Creating Economic Vitality

Economic vitality is built as we craft investable conditions, collaborate to unlock capital and connectivity, and create pathways for businesses of every size to grow, compete and hire in Newport News.

The EDA strengthened the City’s economic engine by advancing targeted infrastructure participation and by convening high-impact business ecosystems – linking private investment, public improvements, and supplier opportunity into a unified strategy.

In 2025, the EDA authorized a $3.25 million participation agreement with Costco to support public transportation and infrastructure improvements near Jefferson Avenue and Bland Boulevard, reinforcing the City’s commitment to retaining a key business and strengthening one of Newport News’ most important commercial areas. This action supports Costco’s retention and continued investment in the City, while ensuring that surrounding infrastructure keeps pace with growth and serves the needs of residents, customers, and businesses alike.

By partnering on targeted improvements to roadways and transportation systems, the EDA is helping to enhance traffic flow, improve safety, and increase accessibility throughout the corridor, while simultaneously supporting Costco’s major investment in a new wholesale club, as well as expanded fuel pump operations. The initiative reflects the EDA’s broader approach of aligning public investment with private activity to sustain economic vitality, support job retention, and ensure that Newport News remains a competitive, business-friendly community.

While infrastructure sets the stage, business growth accelerates when connections are intentional. Throughout the year, the EDA collaborated with state, regional, and private-sector partners to create platforms where entrepreneurs can access capital, expand networks, and enter supply chains. On February 26-27, Newport News served as a hub for supplier diversity and business-to-business growth when the Carolinas- Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC) hosted its Annual Meeting & ProForum Conference (AMP). Sponsored by Ferguson and the City, the conference brought together top industry leaders, diverse suppliers, and stakeholders for two days of networking, supplier development, and innovation-focused programming, reinforcing Newport News as a place where opportunity is curated and pathways are created for businesses to scale.

In May, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with the EDA and the City’s Purchasing Office, hosted the 2025 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. Centered on the theme “Access to Capital and Supply Chain Opportunities,” the event welcomed nearly 200 registered participants and featured more than 30 business resource exhibitors. Attendees engaged in practical sessions, including those focused on building bankable business strategies and strengthening relationships with prime contractors, equipping small businesses with tools to compete and grow in today’s marketplace. 

Reinforcing the City’s presence within the statewide economic development community, the EDA served as a Pinnacle Sponsor of the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) 2025 Spring Conference, hosted in Newport News April 2-4. Themed “Connecting the Art and Science of Economic Development,” the conference cultivated meaningful exchanges among practitioners and public- and private-sector leaders. By hosting and supporting this statewide event, the City reinforced its leadership in economic development while strengthening key relationships that will drive future collaboration and growth. 

Locally, staff, under the leadership of the EDA Chair, hosted two Small Business Roundtables in August. These intimate-format sessions curated direct dialogue about available City resources and the local businesses themselves, strengthening trust, surfacing challenges early, and expanding awareness of EDA and Purchasing programs. Additional sessions are anticipated in 2026 as part of the EDA’s continued commitment to create more accessible, relationship-driven support for entrepreneurs.

In the Southeast Community, the East End Business Expo at the Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center, now in its second year, continued to demonstrate the power of collaboration to drive inclusive growth. Hosted in Spring 2025 through partnership among the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Citizen Advisory Committee, City departments, and partner agencies, the Expo connected entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to assistance programs while spotlighting the transformational initiatives reshaping the East End.

These initiatives strengthen a diverse and dynamic business ecosystem – one where entrepreneurs, small businesses, and major employers all have the tools and access they need to succeed.