nia Virgiefit Ben ration o Corp
Norfolk Fair Trade Company Norfolk Fair Trade Company is a Virginia Benefit Corporation with a social purpose of advancing the knowledge of entrepreneurism. They do this by offering various learning sessions and an apprenticeship program. These sessions are set in a live business setting where entrepreneurs can practice business skills in a “learning lab,� and then apply what they have learned in their own business. Launch Hampton Roads, a local entrepreneur educational program, is an example of where learning sessions complement a business planning program at ODU. A benefit corporation operates as a for-profit business, and does not receive any tax incentives. In order to fund the learning lab, Norfolk Fair Trade sells unique fair trade gifts from local and global makers to the public. Benefit corporations also seek to work with other community businesses as well as benefit corporations. An example of this is their partnership with 757 Makerspace in Ghent, where they help makers get into the marketplace by selling their products at Norfolk Fair Trade Company. Purchases help to support the entrepreneurs who look to get their business off the ground, and create a positive impact on the community.