She Means Business: Support Women-Owned Businesses in Virginia Beach

October is National Women’s Small Business Month, a time to recognize and empower female entrepreneurs and business leaders who are critical to driving economic growth and innovation. In Virginia Beach, there are 376 businesses certified as women owned providing a variety of services. 

Here are a few ways to celebrate and uplift Virginia Beach’s women-owned business community this month and all year long. 

Support a Local Business 

Looking for Virginia Beach woman-owned businesses and what they offer? Use the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity’s (SBSD) directory of small, women and minority-owned (SWaM) businesses. 

Learn from the Experts 

The HIVE offers a series of hands-on workshops designed to help local entrepreneurs and professionals boost their business skills. This month, two leaders of local women-owned businesses are hosting FREE training sessions at the City’s business resource center, 140 Independence Blvd. 

Contract Basics 101: What is a Contract? 
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to noon 

SWaM-certified attorney Nakisha Roberts, founder of Reviewed By Roberts PLLC, will lead a discussion of basic contract concepts and the differences between various agreements. Attendees will become familiar with the purpose of a contract and standard contract terminology.   

Preventing Burnout: Listen to Your Body, Focus Your Energy  
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m. 

Executive and life coach Karen Price Owen will address founder wellbeing — essential for long-term business success — and present the critical challenge of burnout among women entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

For details on these workshops and more, visit The HIVE’s Eventbrite page.  

Follow The HIVE on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to meet more local female entrepreneurs who are partnering to foster the growth of other small businesses in Virginia Beach. 

Become a HIVE Partner 

The HIVE is always looking to partner with individuals and organizations who are passionate about supporting the local business community through training, mentorship and shared expertise. Complete an interest form to get started! 

Connect with Resources 

Throughout the year, The HIVE offers individualized consulting and can assist small businesses with the following:  

• Business plans  
• Financial statements  
• Credit repair management  
• Small business loan applications 
• Market research  
• Capital formation  

Through the Thrive @ The HIVE program, The HIVE also offers workspace at no cost to existing Virginia Beach startups, home-based businesses and military spouse entrepreneurs to help them grow and succeed. Program participants have access to free workspace at The HIVE for two business days a week for a period of two months, in addition to all the resources The HIVE has to offer.  

The Virginia Beach SWaM Business Office also provides informational and training sessions to assist businesses in obtaining contracts with the City of Virginia Beach. Learn more about available resources at VirginiaBeach.gov/SWAM. 

To stay up to date on small business opportunities and resources at The HIVE, sign up for the email newsletter. 

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