By Tim Ryan
Hampton Roads, Virginia, is buzzing with entrepreneurial energy, and Innovate Hampton Roads is thrilled to spotlight Start Peninsula—a dynamic platform designed to validate and launch business ideas right here in the 757. With its upcoming Pitch Perfect workshops and Micro Pitch events, Start Peninsula is set to empower local innovators, and we’re here to tell you why this is a game-changer for our region.
Start Peninsula, accessible at startpeninsula.com, is more than just a program—it’s a launchpad for dreamers and doers. Since its inception, it has supported early-stage businesses and scalable ideas, boasting impressive achievements: a deal on ABC’s Shark Tank, 14 accelerator graduates, and over $34 million in capital raised. From the second-largest hard apple cidery in Virginia to a White House appearance, Start Peninsula has proven its knack for turning concepts into successes. It’s open to anyone with a business idea or fledgling company in the Hampton Roads area (or planning to launch here), provided they haven’t joined prior accelerators or raised significant capital. This is your chance to shine!
The excitement kicks off with Pitch Perfect, a series of workshops designed to polish your pitching skills in a low-pressure environment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned entrepreneur, these sessions—running March 12 (register here), April 30, September 3, and September 24 from 6-8 p.m.—offer expert feedback and a proven track record: 7 out of 10 finalists and 2 out of 3 winners historically attended. Next up are the Micro Pitch events, apply to pitch here for your 3-minute shot before three judges, with the top three advancing to the Championship Pitch on November 5 via Zoom. Win, and you could claim one of three $5,000 prizes!
Hampton Roads is a hotbed of innovation, and Start Peninsula embodies our region’s vibrant spirit. This is your invitation to join a community that’s shaping the future—right here, right now. Visit startpeninsula.com, apply for your pitch ticket, and let’s make 757 the next big thing in entrepreneurship! Did you miss last week’s information session? Watch it here!
