By Tim Ryan
Downtown Norfolk is taking bold strides to uplift local small businesses with the return of the ALIGN: Small Business Series, a free program designed to empower entrepreneurs with expert-led training and prime opportunities. Organized by Norfolk State University’s Innovation Center (NSUIC) and Selden Market, this transformative initiative will kick off on March 3, 2025.
Now in its third year, the ALIGN series has become a cornerstone of support for Norfolk’s retail community. This eight-week program offers participants exclusive access to educational resources and one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals, covering vital topics like business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and more. Beyond knowledge, participants who complete the program receive priority consideration for storefront opportunities at Selden Market, Virginia’s first retail incubator and a vital hub of Norfolk’s downtown culture.
“Downtown Norfolk’s vibrant small business scene is the backbone of our neighborhood’s success,” says Careyann Weinberg, Director of Economic Vitality for Downtown Norfolk Council. “ALIGN ensures our ‘mom and pop’ retailers not only survive but thrive.”
This year’s program boasts a unique collaboration between the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center and Prodigy Capital Consulting Group. Together, they aim to deliver a hands-on, comprehensive learning experience. Derek Green, owner of Cooking with Greens and a past participant, shared, “The ALIGN course significantly benefited our business growth. The support from NSUIC and Selden Market created a dynamic learning environment that has truly strengthened our role in the community.”
Located at NSUIC, 520 E. Main Street, the sessions are perfectly situated to bridge innovation with opportunity in the heart of Downtown Norfolk. The program also features supplemental workshops on cutting-edge topics like business scalability and credit worthiness, ensuring participants are equipped to face today’s retail challenges head-on.
Dr. Akosua Acheamponmaa, Director of the NSU Innovation Center, emphasized, “ALIGN is about more than just education. It’s about creating a community of thriving entrepreneurs, equipped with the tools to achieve long-term success.”
Spots for the ALIGN series are limited, and applications close on February 16, 2025. Interested entrepreneurs can apply at nsuiconmain.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a program that’s redefining Norfolk’s retail landscape!
A copy of the press release can be downloaded here.
