Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center

05/26/2026

Resilience. Growth. Impact.

At the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, stories like Kisha Roberts’ remind us why supporting small businesses matters.

What started as one childcare center has grown into a multi-location operation serving more than 3,000 children annually.

Through determination, vision and support from the SBDC, Kisha transformed Brilliant Beginnings into a thriving business dedicated to expanding access to high-quality childcare for working families.

"The SBDC gave me the tools, confidence, and connections to keep going. They helped me see that small businesses like mine can grow through any challenge." -Kisha Roberts

We are incredibly proud to support entrepreneurs like Kisha who are strengthening our communities, creating opportunities and making a lasting impact across Hampton Roads!

05/18/2026

Here at the Hampton Roads SBDC, small business success is a family tradition and our next generation of business leaders are homegrown!

We are proud to celebrate Caleb D. Norman, son of our Assistant Director, Donna Norman, for being named a Top 20 Under 20 Awardee by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council — an honor recognizing outstanding young leaders making an impact through workforce development, entrepreneurship and community service across our region.

Caleb’s achievement reflects the drive, innovation and leadership that continue to shape the future of Hampton Roads and we could not be more excited to see his success recognized!

Please join us in congratulating both Caleb and Donna on this tremendous accomplishment!

05/15/2026

Meet YOUR Chesapeake Small Business of the Year, Southside BBQ!

This well-deserved recognition celebrates more than incredible barbecue, it honors a business that has become a true part of the Chesapeake community through hard work, outstanding service and a commitment to excellence.

From serving up unforgettable meals to creating meaningful local impact, they represent the very best of what it means to be a small business success story!

Please join us in congratulating the Southside BBQ team on this tremendous achievement 🎉

05/15/2026

Your business’s finances shouldn’t feel overwhelming.

Join us for the next Lunch & Learn Series session: Smart Money Systems (AI-Powered) presented by our own, Chelsea Torres.

This practical workshop is designed to help home-based business owners create simple, manageable accounting systems that keep finances organized, efficient and decision-ready.

From building a bookkeeping routine to confidently categorizing expenses, you’ll walk away with tools you can immediately put into action.

📅 Thursday, May 21
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
💻 Zoom
📌 Advance registration required

If you’re ready to work smarter, streamline your systems and build a stronger financial foundation for your business, this session is for you!

https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=50460029

05/14/2026

Hampton Roads, meet YOUR 2026 Small Business Champion of the Year, Bill Holloran!

For years, Bill has been a driving force behind the success of Hampton Roads’ small business community, dedicating his career to advising, mentoring and empowering entrepreneurs across our region through his work with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center. Through his leadership, guidance and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed, Bill has made a lasting impact on countless businesses and the broader economic vitality of Hampton Roads.

This recognition reflects not only his professional excellence, but also the passion, advocacy and heart he brings to supporting small businesses each and every day.

Please join us in congratulating and thanking Bill Holloran for his incredible dedication, leadership and service to the Hampton Roads business community! 🎉

05/08/2026

From a personal health challenge to a thriving wellness destination, this is what entrepreneurship and support in action looks like 👏

D&S Wellness Spa was founded with a mission to expand access to compassionate, high-quality wellness care in the Williamsburg community. What began with IV therapy has grown into a full-service wellness and cosmetic spa helping clients through recovery, preventative care, wellness support and confidence-building treatments.

With guidance from the Hampton Roads SBDC, Diana De Paz-Ceus built a strong business foundation, secured a $480,000 SBA 504(a) loan, expanded operations, and continues to create jobs while growing her impact across the region.

“I had no idea help like this even existed. Donna treated my business as if it were her own.”

Real businesses. Real impact.

That’s what we’re here for.

05/05/2026

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, our local economy and the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps Hampton Roads moving forward.

During National Small Business Week — and every day — there are so many meaningful ways to show your support for the businesses that pour into our region daily.

Every purchase, recommendation, comment and share makes a difference.

Join us in celebrating the innovators, risk-takers and small business owners who help make Hampton Roads thrive!✨

05/04/2026

Join us for the Military Business Network and gain real strategies, practical tools, and a strong community of individuals who understand your journey.

Whether you’re launching a business or looking to grow, this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and take the next step. This month we are in York County, VA!

📅 May 5th | ⏰ 8:30–9:30 AM
📍 York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office
☕ Coffee & community included

Register today: https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=50460033

04/27/2026

Opportunity for Home-Based Businesses: Apply for Hampton’s New Retail Incubator

The City of Hampton has launched the SPARK Shops Retail Incubator for home-based retail businesses that are ready to grow toward a brick-and-mortar location.

This initiative will provide affordable space, targeted mentorship, and a supportive cohort environment for home-based business retailers. SPARK Shops is designed to create a low-risk environment for small business owners to test and strengthen their retail business models while preparing for long-term growth.

Applications are now open for the City of Hampton’s Retail Incubator, SPARK Shops!

Are you a home-based business ready to grow into a brick-and-mortar retailer? This program supports local retailers with affordable space, mentorship, training, and a supportive ecosystem designed to help your business thrive.

Eligible businesses include gift items, home décor, clothing, accessories, shoes, candles, soaps, children’s clothing, handmade or curated items, art, and packaged non-perishable foods.

Applicants must be located in the City of Hampton and able to commit to 12 months of training and coaching. Selected applicants will complete a short interview before final confirmation.

Apply Here: https://form.jotform.com/260684380747062
Tag a business owner who should apply, or share this post with someone who’s ready for the next step.

04/22/2026

Tourism is a powerful driver of our regional economy and this program is helping businesses make the most of it 🌊

Through the Tourism Thrives Series, local businesses in hospitality, retail, and visitor-focused industries are gaining the tools to grow smarter, strengthen operations, and create year-round success—not just during peak season.

From boosting off-season revenue to building stronger financial strategies, this is where resilience meets opportunity.

If you’re in the tourism space, this is your chance to plan ahead, scale up, and thrive—no matter the season.

Join the email list and learn more about this program ⤵️

https://hrsbdc.com/tourism/

04/13/2026

Stay on top of your numbers and take control of your business!

Our Bookkeeping Workshop Series is underway and there’s still time to join us!

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your financial skills, these sessions break down bookkeeping into practical, easy-to-understand steps you can actually use.

🗓 Wednesdays | 12 PM – 1:30 PM

Register now and invest in the financial health of your business ⤵️

https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/center.aspx?center=46050