The Innovate757 entrepreneurship program, a new $18 million workforce development initiative, is offering free assistance to entrepreneurs and existing businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Hosted by Hampton University’s Virginia Workforce Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, the program provides an 11-week course of training, mentorship, networking, and access to capital. It also helps to eliminate traditional obstacles to success such as childcare, transportation, and costs related to business licensing and certification. Funded by a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the program serves Hampton Roads residents and businesses across Virginia. The free program aims to support those with existing businesses or those with a business idea they’d like to develop.
Introduction
From INSIDE BUSINESS | By TREVOR METCALFE
Overview of the Program
Organizers of a new $18 million workforce development program are looking to help entrepreneurs, existing businesses, and anyone affected by the coronavirus pandemic for free.
Hampton University’s Virginia Workforce Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
Hampton University’s Virginia Workforce Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center opened in October and has already helped 200 people. The business incubator is designed to serve Hampton Roads residents and entrepreneurs and businesses across Virginia, program executive director Kermit Crawford said.
Program Details
The free 11-week program provides everything from training and mentorship to networking and access to capital. In addition to existing businesses, the program is for anyone who has a business idea they’d like to develop, Crawford said, mentioning military spouses as a good regional example. The program also has the power to connect participants with college partners like Old Dominion University, experts from the public and private business sectors, and workforce agencies.
Removing Barriers to Success
The program aims to help remove traditional barriers to success, including child care, transportation, and certification and business license costs. Crawford said it’s not trying to replace existing incubators, either.
Funding and Support
The program is funded by a three-year, $18 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Crawford said Hampton University is providing the program on behalf of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, which was one of 38 initial applicants. Only eight programs were funded by the grant.
Application Information
Workforce development can be traced back to the beginning of Hampton University, President William Harvey said in a news release. Program applicants must be Virginia residents interested in business who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Crawford said. For more information or to apply for the program, visit virginiaworkforce.force.com.
Contact Information
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@insidebiz.com
Question & Answer
What is the goal of the Innovate757 entrepreneurship program?
The goal of the Innovate757 entrepreneurship program is to offer free assistance to entrepreneurs and existing businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
What does the program offered by Hampton University’s Virginia Workforce Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center include?
The program provides an 11-week course of training, mentorship, networking, and access to capital. It also helps eliminate obstacles to success such as childcare, transportation, and costs related to business licensing and certification.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Program applicants must be Virginia residents interested in business who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
How is the program funded?
The program is funded by a three-year, $18 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
