By Tim Ryan

In an exciting move that promises to fuel entrepreneurial dreams, the City of Virginia Beach has just announced the launch of the Virginia Beach Small Business Grant Program. This program is a lifeline for small, women-, minority-, veteran-, or disabled veteran-owned businesses, offering grants of up to $10,000 to help them grow, innovate, and thrive.

Administered by the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, the program covers essential business needs like inventory purchases, marketing strategies, building an online presence, acquiring equipment, or expanding your business footprint. The goal? To ensure local businesses, particularly those from historically underserved communities, have the resources to level up.

“We recognize the need to increase access to funding for qualified small businesses,” said Deputy City Manager Amanda Jarratt. “This is about creating an inclusive economy in Virginia Beach.”

But this initiative goes beyond just financial support. Entrepreneurs will also gain access to mentorship and expert advice on crucial topics like legal services, digital marketing, and financial analysis. It’s a comprehensive effort to equip businesses with the tools they need for sustainable growth.

To get started, businesses must attend a pre-application workshop hosted by the Virginia Beach HIVE Business Resource Center, either in person or virtually. These workshops kick off on September 30, and attendance is mandatory to receive the application link.

This program is an incredible opportunity for Virginia Beach entrepreneurs to step up, expand, and thrive in a supportive ecosystem that truly values innovation and inclusivity. Don’t miss your chance to secure funding and take your business to the next level.

For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com. There, you will find additional program information, including how to register for the pre-application workshop.