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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Innovate Hampton Roads
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DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260303T130000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260303T150000
DTSTAMP:20260211T212017Z
CREATED:20260211T212017Z
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UID:10004554-1772542800-1772550000@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:EDA Small Business Grant & Loan Information Session (Virtual & In-Person)
DESCRIPTION:Get ready for the EDA Small Business Grant & Loan Information Session where we’ll help you grow your business with funding opportunities.\n\n\nEDA Small Business Investment Grants Information Session (In-Person & Virtual) \nJoin us for an exciting event aimed at helping small businesses thrive! The EDA Small Business Grant & Loan Information Session is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs like you to take your business to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand\, this event is packed with valuable insights and resources to fuel your success. \nDate: Tuesday\,March 3\, 2026 \nTime: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \nLocation: 200 High Street\, Suite 201\, Portsmouth\, VA \nAt this in-person and virtual event\, you’ll have the chance to learn about the application requirements and the allowable use of funds for the EDA Small Business Investment Grants & EDA Small Business Revolving Loan Fund. Representatives from the City of Portsmouth Economic Development\, the Zoning Department\, the Permit Department and the Commissioner of the Revenue will provide details on how to apply for a license\, zoning ordinances\, and educate you on permit requirements for the grant application. Bridging Virginia will provide details about the loan application qualifications and process. \nDon’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn\, grow\, and secure the grant funding you need to succeed. Register now to secure your spot at the Small Business Grant & Loan Information Session!
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/eda-small-business-grant-loan-information-session-virtual-in-person-2/
LOCATION:200 High Street Suite 201\, Portsmouth\, VA\, USA\, 200 High Street #Suite 201\, Portsmouth\, VA 23704\, Portsmouth\, VA\, 23704\, US
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/189798_image.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260304T083000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260304T160000
DTSTAMP:20260304T163300Z
CREATED:20260121T161852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T163300Z
UID:10004466-1772613000-1772640000@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:Newport News Business Growth Summit
DESCRIPTION:One-Day Event Offers Complete Roadmap from City Contracts to Corporate Markets. Your government and corporate expansion journey starts here!\n\n\nJoin Us at the Newport News Business Growth Summit!\nReady to boost your business? Come to the Newport News Business Growth Summit\, an in-person event where entrepreneurs and professionals connect\, learn\, and grow together. Network with local experts\, discover new strategies\, and get inspired to take your business to the next level. \nThe comprehensive one-day conference combines five critical business development topics: \nDoing Business with the City of Newport News provides direct access to City procurement officials and upcoming contracting opportunities\, with simplified guidance on becoming a registered vendor. \nBreaking Barriers: Government Contractor to Corporate Powerhouse offers a panelist-led workshop designed to equip small business owners with the strategies\, connections\, and confidence to successfully diversify beyond government contracting into lucrative corporate and commercial markets. \nFinancing Your Growth brings together banking\, SBA\, and capital experts to address the cash flow and financing challenges that limit business expansion. \nWriting Winning Proposals\, an exclusive masterclass\, reveals the critical differences between government and corporate proposal strategies. \nSWaM Certification can help your business grow. Learn more about SWaM Certification and get across the finish line by getting hands-on assistance with submitting your application! Registration is separate and on the SBSD Eventbrite page. \n\nInformation Session – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swam-certification-application-info-session-tickets-1981195568277?aff=oddtdtcreator\nHands-on Application Session (20 seats only) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swam-certification-hands-on-application-assistance-tickets-1981187763934?aff=oddtdtcreator\n\nDon’t miss out on this chance to make valuable contacts and gain fresh insights!
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/newport-news-business-growth-summit/
LOCATION:Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center\, 2410 Wickham Avenue\, Newport News\, VA 23607\, Newport News\, VA\, 23607\, US
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship,Home Based Business
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/188982_image.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260304T083000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260304T160000
DTSTAMP:20260304T163206Z
CREATED:20260125T161049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T163206Z
UID:10004475-1772613000-1772640000@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:Newport News Business Growth Summit
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Newport News Business Growth Summit to connect\, learn\, grow and compete.\n\n\nJoin Us at the Newport News Business Growth Summit!\nReady to boost your business? Come to the Newport News Business Growth Summit\, an in-person event where entrepreneurs and professionals connect\, learn\, and grow together. Network with local experts\, discover new strategies\, and get inspired to take your business to the next level. \nThe comprehensive one-day conference combines five critical business development topics: \nDoing Business with the City of Newport News provides direct access to City procurement officials and upcoming contracting opportunities\, with simplified guidance on becoming a registered vendor. \nBreaking Barriers: Government Contractor to Corporate Powerhouse offers a panelist-led workshop designed to equip small business owners with the strategies\, connections\, and confidence to successfully diversify beyond government contracting into lucrative corporate and commercial markets. \nFinancing Your Growth brings together banking\, SBA\, and capital experts to address the cash flow and financing challenges that limit business expansion. \nWriting Winning Proposals\, an exclusive masterclass\, reveals the critical differences between government and corporate proposal strategies. \nSWaM Certification can help your business grow. Learn more about SWaM Certification and get across the finish line by getting hands-on assistance with submitting your application! Registration is separate and on the SBSD Eventbrite page. \n\nInformation Session – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swam-certification-application-info-session-tickets-1981195568277?aff=oddtdtcreator\nHands-on Application Session (20 seats only) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swam-certification-hands-on-application-assistance-tickets-1981187763934?aff=oddtdtcreator\n\nDon’t miss out on this chance to make valuable contacts and gain fresh insights!
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/newport-news-business-growth-summit-2/
LOCATION:Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center\, 2410 Wickham Avenue\, Newport News\, VA 23607\, Newport News\, VA\, 23607\, US
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship,Home Based Business
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/189110_image.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T133000
DTSTAMP:20260216T160859Z
CREATED:20260216T160859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T160859Z
UID:10004574-1772712000-1772717400@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:SBA Loan Programs: Up to $5 million Available for Small Businesses
DESCRIPTION:Small Business Administration loans can be used for a wide variety of needs including working capital\, purchases of inventory and equipment\, refinancing business debt\, buying a business\, and the purchase or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate. \nDuring this webinar\, we will discuss the three main SBA Loan Programs – 7(a)\, 504 and Microloans. You will receive guidance on…. \n\nwhat to do before approaching a lender\nwhat the SBA application process looks like\nhow to find SBA lenders\n\nThis event is part of Capital Pathways\, a no-cost program from the Virginia SBDC that helps small businesses get the funding they need to grow. The program is designed for very small (fewer than 10 employees)\, emerging\, and growth-ready businesses that face challenges accessing traditional financing. It offers hands-on group learning\, guided implementation\, and extended one-on-one support focused on strengthening your finances\, loan applications\, and legal setup. \nRegister now to save your spot! \nA confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/sba-loan-programs-up-to-5-million-available-for-small-businesses/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T200000
DTSTAMP:20260209T230136Z
CREATED:20260209T230136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T230136Z
UID:10004539-1772730000-1772740800@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment
DESCRIPTION:Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the obstacles in Hampton Roads’ tech landscape—recognizing that while pathways into tech are often perceived as gated behind degrees\, years of experience\, or security clearances\, there are increasingly valid alternatives that reduce those barriers. They’ll learn how certifications\, apprenticeships\, transferable skills (including military experience)\, and structured support programs can open doors that traditional hiring practices may have previously closed. The event will also emphasize the importance of networking and relationship-building as tools to bypass rigid application filters\, while highlighting real success stories that demonstrate how individuals have overcome these challenges and transitioned into meaningful tech careers. Ultimately\, attendees will leave feeling empowered with actionable knowledge and the reassurance that the region is actively working to remove systemic barriers and create a more inclusive\, accessible tech community. \nBreaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment brings together business leaders\, hiring managers\, technologists\, and community advocates for a powerful evening centered on expanding access\, opportunity\, and diversity in the tech workforce.\nThe event features: \n\nA professional networking hour with drinks and hors d’oeuvres\nAction-focused dialogue around inclusion\, recruitment\, and workforce development\nA moderated panel discussion featuring regional tech and economic development leaders including:\n\nPanelists: \n\nShawn Avery\, President & CEO\, Hampton Roads Workforce Council\nJohnny Garcia\, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer\, SimIS\,  Inc.\nKasia Grzelkowski\, President & CEO\, VersAbility Resources\n\nModerator: \n\nBlair Durham\, Co-Founder/CEO\, Black BRAND\n\nEmcee \n\nFrancesca Garcia Moncion\, Board Member\, Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia\n\n  \nAttire: Business attire is recommended
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/breaking-down-barriers-in-tech-employment/
LOCATION:Rivers Casino Portsmouth\, 3630 Victory Blvd\, Portsmouth\, VA\, 23701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Business,Tech
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T120000
DTSTAMP:20260223T173335Z
CREATED:20260223T173335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T173335Z
UID:10004587-1773223200-1773230400@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:SEO & Social Selling Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Promotional Video HERE \nOverview of the Live Webinar \nThe following will be covered during this live webinar: \n\nPower of SEO and social media for attracting customers\, including local SEO to precisely target your market.\nWebsite optimization for lead generation. How personas\, message maps\, and content calendars help to make your website and social media footprint more attractive when integrated.\nSocial selling as an amplifier of your existing sales and marketing strategy. Learn to build an omni channel presence and customer journey for faster wins.\nWhat your digital channel strategy needs\, to be effective in terms of content\, technology and investment.\nHow to effectively use paid media and advertising. Cost savings of optimizing your website and SEO to maximize paid media spend and ROI.\n\nSpeaker: Hussain Shah\, Subject Matter Expert – Digital Marketing\, Mason SBDC & Timm Johnson – Director\, Mason SBDC \nLearn more at the link provided.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/seo-social-selling-webinar/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,SBDC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260313T100000
DTSTAMP:20260223T204837Z
CREATED:20260223T204837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T204837Z
UID:10004589-1773388800-1773396000@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:Women in Business Monthly Coffee Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Join us at Astraea Coffee! The event is open to the public and no registration is required. \n(The link provided goes to a Contact Form to subscribe for event updates.)
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/women-in-business-monthly-coffee-meetup/
LOCATION:Astraea Coffee\, 2437 N Landing Rd\, Virginia Beach\, Virginia
CATEGORIES:Business,Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_8257.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260317T140000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260317T160000
DTSTAMP:20260317T201501Z
CREATED:20260218T201555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T201501Z
UID:10004579-1773756000-1773763200@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:Scale Without Hiring: How Solopreneurs and Small Teams Can Use Ai to Grow
DESCRIPTION:Discover how solopreneurs and small teams can boost growth with Ai—no extra hires needed!\n\n\nScale Without Hiring: How Solopreneurs and Small Teams Can Use Ai to Grow (Virtual & In-Person)\n \nIn this practical 2-hour session\, business owners will learn how to use Ai tools to save time\, streamline operations\, and scale without increasing overhead. This is not a technical or theory-heavy presentation. Instead\, participants will see a live demonstration of how Ai can help generate marketing content\, organize workflows\, improve client communication\, and create simple systems that support growth. \nThis session is designed specifically for solopreneurs and small business owners who want practical\, real-world applications they can implement immediately. \nParticipants will leave with:• A clear understanding of what Ai actually is (and isn’t)• A live demonstration of Ai in action for business growth• Practical prompts and use cases they can begin using right away \nThe goal is to reduce overwhelm and increase confidence so local business owners can use Ai as a tool for economic growth and operational efficiency.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/scale-without-hiring-how-solopreneurs-and-small-teams-can-use-ai-to-grow/
LOCATION:200 High Street Suite 201\, Portsmouth\, VA\, USA\, 200 High Street #Suite 201\, Portsmouth\, VA 23704\, Portsmouth\, VA\, 23704\, US
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/190069_image.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260319T090000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Abidjan:20260319T120000
DTSTAMP:20260302T174810Z
CREATED:20260302T174810Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T174810Z
UID:10004643-1773910800-1773921600@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:AI Essentials: 2026 Business Innovation Conference
DESCRIPTION:Dive into AI Essentials ’26 and spark your biz innovation with trends\, talks\, and real-world hacks!\n\n\nAI Essentials: 2026 Business Innovation Conference\nGet ready to dive into the future of business with AI at this must-attend in-person event! Connect with industry leaders\, explore cutting-edge tech\, and discover how AI can transform your business strategies. Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned pro\, AI Essentials is your ticket to innovation. Don’t miss out on the chance to innovate\, learn\, and network—all under one roof!
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/ai-essentials-2026-business-innovation-conference/
LOCATION:The Ambassador Club of Portsmouth\, 364 Peninsula Avenue\, Portsmouth\, VA 23704\, Portsmouth\, VA\, 23704\, US
CATEGORIES:AI,Business
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/190611_image_original.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260308T042513Z
CREATED:20260308T042513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260308T042513Z
UID:10004656-1774440000-1774443600@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Buyer Persona: Mastering your Ideal Client
DESCRIPTION:Most startup founders navigate their growth using a paper map—they filter for job titles and industries\, then wonder why their “perfect” leads aren’t biting. In 2026\, a job title is just a coordinate; it doesn’t tell you the weather\, the current\, or if the fish are even there. \n​In this high-impact session\, we’re moving past static personas and into dynamic ICPs. We’ll show you how to stop “sailing blind” by using: \n​🔍 The Paper Map (Searchable Layer): The objective filters you use to build your list (Industry\, Stage\, Title). \n​🧠 The Deep-Sea Sonar (Learnable Layer): The hidden psychological traits you need to earn (Motivations\, Buying Behavior\, Risk Tolerance). \n​🧭 The Tactical Compass (The Bridge): The system for translating those deep “pings” into “clues” you can actually find and act on. \n  \n​Stop guessing and start navigating. We’ll cover how to find this data\, how to verify it through behavior\, and why speaking where your audience already hangs out beats screaming into the void.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/beyond-the-buyer-persona-mastering-your-ideal-client/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/54c08106-1869-46d9-b509-eb2c4342d9f4.png.avif
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