies.

https://tncc.edu

Thomas Nelson Community College Business & Entrepreneurship

Business & Entrepreneurship at Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) - take classes to increase your skills in business, leadership skills and entrepreneurship. TNCC is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, small and large business owners and individuals in various industries interested in training to become well-versed in today's innovative business strategies.

https://tncc.edu/academics/catalog

Government Sponsored Organizations

Educational Institutions

Title

Description

Center for Innovative Technology

Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) creates technology-based economic development strategies to accelerate innovation, imagination and the next generation of technology and technology companies.

http://www.cit.org

GOV2COM

GOV2COM is grant program that helps government and defense contractors in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia expand into commercial markets. Funding is sponsored by the Commonwealth through the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.

http://gov2com.org

Hampton Department of Economic Development

Whether you are looking to expand an existing operation, build a new business, or relocate to an exciting new area here in Hampton, the Economic Development Department has the experience and knowledge to help you make the right choice. http://www.hampton.gov/241/Economic-Development

Hampton Roads Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Hampton Roads Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) assists companies with doing business with the government, a big step in growing a business. PTACs provide local, in-person counseling and training services for you, the small business owner. They are designed to provide technical assistance to businesses that want to sell products and services to federal, state, and/or local governments.

http://www.odu.edu/cei/programs/hrpac

Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center

Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a statewide network of centers dedicated to assisting all types of businesses. There are a number of programs and online virtual courses on a variety of business topics. The peninsula SBDC office is located at 600 Butler Farm Road and can be reached at (757) 865-3128.

http://www.hrsbdc.org

Hampton Roads Veterans Business Outreach Center

Hampton Roads Veterans Business Outreach Center (HRVBOC) is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and mentoring, and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. HRVBOC serves Federal Region III which includes Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

http://www.odu.edu/cei/programs/vboc

James City County Office of Economic Development

Virginia began as a business venture on the shores of the James River more than 400 years ago, and James City County continues to attract innovators today. Modern day founders discover a lifestyle and business climate in which they can prosper. http://yesjamescitycountyva.com

Newport News Department of Development

The Department of Development is responsible for expanding and diversifying the City’s tax base and economic climate by attracting new businesses to Newport News and by assisting existing businesses with their growth. https://www.nngov.com/567/Development

Poquoson Economic Development Department

The City of Poquoson is business-friendly, intent on increasing patronage for its existing merchants and supporting sensible economic growth in its retail trade area. http://www.poquoson-va.gov/253/Economic-Development

SCORE - Hampton Roads

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship (both in person and virtual). The Hampton Roads Chapter can be reached at (757) 455-9338.

http://www.score.org

SCORE - Williamsburg

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship (both in person and virtual). The Peninsula's Williamsburg Chapter can be reached at (757) 229-6511.

http://williamsburg.score.org

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, build and grow businesses through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. Their website provides a wealth of business information, access to virtual mentors, loans, grants, and much more.

http://www.sba.gov

Williamsburg Economic Development Office

The Economic Development Office assists existing businesses, attracts new businesses, and markets the City as a premier business location. http://www.yeswilliamsburg.com

Women's Business Center

The mission of the Women's Business Center is to enable women's entrepreneurship by providing low to no cost tools for women to successfully own, operate and grow their small business, thereby creating economic opportunities and job growth by investing financially, intellectually and emotionally in the Hampton Roads community.

http://www.odu.edu/cei/programs/wbc

York County Office of Economic Development

The primary mission of the Office of Economic Development is to create a diverse economic base by the aggressive recruitment, expansion and retention of businesses, industries, and tourism, thus expanding the tax base and capital investment in the County and providing new employment opportunities for its citizens. http://www.yesyorkcounty.com

Networking Opportunities

Educational Institutions

Title

Description

Meetup Groups

Meetup Groups – there are a number of entrepreneurial “meetup” groups in Hampton Roads, which provide opportunities for networking, sharing experiences and ideas to grow your business.

http://www.meetup.com

One Million Cups

One Million Cups – 1 Million Cups is a free, weekly national program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs. The Greater Williamsburg 1 Million Cups group meets every Wednesday morning at the Launchpad from 9:00-10:00 am.

http://www.gwlaunchpad.com/events/1-million-cups

Startwheel

At StartWheel, our mission is to centralize and mobilize efforts that foster the growth of entrepreneurism in our regional innovation economy. We aim to support and cultivate an entrepreneurial network in HRVA where talent, resources, information and leadership come together.

https://startwheel.org