Innovate Hampton Roads

🧜‍♀️ The AI Collective Hampton Roads | Connections & (grocery) carts
2026-02-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wegmans Cafe, 4721 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Meet people and pick up your weekly groceries.
🤝 A casual networking hangout in the grocery store cafe
​Chats, connections, & grocery carts is a relaxed, social-first networking event for curious, friendly people across Hampton Roads who enjoy good conversation and knocking out life errands at the same time.
This is not a lecture.
This is not a pitch night.
And you definitely do not need to “prepare” anything.
It is simply a low-pressure space to meet new people, have real conversations, and casually connect while wandering the aisles and picking up your weekly groceries.
Whether you are deeply into AI and automation, adjacent to tech and creativity, or just someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations with interesting humans, you belong here.
✨ What to expect

​Casual, open networking with a mix of builders, creatives, technologists, founders, students, and professionals
​Easy, organic conversations while shopping at your own pace
​Light, optional conversation prompts to help break the ice if you want them
​No presentations, no panels, no pressure to “network correctly”
​A friendly, welcoming environment for all backgrounds and experience levels
​Come as you are. Grab a cart or a basket. Pick up dinner for the week. Meet a few new people along the way.

​👥 Who should attend
​Chats, connections, & grocery carts is for:

​People who enjoy meeting others without forced networking vibes
Builders, creatives, technologists, and curious minds
AI, automation, no-code, and tech-adjacent folks
Students and career switchers exploring what is next
Founders, consultants, operators, and professionals
Anyone who likes good conversation and low-stakes socializing
​If you enjoy thoughtful chats and meeting people in unexpected places, you will fit right in.

🏪 Why a grocery store

​You were probably going to the store anyway.
​Hosting this event in a grocery store keeps things human, practical, and approachable. It removes the pressure of traditional networking and turns it into something simple, efficient, and a little fun.
​Two errands. One cart.

💡 Why this event exists
​Community grows best in relaxed, everyday spaces.
Chats, Connections, & Grocery Carts exists to create an easy, human-centered way for people to connect without titles, talks, or expectations. It is about building relationships, sharing ideas naturally, and strengthening the local community one conversation at a time.
Come say hi. Leave with groceries. Make a few new connections along the way.
ℹ️ Other bits of info & FAQs

This is a free community event
Drinks or food are available for purchase depending on the venue
Photos or videos may be taken for community and marketing purposes
Come solo or bring a friend
​​​Is there free parking in the area? Yes. If you can’t snag a spot in their parking lot, feel free to park somewhere close by along a side street. There’s usually lots of space.
​​​Is this free?
Yes, but space is limited. Make sure to RSVP

🤝 Organizers & partners
​
Organizers
The AI Collective Hampton Roads
​Platinum partners
TechArk
Regent University
ECPI University
​Silver partners
TEKsystems
Assembly
​Space partner
757 Collab
The Hive by Virginia Beach
NSU Innovation Center
🌍 ​Our parent org
The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 150,000+ pioneers – founders, researchers, operators, and investors – exploring the frontier of AI in major tech hubs worldwide. Through events, workshops, and community-led research, we empower the AI ecosystem to collaboratively steer AI’s future toward trust, openness, and human flourishing.
All attendees and organizers at events affiliated with The AI Collective agree to our privacy policy and are subject to our code of conduct. Additionally, by registering for this event, you agree to The AI Collective Hampton Roads chapter photo & video policy.

The AI Collective Hampton Roads | Connections & (grocery) carts
2026-02-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wegmans, 4721 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Meet people and pick up your weekly groceries.
A casual networking hangout in the grocery store cafe
​Chats, connections, & grocery carts is a relaxed, social-first networking event for curious, friendly people across Hampton Roads who enjoy good conversation and knocking out life errands at the same time.
This is not a lecture.
This is not a pitch night.
And you definitely do not need to “prepare” anything.
It is simply a low-pressure space to meet new people, have real conversations, and casually connect while wandering the aisles and picking up your weekly groceries.
Whether you are deeply into AI and automation, adjacent to tech and creativity, or just someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations with interesting humans, you belong here.
What to expect

​Casual, open networking with a mix of builders, creatives, technologists, founders, students, and professionals
​Easy, organic conversations while shopping at your own pace
​Light, optional conversation prompts to help break the ice if you want them
​No presentations, no panels, no pressure to “network correctly”
​A friendly, welcoming environment for all backgrounds and experience levels
​Come as you are. Grab a cart or a basket. Pick up dinner for the week. Meet a few new people along the way.

[More details on the event’s registration page]

Marketing in the Age of AI
2026-02-26 16:30 - 18:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Curious on how artificial intelligence is reshaping today’s marketing landscape? Join AMA to learn practical, real-world ways businesses are using AI through an interactive presentation led by industry experts. Enjoy networking, a catered lunch, and insights that are approachable, educational, and immediately applicable — whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting. Tenants & members, see the community portal for a limited discount. – https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/e8951a7a-e182-4465-a6fc-189aba6e4414?fbclid=IwY2xjawPfFNNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxZmxtV2VKcmtic2FrZ1kyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlqCpBmanKxFTF-1278JyWaaYJIISHkCtaVwmQjM4QmwjAZ6sh8uSX2EgZA3_aem_Bug_0vAnkbRW89K2Mm3LcA

Innovators Invite: Innovators Making Waves in the 757
2026-02-25 21:30 - 23:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Join the NIC for a dynamic conversation with the bold thinkers and builders shaping the future of our region. Hear from leaders across healthcare, media, tech, and entrepreneurship during a lively panel moderated by Kevin Leslie of Old Dominion University, followed by audience Q&A and networking. Registration opens at 4:30 PM, panel begins at 5:00 PM, and the evening wraps with connection and refreshments by Free Life — this event is free to attend. – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovators-invite-innovators-making-waves-in-the-757-tickets-1982360300021?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Storytelling that Sells: 6 Techniques for Brand, Sales, Marketing & Pitching
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Most founders struggle to explain what they do in a way that lands.
​​You’ve got traction, a great product, maybe even a team — but when you try to describe it to a potential customer, investor, or partner, the story falls flat.
​​This isn’t a branding problem.
It’s a storytelling problem.
​​In this 90-minute, high-touch session, you’ll learn how to:

​​Use storytelling to reduce risk and drive decisions
​​Adapt your message for investors, buyers, or marketing content
​​Build clarity around your value using 6 powerful frameworks
​​Pitch transformation — not just features

​​This session is for startup founders who need to sharpen how they show up for:

​​Sales
​​Marketing
​​Pitching

​​You’ll leave with:
A tested storytelling toolkit you can plug into your next email, pitch deck, or sales call — immediately.

*Please Note: This event is the first of the new 2026 Founder Roadmap Series presented by RedwoodRISE Ventures – More events to follow!*

Strategic Thinking 101
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Strategic Thinking 101: every business decision shapes your future. Join us for a collaborative virtual workshop where we’ll explore how to evaluate choices not just for today, but for where you want to be next month, next quarter, and next year. We’ll discuss practical ways to assess your capacity, avoid common traps, and make decisions your future self will appreciate.Who should attend: Any business owner who wants to move from reactive decision-making to intentional planning – whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your established business to the next level.

Speaker(s): Jordan Hanna Gray
Fee: No Cost

Geeks at a Bar- Peninsula Happy Hour
2026-02-24 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Marketplace at Tech Center, 12090 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA, 23606, United States
Do you work with technology or for a tech company? Do you speak geek? Come network with other technology industry workers for a casual, conversational happy hour.

The 5 p.m. - 9 a.m. Entrepreneur: Building a Side Business Without Burning Out Your Career
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
You don’t have to quit your job to test a business idea. You just need a plan. Join three alumni who launched successful side ventures while keeping full-time roles. They will break down the real math: hours required, startup costs, when to tell your employer, and when not to, and the financial benchmarks for scaling. You will leave with a clear roadmap, an ethics checklist to protect your day job, and candid advice on knowing if or when to go full-time.
Panelists: Chelsea Mandello M.B.A. ’21 (Troopster), Maybelline Sak ’07 (ADV)
Moderator: Graham Henshaw (William & Mary)
This event is part of William & Mary’s Professional Development Week (Feb. 23-27). Throughout the week, the W&M community will come together to strengthen our connections and grow in our professional lives. No matter what stage of your career you are in, don’t miss these opportunities to hear from experts, discuss pressing topics and leverage your lifelong W&M network for professional success!

Norfolk.js
2026-02-23 23:30 - 2026-02-24 01:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Come hang with Norfolk.js to kick off the HRDevFest week with their HRDevFest Pre-Show — a fun, low-key chance to connect before the main event. Hang out, chat about new JavaScript trends, and meet fellow web developers of all skill levels. – https://www.meetup.com/norfolkjs/events/313101031/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=183507571

OFFWRLD. SESSIONS | Community Create Day
2026-02-22 15:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Assembly, 400 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, Norfolk, VA, 23510, US
OFFWRLD. SESSIONS: Community Create Day is an open, immersive creative experience designed to bring together artists, musicians, writers, designers, and storytellers from across the 757. This is not a traditional showcase—it’s a live creation space where process is celebrated just as much as the final product.
From the moment doors open, the building transforms into a multi-room creative playground. Attendees are invited to explore, connect, and create in real time. A digital building map will be released ahead of the event and available on-site, highlighting designated areas for different creative mediums throughout the space.

757 BLD WKND 2026
2026-02-22 14:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-21 14:00 - 2026-02-22 00:00, 2026-02-20 14:00 - 2026-02-21 00:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
If you love to build and create, this event is for you! A high-energy, weekend-long experience where entrepreneurs, students, and professionals bring bold ideas to life and pitch for prizes and bragging rights. This event blends tech, gaming, music, AI, and hands-on exploration in a culture-rich, electrifying environment. Open to both technical and non-technical builders, it’s a three-day opportunity to collaborate, find talent, and create together with 757 Startup Studios. – https://757-bld-wknd-2026.devpost.com/

757 BLD WKND 2026
2026-02-20 - 2026-02-22 | 757 Startup Studios @ Assembly, 400 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, Norfolk, VA, 23510, US
Hampton Road’s first hackathon supported by the 757 Startup Studios and Assembly.
If you like to build and create, this event is for you. Picture a vibrant space where entrepreneurs, students, and professionals converge to build whatever they want—from innovative new projects to wacky ideas. The best projects, as determined by our panel of expert and investor judges, will have opportunities to win prizes and bragging rights. From the initial brainstorming to the final pitch, you’ll experience a weekend-long version of the entrepreneurial journey.
Unlike a traditional “hackathon”, we have a broad sense of the word “build” — whether you’re technical or non-technical, we want you to build together! This event is also an ideal platform to find talent or collaborators to bring your idea to life. The event will occur over three days at the 757 Startup Studios within the Assembly campus in Norfolk, VA.

Techstars Startup Weekend
2026-02-20 - 2026-02-22 | University of Richmond
Startup Weekend is a global, 54-hour event where entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and other professionals collaborate to turn an idea into a startup over a single weekend.
Perfect for emerging executives developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
February 20 – 22, 2026
In this three-day program aspiring entrepreneurs experience startup life. It is a creative and collaborative educational event over a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Open to the public, anyone can develop and pitch new startup ideas. From executive product owners to independent inventors, all are welcome.

🧜‍♀️AI Collective-HR | AI ideation, research, and validation
2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ECPI, 5555 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Using AI to Think Like a Successful Entrepreneur
An AI-powered ideation, research, and validation workshop
Building ideas is easy. Proving they matter is hard.
This hands-on workshop is designed to help you use AI as a thinking partner to move faster from vague ideas to clearer, validated directions. Instead of guessing or relying on gut instinct alone, you will learn practical ways to use AI to challenge assumptions, explore markets, and pressure-test ideas before you invest too much time or energy.
This session focuses on how founders, builders, and teams can use AI to think more clearly, ask better questions, and make more informed decisions. No hype. No pitch decks. Just practical frameworks you can apply right away.
🔍 What you’ll learn

How to use AI to generate and refine early-stage ideas
Turning assumptions into research questions instead of guesses
Exploring customer and market perspectives with AI support
Simple validation techniques you can use immediately
How to move from intuition-driven thinking to evidence-informed decisions

This is not about memorizing prompts or chasing tools. It is about learning how to think better with AI in the loop.
🧠 Your facilitators
Andrew Stafford is a Fractional Chief AI Officer and Director of Technology and Global Alliances at The AI Collective. He works with executive teams to establish clear ownership of AI decisions, focus on real ROI, and avoid unnecessary risk, tool sprawl, and hype-driven strategy.
Ted Patterson is a Product and GTM Engineer at Reelist and a founding leader of The AI Collective Hampton Roads. With nearly 20 years of experience across product, research, design, and systems, he focuses on turning complex ideas into testable hypotheses, clear narratives, and practical next steps.
Together, Andrew and Ted will guide you through an end-to-end ideation, research, and validation flow that blends strategic thinking with hands-on experimentation.
👥 Who should attend?

Founders and early-stage startup teams
Product managers, designers, and engineers
No-code and automation builders
Researchers and analysts
Students and career switchers exploring entrepreneurship
Anyone curious about using AI to think more clearly about ideas and markets

No prior AI experience required.
⚡ Why this matters
AI is changing how ideas are formed, tested, and funded. The real advantage is not knowing more tools. It is knowing how to ask better questions, challenge assumptions earlier, and validate faster.
This session is about building that muscle.
ℹ️ FAQs
Is there free parking?
Yes. There is plenty of free parking available on the ECPI University campus.
Is this event free?
Yes. Space is limited, so please RSVP and cancel if your plans change.
Will food or drinks be provided?
Light snacks and drinks will be available.
🤝 Organizers & partners
​
Organizers
The AI Collective Hampton Roads
​Platinum partners
TechArk
Regent University
ECPI University
​Silver partners
TEKsystems
Assembly
​Space partner
757 Collab
The Hive by Virginia Beach
NSU Innovation Center
🌍 ​Our parent org
The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 150,000+ pioneers – founders, researchers, operators, and investors – exploring the frontier of AI in major tech hubs worldwide. Through events, workshops, and community-led research, we empower the AI ecosystem to collaboratively steer AI’s future toward trust, openness, and human flourishing.
All attendees and organizers at events affiliated with The AI Collective agree to our privacy policy and are subject to our code of conduct. Additionally, by registering for this event, you agree to The AI Collective Hampton Roads chapter photo & video policy.

AI Collective-HR | AI ideation, research, and validation
2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | ECPI University, 5555 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, United States
Using AI to Think Like a Successful Entrepreneur
An AI-powered ideation, research, and validation workshop
Building ideas is easy. Proving they matter is hard.
This hands-on workshop is designed to help you use AI as a thinking partner to move faster from vague ideas to clearer, validated directions. Instead of guessing or relying on gut instinct alone, you will learn practical ways to use AI to challenge assumptions, explore markets, and pressure-test ideas before you invest too much time or energy.
This session focuses on how founders, builders, and teams can use AI to think more clearly, ask better questions, and make more informed decisions. No hype. No pitch decks. Just practical frameworks you can apply right away.
🔍 What you’ll learn

How to use AI to generate and refine early-stage ideas
Turning assumptions into research questions instead of guesses
Exploring customer and market perspectives with AI support
Simple validation techniques you can use immediately
How to move from intuition-driven thinking to evidence-informed decisions

This is not about memorizing prompts or chasing tools. It is about learning how to think better with AI in the loop.
[More details on the event’s registration page]

757CIO Event: M365 Migrations
2026-02-19 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Kaufman & Canoles, 150 W. Main Street, Suite 2100, Norfolk, Virginia
Topic: M365 Migration – Lessons from the Trenches
​Join us for an evening of peer learning as we explore the complexities, challenges, and successes of Microsoft 365 migration projects. This session will move beyond theory to examine actual implementations, providing actionable insights.
​We are opening this event to technology leaders and their teams. We encourage you to bring your direct reports who engage in M365 initiatives, infrastructure management, or migration projects. This is an excellent opportunity for your teams to gain exposure to real-world experiences and learn alongside their peers.
​Featured Speaker: Martin Gale, Bluewave Technology Group, Solution Architect
​Martin brings 29 years of experience across the full spectrum of information technology roles, from Systems Administrator to CIO and now Solution Architect. His extensive background spans servers, storage, networking, and virtualization across both enterprise and service provider environments. Martin has worked in diverse industries including software development, hardware manufacturing, insurance, and healthcare, and holds certifications as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and VMware Certified Professional. A military combat veteran and former Drill Instructor, Martin, brings a disciplined, results-oriented approach to technology challenges.
​During this session, Martin will share real case studies from M365 migration projects, providing candid perspectives on what worked, what did not, and the lessons learned along the way.
​Event Sponsor: This event is generously sponsored by Bluewave Technology Group, a technology advisory firm.
​
757CIO is a peer-to-peer community providing education and meaningful professional connections among technology leaders in the Hampton Roads region.

Building Your Value Proposition Design (VPD) Webinar
2026-02-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Please join Senior Business Counselor, and Adjunct GMU Professor George Siragusa, as he guides you through a step-by-step process of building your Value Proposition Design which is invaluable to startups, early stage companies, growth, or even mature businesses!
The Value Proposition Design (VPD) is a framework that enables businesses to develop and solidify their foundational ideas for how they will create, communicate, deliver and then extract marketplace value for a differentiated product or service intended to solve a specific problem aligned with a specific customer need while delivering tangible benefits, for an intended potential customer segment in a domain space or industry sector. It lives inside something called the Business Model Canvas, another important foundational business framework.
[Learn more at the event registration link.]

Android App Development 101
2026-02-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Vision Care Center of Virginia, 2157 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, Virginia
Come join us either in person or virtually to learn the basics of Android App development.
Zoom Link: TBA

Soup & Chili Swap
2026-02-18 17:00 - 19:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Warm up your week — with a soup & chili swap! This is a shared-table kind of event — if you’re planning to enjoy the soups and chilis, we ask that you bring something to contribute, whether it’s a crockpot of soup, chili, or a tasty addition to go alongside. We’ll provide the fixings! Come taste, trade recipes, and hang out over a bowl (or three). No competition — just good food and good company. 🥣 – https://community.assemblynfk.com/events/1415655068/soup-and-chili-swap/tickets

The Nuts and Bolts of SBIRs/STTRs across Life Science Agencies WEBINAR
2026-02-18 11:00 - 13:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online Event
The Nuts and Bolts of SBIRs/STTRs across Life Science Agencies WEBINAR

Feeling daunted by the range of SBIR/STTR opportunities offered to support your emerging company’s life science product development? With 11 federal agencies supporting the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, newcomers to the process may miss opportunities that are right for them simply because they may not be aware of some of the in’s and out’s of SBIRs/STTRs across agencies. This 90-minute webinar with Q & A will help first-time applicants understand the landscape of opportunities to support awards at NIH, NSF, USDA, ARPA-H and to a lesser extent DoD. This webinar is presented by Life Science Works. Our presenter has written and received SBIRs for his own life science company and he helps others navigate the landscape to zero in on the right opportunity at the right moment.LOCATION: WEBINARDATE: February 18, 2026TIME: 1PM-2:30PMCOST: • Virginia Based Small Tech Firms & University Researchers, FREE• Non-Virginia Based Companies and University, $45 person

Soar Sessions: STEM Power; Thriving Beyond the Degree
2026-02-16 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
An intimate conversation for women to learn to navigate life after graduation — whether stepping into the workforce, pursuing advanced degrees, or pivoting into new passions. This session explores how to thrive beyond the classroom by redefining success on your own terms and leveraging STEM skills in diverse industries and roles, and creating community that supports growth, identity, and balance. – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soar-session-stempower-thriving-beyond-the-degree-tickets-1978841503205?aff=oddtdtcreator

Valentine's Day Flower Pop-Up w/ Orbis x Jade Rabbit Flowers
2026-02-13 16:00 - 21:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Beat the Valentine’s Day rush! Stop by the living room to pick up a bud vase or bouquet for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. Orbis and Jade Rabbit Flowers will have some pre-arranged options available for easy grab-and-go. – https://www.jaderabbitflowers.com/shop/p/valentines-wrapped-bouquet

From Intelligence to Authority: Securing AI in 2026
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Why AI makes security architecture more important, not less.
This is a live, digital-only event focused on how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, identity, and enterprise architecture. No in-person attendance. Join from anywhere.
As AI systems become embedded into security workflows, identity systems, and automation pipelines, the real risk isn’t that AI might be wrong. The real risk is giving a probabilistic system authority in places that require certainty.
This session reframes AI security from “model safety” to architecture safety.
We’ll explore how trust, identity, governance, and control planes must evolve as intelligence becomes non-deterministic.
If you work in cybersecurity, cloud, or engineering, this is how you stay ahead of the threat landscape going into 2026. Join Andrew Stafford for a practical, architect-level breakdown of what secure AI systems must look like at enterprise scale.

[More info at the event registration link.]

Valentine's Day Flower Pop-Up w/ Orbis x Jade Rabbit Flowers
2026-02-12 16:00 - 21:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Beat the Valentine’s Day rush! Stop by the living room to pick up locally arranged bud vases or a bouquet for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. They’ll have pre-arranged bouquets featuring premium locally grown flowers for easy grab-and-go. – https://www.jaderabbitflowers.com/shop/p/valentines-wrapped-bouquet

Simple Business Plan Bootcamp February 2026
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
All businesses need a plan to succeed.
Your plan drives critical decisions and actions that determine whether you succeed or fail. Identifying your core customers, important activities and key resources can make sure you’re focusing your business on profitability and growth
Unfortunately, the business planning process can be confusing and complicated. The format of a traditional business plan can be long, lengthy and intimidating to write. Knowing what information is critical to include and knowing where to get that information can result in a plan that isn’t helpful or ends up on the shelf ignored.
In this two-session class we will take a fresh look at how to create a plan that works for your small business. One that is less confusing, gives you the ability to make important decisions, and helps you figure out how to determine what information you really need before you execute the plan. SBDC Manager Eric Byrd will walk you through building your own simple business plan using The Business Model Canvas and other tools so you can easily chart a course for success.
In the first session (part one) you will identify the 5 Elements of Your Plan and define the structure of your business concept. This is the foundation of your plan and of your business once you open your doors at launch time. Also in the first session (part one), you will discover how to identify your core Customer Segments and Value Proposition to map out what you need to know to turn your idea into an actual operational business. Between the sessions you will do research and gather information about your key customers and value proposition to include in your basic plan. In the second session (part two) you will learn how to use your value proposition information to map out your business model and identify ways to confirm your concept using the data gathering and validation techniques. Also in the second session, you will be exposed to the three core Business Finance concepts you will need to understand to turn your idea into a functioning business. Throughout the process you will be able to ask questions and identify the specific information you need to have to create the right plan for your specific business.
Speaker(s): Eric Byrd, Manager, Loudoun SBDC
Fee: $0 No Cost
Two Sessions:
(Part 1) Thursday, February 5th, 2025 10:00am – 12:00pm
(Part 2) Thursday, February 12th, 2025 10:00am – 12:00pm
NOTE: Registration closes 24 hours before start of first class.

Williamsburg Software Developers Group February Social Event
2026-02-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Longboards Williamsburg Dining & Tiki Bar, 5601 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia
Our next social event will be at Longboards Williamsburg Dining & Tiki Bar in Premium Outlets, in the former location of Oceans & Ales.

Women in Business Hampton Roads: Coffee Meetup
2026-02-11 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Sky’s the Limit Yoga, 115 W 25th Street, Suite A, Norfolk, Virginia
Join this month’s Women in Business coffee meet up at Sky’s the Limit Yoga! The event is free to attend and no registration is needed.

Using AI for Social Media
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Work Smarter, Stay Authentic
Social media marketing can feel overwhelming, from coming up with ideas to writing captions, planning content, and posting consistently. For many business owners, it’s difficult to keep up while managing everything else.
In this live, virtual workshop, you’ll learn how practical, easy-to-use AI tools can help simplify your social media process without sacrificing your brand voice. Through real-world examples and demonstrations, we’ll show how AI can support content ideas, caption writing, and planning so your social media efforts feel more manageable and intentional.
This session is designed to be approachable, practical, and immediately useful.
What you’ll learn:

Which AI tools are most useful for social media marketing
How to use AI to generate content ideas and draft captions
Ways to streamline social media planning and save time
Best practices for using AI while keeping your brand authentic

Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, you’ll leave with clear ideas and next steps you can put into practice right away.
