Small Business Networking LIVE!
2025-11-04 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Surf’s Up Restaurant, 100 Carys Chapel Road, Poquoson, VA, 23662, United States
Connect with fellow small business owners, share tips, and grow your network at our upcoming live networking events!

The AI Collective HR • Automate Your Social Media - Online Only
2025-11-04 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Online Event
Are you tired of the endless cycle of creating, scheduling, and posting on social media? It’s time to reclaim your time!
Join us for a practical, hands-on meetup where we’ll introduce you to Blotato, the AI-powered platform designed to automate your entire social media workflow. Learn how to generate endless content ideas, create engaging posts, and schedule everything across all your channels in a fraction of the time.
This session is perfect for anyone looking to build a powerful online presence without the burnout. We’ll guide you from initial setup to a fully automated content calendar.

What We’ll Cover 🚀

Welcome to Blotato: We’ll start with an overview of the platform, showing you how its AI engine can become your personal social media assistant.
Connect & Conquer: Learn how to securely connect all your social media accounts (like Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more) into a single, manageable dashboard.
AI-Powered Content Creation: This is where the magic happens. We’ll work together to:
Use the AI to generate viral content ideas and text posts from a simple prompt.
Create and customize eye-catching “faceless” videos and image posts directly within the platform.
“Remix” a single idea into multiple formats tailored for different social channels.
Schedule Like a Pro: We’ll walk you through building and organizing a content calendar, scheduling your AI-generated posts to go live at the perfect times.
Q&A and Strategy Session: Have questions about your specific social media goals? We’ll have plenty of time for Q&A and to share strategies for effective social media automation.

Who Should Attend?
This meetup is for solopreneurs, small business owners, marketers, content creators, and anyone looking to grow their brand on social media more efficiently. No advanced technical skills are required—if you use social media, you’re ready for Blotato.

Additional information
​​​The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 100,000+ 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 AI Collective-affiliated events are subject to the AI Collective’s Code of Conduct.

Boots to Business Reboot
2025-11-05 08:00 - 2025-11-06 16:00 (America/New_York) | Veterans Business Outreach Center, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, Norfolk, Virginia, 23510, US
Get ready to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey! This event is open to all members of the military community!

Startup World Cup Regional Competition Spotlights Virginia’s Growing Innovation Economy
2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online Event
Join us for a webinar on November 5 at noon to learn about how the Startup World Cup regional competition took place in Virginia.

When you think of Startup World Cup regional competitions, you might picture tech capitals like Silicon Valley, Seattle, London, or Singapore. But this past summer, Virginia took the global stage with the regional competition held in the state for the second year in a row.
In August, Virginia Beach served as the host site for the Startup World Cup’s Virginia regional event — part of the world’s largest startup pitch competition.
Startups from across Virginia took the stage to pitch their businesses, with the regional winner going on to represent the state at the Grand Finale in San Francisco — competing for the $1 million investment prize.
Hosting a regional event in Virginia Beach was a major win for Hampton Roads and Virginia — a testament to the region’s and state’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and its ability to compete on a global scale.
How did Hampton Roads land a spot on a global stage known for innovation and entrepreneurship?
Find out during our Virtual Innovation Spotlight Webinar on Wednesday, November 5 at noon.
You’ll hear the story behind the successful bid, how local partnerships made it possible, and what it means for the startup ecosystem across the I-64 Innovation Corridor and beyond.
The Startup World Cup brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate leaders from across the globe. Regional winners from dozens of cities — including Milan, Paris, Singapore, and now Virginia Beach — compete for the chance to advance to the Grand Finale in San Francisco, which took place in October.
The event in Virginia Beach drew innovators from across Virginia to pitch bold ideas, build connections, and showcase the talent driving the next wave of growth in the state.

The Female Founders Collective
2025-11-05 16:30 - 18:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
The Female Founders Collective is your space for real talk, genuine support, and actionable progress. This is not another networking group—it’s a dedicated space to “do the work” together with like-minded women who understand the entrepreneurial journey. Join Dr. Sheetal Ajmani as she creates that safe space for female startup founders in the area. Tenants & members, see the community portal for a special discount. – https://www.radiantlivinginstitute.com/offers/3VjumQzh/checkout

Cybersecurity: ISSA-HR Monthly Meeting - Professional Development, Networking
2025-11-05 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | ECPI University, 5555 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, United States
The Hampton Roads Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA-HR) hosts its monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of every month, offering a unique opportunity for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts alike. Here’s why you should attend:

Networking Opportunities: Build lasting professional relationships with fellow information security, risk management, and privacy experts.
Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest developments, trends, and innovations in cybersecurity.
Earn Continuing Education Credits: Attending the meeting grants you CPEs/CEUs toward your professional certifications.
Access Practical Solutions: Gain actionable insights, tools, and best practices that you can implement in your organization.
Professional Development: Participate in engaging presentations and discussions to expand your expertise and skillset.
Career Advancement: Connect with peers and explore career information, mentorship, and employment opportunities.

Speaker: TBD
Each month, ISSA-HR features renowned industry professionals who deliver insightful presentations on a wide range of cybersecurity topics. Previous topics have included:

Ransomware Trends and Defense Strategies
Zero Trust Architecture
Cybersecurity in the Age of AI and ML
Best Practices for Risk Management

This month’s speaker will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates!
After-Social:
We will meet at Plaza DeGollado Mexican Grill for the after-social. It is down the street from ECPI on the corner of Newtown Road. Lets have some fun together.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Meet, Greet and Network
6:00 PM – 6:15 PM Introduction and upcoming events discussion
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM Speakers Presentation and Q&A
7:15 PM – 7:45 PM ISSA-HR Business Meeting (Meeting ends)
7:45 PM Unofficial social @ Plaza Degollado Mexican Grill, 198 Newtown Rd., VB
5555 Greenwich Rd
Suite 360
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Join Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/96176658129?pwd=[REDACTED]
For more information about the Hampton Roads Chapter of ISSA, visit https://issa-hr.org
For the international organization: http://www.issa.org

The Lab by I SEE YOU BRO
2025-11-06 00:00 - 02:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Come out for candid conversations and real talk — it’s more than just a round table, it’s a community coming together to share. This month, they’ll be discussing self-love and relationships. – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-see-you-bro-presents-round-table-discussions-featuring-rise-bh-glascow-tickets-1584392112459?aff=oddtdtcreator

RISE UP: The Women's Communication Lab Series—The Unspoken Advantage
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Bloom Coworking, 739 High St, Portsmouth, VA, United States
This is more than a workshop—it’s your chance to unlock the communication tools that help you build stronger relationships, speak with clarity, and grow your business with confidence. Whether you’re in sales, healthcare, or entrepreneurship, how you show up and speak up directly impacts your results. These interactive trainings are designed specifically for women in business who want to level up their communication, mindset, and client relationships.
Attend one, two, or all three sessions—each is a standalone experience packed with tools you can apply right away.

Women's Leadership Circle
2025-11-06 16:30 - 18:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join the Women’s Leadership Circle, where senior women leaders and executives come together for transformational group coaching and peer support designed to support your growth at the highest levels.Tenants & members, see the community portal for a special discount. – https://www.radiantlivinginstitute.com/womens-leadership-circle

Late Night Coders
2025-11-06 21:00 - 2025-11-07 00:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Wild Wings, 101 S Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, United States
Can’t sleep? Stay up all night coding? Or can’t make the usual meetups till the kids are in bed?
Late Night Coders is a meetup for the rest of us.
Let’s get together and share what we’re working on, co-work, or get help on any problems we’re running into. Some code challenge keeping you up? Bring it to us!
Anyone is welcome at any experience or sleep-deprivation level. Bring your laptop! Or just come hang out with cool people.
Turned off guest options, bring whoever is interested in coming.

RISE UP: The Women's Communication Lab Series—Present Yourself Like a Pro (Even on Your Worst Day)
2025-11-07 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Bloom Coworking, 739 High St, Portsmouth, VA, United States

RISE UP: The Women's Communication Lab Series—Communicate to Convert
2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Bloom Coworking, 739 High St, Portsmouth, VA, United States

National Stem Day
2025-11-08 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Norfolk State University, Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA, USA, 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504, Norfolk, VA, 23504, US
Come celebrate all things STEM at Norfolk State University!
Join us for a day filled with exciting activities, workshops, and demonstrations showcasing the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or just curious about STEM, this event is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the world of innovation and discovery.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and learn more about the fascinating field of STEM!

Congressional Forum 2025
2025-11-10 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Norfolk The Main, 100 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, Norfolk, VA, 23510, US
The Hampton Roads Chamber serves as a strong advocate for the business community, bringing together our Congressional representatives each year for a vital forum. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from members of Congress, gaining valuable insight into current and emerging policies, and engaging in meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities impacting economic growth and the regional business climate. Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Rob Wittman, and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans will be in attendance.

Business Foundations - Management
2025-11-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online Event
Topic: Start-up Assistance

This session is one of three parts in the Business Foundations Series for new and early stage businesses (1 year or less and $50,000 or less in annual revenue). Each session can be taken in any order. Taking all three provides a better understanding of the core business principals of Management, Marketing and Money. An understanding of these concepts is the foundation of business success.
This part of the series focuses on Marketing. Every new or early stage business owner should have a working knowledge of these principles to create a sound marketing strategy and actionable go-to-market plan.
Marketing:
• Building your brand • Market Research • Identifying Your Target Customer • Free Marketing Options • Paid Marketing Options • Build a Budget • Strategize your Marketing Plan

Speaker(s): Jolie Spiers, Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
Co-Sponsor(s):

Fee: No Cost

Liberate Hampton Roads: Quarterly Leadership Development
2025-11-11 14:00 - 20:00 UTC | Assembly Norfolk, 400 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA, 23510, United States
Come out for a transformative in-person leadership toolkit session where you’ll meet and connect with high level community leaders, learn a new tool, and develop a clear and practical plan for the next quarter. – https://www.surrendernetwork.com/hampton-roads

Business to Business Open House
2025-11-11 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | The Royal Chocolate, 164 Central Park Ave, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, United States
Join us for our private B2B Holiday Open House! Celebrate 19 years with treats, cheer & a peek at our holiday offerings ✨

🎉 Celebrating 19 Years Together!
We’re inviting our business clients and friends to join us for an evening of celebration, connection, and holiday cheer!
As we mark 19 incredible years in business, we’re reflecting on what matters most, the relationships that made it all possible. This private open house is our way of saying thank you for being part of our story.
Enjoy festive treats, good company, and a first look at our holiday offerings. Browse, mingle, and soak in the inspiration for the season ahead.
As a token of appreciation, guests who place holiday orders during the event will receive a special incentive, just our way of giving back to those who’ve supported us year after year.
🎄 Cheers to 19 Years of Business
🎁 Private Celebration for Our Clients & Friends
🍰 Holiday Treats • Warm Connections • Seasonal Inspiration
Let’s raise a glass to 19 years of creativity, collaboration, and community, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

How to Finance Your Business
2025-11-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 112 Bank St.
How to Finance Your Business Venture / Personal Credit
Join Sabrina Davis and Ryan Warner for a comprehensive workshop on business financing and personal credit. Sabrina will cover SBA lending vs. conventional lending, while Ryan will delve into essential aspects of personal credit and scores. Gain insights crucial for securing financial support for your business venture.
Presenters:
Sabrina Davis: Expert in SBA lending, bringing valuable insights into financing options.
Ryan Warner: Specializing in personal credit, Ryan provides key strategies for managing credit scores effectively.
Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your financial knowledge!

Craft-Your-Own Lattes + Pastries Social
2025-11-12 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Froth, flavor, and savor! Join us for a cozy morning of crafting your own lattes and enjoying fresh pastries. Mix your favorite flavors, connect with fellow members, and treat yourself to a little morning magic — caffeine and creativity included.

Start Peninsula Championship Pitch Event
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual – Zoom
The top 3 pitchers from each of the four Micro Pitch events of 2025 will square off and compete for the top three startups of the year. Three founders will walk away with $5,000 in cash. Register to watch for FREE! https://bit.ly/SP25CP

Black Diamond Weekend
2025-11-13 08:00 - 2025-11-15 23:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr, Hampton, Virginia, 23666
Black Diamond Weekend is the premier gathering celebrating Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and community wealth building in Hampton Roads and beyond. This year marks a milestone — the 10th Anniversary of Black BRAND — and we’re honoring a decade of impact, growth, and legacy.
With the theme Regional Renaissance, BDW spotlights the rich culture, innovation, and collaboration across the Seven Cities of Hampton Roads — Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.
Over three unforgettable days, leaders, innovators, and visionaries will come together to exchange ideas, build connections, and ignite opportunities that shape the future of business and culture. The weekend culminates with the 10th Anniversary Black Diamond Affair Gala — an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.
From high-impact plenaries and thought-provoking panels to networking socials, live entertainment, and our milestone Gala — BDW is more than a conference; it’s a movement designed to empower, inspire, and transform.

It's Not Personal, It's Business
2025-11-13 09:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | 1 Franklin St, 1 Franklin Street, Hampton, VA 23669, Hampton, VA, 23669, US
An informative session on the fundamentals of business finance

“It’s Not Personal, It’s Business”, part of the Bank on your success™ program at Truist. This interactive session will help you keep your business and personal ﬁnances separate as you make progress toward your work and life goals. Our expert speakers will cover topics such as why separate personal and business finances, how to set and refresh business goals, how do I pay myself, business structure and organization, how to organize your finances and financial accounts and tools.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Register now to secure your spot.
Presented by TRUIST Small Business, sponsored by Hampton’s Department of Economics

Black Diamond Weekend Innovation Commercialization Competition
2025-11-13 19:00 - 2025-11-15 09:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr, Hampton, Virginia, 23666
The Responsible Innovation Commercialization Competition is a hackathon designed to connect students with subject matter experts, the entrepreneur ecosystem, and industry. For this inaugural event, NASA has provided a problem statement for students to workshop over the course of three days. Students will explore themes around solar energy and life on the moon! **NOTE: Space is limited. Register NOW!**

Schedule/Logistics:

Location: Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, VA
Dates: Thursday, November 13-Saturday, November 15

On Thursday beginning at 7pm, you will enjoy a presentation by NASA as well as special invited guests. You will then form non-homogenous teams with students from across the region. On Friday, between 3pm and 9pm, you will formulate your ideas onsite and gain insights from industry experts. Then on Saturday, beginning at 9am, you will return to develop their presentations with your groups and present them to a panel of judges for a chance at a cash prize. We will feed you throughout!

Invited Schools:
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Tidewater Community College
Christopher Newport University
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Hampton University
Paul D. Camp Community College

Participating Ecosystem Partners and Subject Matter Expertise:
Innovate Hampton Roads
757Collab
Zel Technologies
StemComm Ventures
Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable

NASA

**NOTE: Space is limited. Register NOW!**

The Giving Exchange: Clothing & Home Goods Swap
2025-11-13 22:30 - 2025-11-14 00:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Clear out your closet and refresh your style — all for a great cause! Bring 5-10 like-new clothing or home items to swap for something fresh. All adult sizes & genders welcome. Remaining items will support the Samaritan House, a local organization working to help people free themselves from domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and homelessness. RSVP to get more event details, and bring a friend. Free for Assembly tenants & members; $5 for non-members. – https://community.assemblynfk.com/en/events/view/1415606995/clothing-and-home-goods-swap-w-wpa-and-foster-beauty

Extracurricular: The Power of Creative Business | Session III
2025-11-13 23:00 - 2025-11-14 02:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Come out for a dynamic networking event that explores the intersection of creativity and business. Presented by Antidote Agency and Sew N’ Grow to Inspire, this event brings together a panel of visionary business owners and creatives to share stories, insights, and strategies on harnessing creativity as a driving force for success in the business world. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or simply curious about the synergy between art and commerce, this event is for you! – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/extracurricular-the-power-of-creative-business-iii-tickets-1777659941739?aff=oddtdtcreator

BizConnect Member Weekly Coffee - Blue Box Auction Gallery
2025-11-14 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | Blue Box Auction Gallery, Five Points Community Farmers Market, 2500 Church St, Norfolk, VA, 23504, United States
Join BizConnect members for weekly coffee. Come for advice from other business owners, bring guests to connect with BizConnect members, bring ideas for partnership opportunities. It’s a great way to end the busy work week and start the weekend.

Cybersecurity - Chesapeake Weekend Afternoon Networking (WAN)
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | neat bird chicken, 565 Belaire Avenue, Chesapeake, 23320, United States
Are you looking to meet new people who share your interests? Whether you’re thinking about entering cybersecurity, have recently entered the field, or are a seasoned professional, we welcome all to join us for an evening of networking, learning, and fun.
Why Attend?
Enjoy a night out at the cozy and welcoming Neat Bird in Chesapeake, where you can connect with like-minded individuals. We love bringing people together to share insights and build lasting connections. Join us for some beers—or not, if that’s your preference. Our goal is to help you forge meaningful relationships in the cybersecurity community.
About ISSA-HR
The Information Systems Security Association of Hampton Roads (ISSA-HR) hosts social events throughout the region, providing a space for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts to get together, share stories, learn new information, and meet new people. With years of cybersecurity expertise, ISSA-HR is committed to promoting the industry and nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
RSVP now and bring a friend! We look forward to seeing you there!
Location: Neat Bird, 565 Belaire Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Business Plan Prep
2025-11-17 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Portsmouth Economic Development and the ODU’s Women’s Business Center are partnering to offer Business Plan Prep, a 6-week training course focused on assisting businesses with creating a comprehensive business plan to apply for the EDA Business Investment Grant Program. During this course you will learn how to use a business plan as a strategic map, clarify a business vision, outline goals and provide detail on how to achieve them.
Accepting Applications: November 10, 2025 – December 12, 2025
Interview Process: After applications are reviewed applicants will be contacted with further instruction.
Program Timeline: January 6, 2025 – February 10, 2025, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Program Eligibility:

0-10 years in business
Portsmouth business license
Tax statements/financial statements (3-10 years in business)
Must be eligible to apply for the EDA Business Investment Grants
Must be current on taxes and fees with the City of Portsmouth

Eligible Industries:

Defense/Maritime
Health Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Retail/Restaurants
General Services
Transportation/Logistics

Required Documentation For Application:

Copy of the City of Portsmouth Business License

Required by all applicants

Financial Statements or 2024/2023 Tax Documents

Required by applicants with 4-10 Years in Business

The Importance of Branding
2025-11-18 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 200 High Street Suite 201, Portsmouth, VA, USA, 200 High Street #Suite 201, Portsmouth, VA 23704, Portsmouth, VA, 23704, US
Elevate your marketing & branding strategy!
Why Attend?

Expert Speaker
Networking Opportunities
Learn the Why?

Who Should Attend?

Business Owners
Entrepreneurs
Startups

Unlock the secrets of successful marketing with our intensive workshop.
