By Tim Ryan
The Commonwealth of Virginia is taking bold steps to empower its entrepreneurial community by releasing its first-of-its-kind Opportunity Guide for startups, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This guide aims to streamline access to resources, funding opportunities, and partnerships, making it easier than ever for aspiring and established innovators to navigate Virginia’s ecosystem.
Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), in collaboration with state agencies and regional partners, has spearheaded this groundbreaking initiative. The Opportunity Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to unify Virginia’s diverse support systems, from funding options like grants and venture capital, to community networking initiatives and state-backed innovation programs. It represents a dynamic shift in how Virginia approaches entrepreneurial growth—offering a more accessible, connected pathway for innovators.
The guide highlights a wealth of resources previously spread across multiple agencies, now centralized into one easy-to-use document. Entrepreneurs can explore funding opportunities like the Virginia Founders Fund, grants through the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund, and state support to navigate federal programs like SBIR and STTR. For new business owners, the guide provides insight into incubators, accelerators, and state programs focused on business growth and scaling.
Specific Opportunities for Hampton Roads Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs in Hampton Roads, the Opportunity Guide places a special emphasis on regional initiatives that directly cater to the unique needs of this thriving community. The guide includes information about localized support through 757 Collab, REaKTOR, the high-tech center of excellence based in Hampton, which provides office space, mentorship, and access to a collaborative network of innovators. Additionally, Hampton Roads entrepreneurs are encouraged to leverage partnerships with Old Dominion University (ODU) and the region’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) for customized support in product development, scaling, and commercialization.
Another notable highlight is the support available through the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium, which opens opportunities for entrepreneurs in health technology and life sciences. Startups in these sectors can gain access to specialized research facilities and industry connections that accelerate innovation in healthcare. The Opportunity Guide also underscores the value of Hampton Roads’ expanding infrastructure for unmanned systems, connecting local innovators with resources like the drone test ranges and partnerships with established companies like DroneUp.
The release of this guide underlines Virginia’s commitment to becoming a destination for innovation. By offering easy access to key resources, the state is positioning itself as a hub for new ideas and inclusive growth. Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur with a bold concept or a small business looking to expand, this guide aims to break down barriers and help you thrive.
“This guide is more than just a list of resources—it’s a toolkit for innovation and collaboration,” said a VIPC representative. “We want to ensure that everyone with a dream has a clear roadmap to bring it to life, right here in Virginia.”
Virginia’s Opportunity Guide represents not only a compilation of resources but also a call to action. It’s an invitation for entrepreneurs to take advantage of the supportive landscape in Virginia and build the next wave of transformative businesses.
Here is a link to the press release.
