Newport News Economic Development Authority (EDA)

One-on-One Business Mentoring with SCORE
2026-08-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Need expert advice to grow your business?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, SCORE’s business mentors can help guide you through your next steps. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred to ensure you get the time and attention you need.

Find Your Customer. Grow Your Sales.
2026-08-25 18:00 - 20:00
Stop marketing to everyone. Start selling to the people who will actually buy.
Do you feel like you’re working hard but not growing? The problem often isn’t your product or service — it’s that you’re trying to reach everyone instead of focusing on the customers most likely to buy, stay, and refer others.
In this practical workshop, Paula Short will help you build a clear picture of your ideal customer, understand how they think and buy, and align your message, your offer, and your sales approach around them. You’ll leave with a sharper focus on who your business should be targeting — and a practical plan for reaching them, converting them, and turning them into loyal repeat customers.

Business Finance Basics
2026-08-26 10:00 - 11:30
This financial workshop is presented by Vice President and Financial Inclusion Leader Mara Bostelman of Truist Bank.
This interactive session will help show you how to build, manage, and protect your business for years to come.
In this course, you’ll learn key elements of business finance basics to manage your cash flow, explore ways to expand your business, and understanding insurance for your business.
We’ll also provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.
Agenda:
Manage Cash Flow
Expand Your Business
Protect Your Business

Leadership, Influence & Personal Branding Lunch & Learn
2026-08-27 12:00 - 14:00
Learn leadership principles that build trust, influence, and create a personal brand that’s distinct and memorable.
In Partnership with The HIVE, Virginia Beach Economic Development, and Open Door Media Solutions, join us over Lunch for this FREE Leadership & Personal Branding Master Class!
It is nearly impossible to build a business without people. As a business owner, it is essential to develop Leadership Skills that motivate employees, vendors, and clients to do business with you. Trusted Brands rely on leaders they can trust to organize others to deliver reliable, high-quality services. That said, your Brand should embody the reasons why people want to do business with you.
During this session, we’ll discuss Leadership principles that build trust, influence, and a memorable and distinctive Personal Brand.
In this session, we will discuss:
Crafting an authentic Personal Brand
Identifying and appealing to your ideal clients
Strategies to expand your Influence
Trust-building principles
Becoming self-aware
Leadership assessments
Insights from fellow business owners
Attendees will get an opportunity to get a professional headshot!
Photo shoots will be first come, first served. When you arrive on the day of the event, see the sign-up sheet to book an available time slot between 1:40 and 2:40.
Limited slots available. Come camera-ready!
Who will get the most from this event?
If you are in a profession that requires high levels of trust, this workshop is for you. Clients faced with big decisions often select the most trustworthy option. Join us to learn how to stand out in ways that matter the most.
General Disclaimer
This presentation is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The strategies, opinions, and examples shared are intended to help you think critically about leadership, personal branding, and professional development. They should not be considered legal, financial, employment, or psychological advice. Every individual and organization is unique, and you should use your own judgment or consult an appropriate professional before making significant decisions based on this material.
Any examples, case studies, or projected outcomes are illustrative only. Results vary based on individual circumstances, market conditions, effort, and many other factors. No guarantee of specific business or career outcomes is expressed or implied.
ODMS Past Clients
ODMS Creative Portfolio
Testimonials

Master Financial Clarity
2026-08-27 15:00 - 17:00
Growing a business starts with understanding your finances.
This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs who want greater confidence in managing their business finances and making strategic decisions. Bri Smith, CPA will walk through practical financial concepts that help business owners improve cash flow, reduce financial stress, prepare for taxes, and build a stronger financial foundation.
You’ll learn:
•How to gain clarity over your business finances
•Cash flow management fundamentals
•Financial habits that support long-term growth
•Preparing your business for tax planning and financing
•Creating a stronger financial foundation
