Numerous Opportunities For Entrepreneurial Success

Continued sunny weather is forecast for Hampton Roads’ small-business climate, with ever-expanding services, products and jobs offered in our community. Needing the independent business person to survive andprosper, various organizations, businesses, educational institutes and government agencies have programs to assist the entrepreneur with a dream and drive.

The Small BusinessDevelopment Center (SBDC)of HamptonRoads is a joint program of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Nelson Community College and the Small Business Administration. Their mission is to provide assistance to businesses with less than 100 employees, which constitute 80 percent of Hampton Roads’ businesses.

The SBDC offers services such as business planning assistance, management skill counseling, networking opportunities and marketing assistance. Their programs include the Small Business of the Year awards, the Lunch &Learn series, Technology Showcase and the NxLevel training course.

Directories

Virginia Business Resource Directory

A Guide to Services Available for Existing and Potential Businesses

Virginia Employment Commission — Economic Information Services Division. Free. (804) 787-8223

Education

Business Degree in Entrepreneurial Studies

Hampton University 727-5361

Norfolk State University 823-8920 Tuition fee.

Continuing Education

Aerodynamic Research

Seminars, workshops, and courses designed to teach business planning and financial management.

Thomas Nelson

Community College 825-2936

Christopher Newport University 594-7158 Fee charged.

Information/ Advisory Assistance

Acquisition Division of NASA: Independent Assistance Office

Counseling and informational services regarding bidder’s informational systems and how they operate. No charge. 864-2458

Business Enterprise Center

One-stop resource and clearing house for existing and developing businesses. Offers counseling, education, training and advice. Original home for FastTrac, an in-depth educational program. Chamber membership not required. Fee for workshops and courses. No charge for counseling.

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. 262-2000

Business Opportunities Program — City of Newport News

Purchasing information for minority and female-owned businesses in doing contracting work with Newport News. No charge. 247-2328

Chambers of Commerce

Not-for-profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian association of businesses, operating on behalf of its members. Membership Fee. Gloucester (804) 693-2425 Isle of Wight 357-3502

Virginia Peninsula 262-2000 Williamsburg 229-6511

Hampton Small Business

Incubator — City of Hampton

Offers cost-effective space, administrative services, and professional equipment in a synergistic environment. Fee charged. 727-6237

Hampton University Business Assistance Center

Full range of advisory services. No charge. 727-5570

Aerodynamic Research

Entrepreneurial Readiness Program

National Women’s Business Center, SBA, Office of Women Business Ownership, and Department of Defense Office of Personnel Support, Families and Education. Helps active military spouses develop plans for “portable” businesses. No charge (202) 785-4922

Field Studies Consulting Program

– College of William and Mary Graduate School of Business

Provides businesses the opportunity to complete a variety of projects such as financial analysis, study of operating issues, examination of new markets or the preparation of complete strategic plans. Fee charged. 221-2911

Bank of America Entrepreneurial Center - Old Dominion University College of Business Counseling for start-up or expansion of technical or unique types of businesses. No initial costs. 683-3529

Peninsula Alliance for Economic Development (PAED)

Regional economic development organization, representing and assisting the communities of the Virginia Peninsula. Assists in expanding opportunities for both business and workforce development. No charge 826-3327

Peninsula Workforce Development Center

Assists businesses and employees by providing targeted training to enhance workplace skills. No charge 826-3327

SBA Online Women’s Business Center

Free, interactive financial, management and marketing assistance. No charge. www.onlinewbc.org

Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads, Inc. –Thomas Nelson Community College

Provides educational resources, references and counseling. No charge for counseling. 825-2957

Small Business Institute –Christopher Newport University

Business school selects several businesses to receive individual counseling. No charge. 594-7139

Sunbelt Business Brokers

Private firm offers guidance in purchasing existing independentlyowned businesses and franchises. No charge.865-2501

Virginia Peninsula Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

Confidential counseling in all aspects of small-business development. No charge 262-2000

Financial Assistance

Waterside Capital Corporation

Offers equity investment opportunities up to $2,000,000. $50 fee with application. 626-1111

Hampton Industrial/ Commercial Business Assistance

City of Hampton, Department of Economic Development assists existing and new businesses in expanding their operations and has ability to issue tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds. No charge. 727-6237

Hampton Industrial Development Authority Revolving Loan Fund

Financial assistance ($5,000$100,000) to qualified Hampton small-ba sed businesses to beautify their places and for working capital. No charge. 727-6237

Hampton Retail Assistance Program — City of Hampton Department of Marketing and Communications Financing offers financing, managerial and technical assistance. No charge. 727-6237

Hampton Small and Minority Business Assistance

City of Hampton, Department of Economic Development. Assistance for start-up or expanding businesses. No charge. 727-6237

Newport News Capital Fund

Provides loan opportunities ($10,000 to $250,000) for local businesses that have trouble obtaining financing from private lenders. Targeted to businesses that create jobs which help to mitigate effects of defense cutbacks. Fee charged. 926-8428

Newport News Urban Development Action Grant Loans Program

Offers fixed rate financial assistance (from $10,000) to qualified new and expanding businesses making taxable investments and providing job opportunities for low and moderate income persons. Fee charged. 926-8428

Peninsula Revolving Loan Fund

Provides loan opportunities ($20,000 to $100,000) to local businesses that have trouble obtaining financing from private lenders. Fee charged 926-8428

The Virginia Economic Development Revolving Loan Program

Up to $700,000 per project for new and expanding businesses in manufacturing and basic employment jobs with one job created per $10,0000 loan. No charge (804) 371-7028

Virginia Department of Economic Development Office of Small Business and Financial Services. No charge. (804) 371-8254