How To Start A Business
2026-09-01 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
This workshop will help you understand the steps needed to build your business on the right foundations.
HOW TO START A BUSINESS
Got an idea? Let’s turn it into a business.
You’ve got the idea. But what comes next?
LLC? EIN? Licenses? Bank account? Insurance? Sales tax?
Starting a business can quickly feel like a maze of forms, acronyms and conflicting advice.
This practical, interactive workshop will show you what to do — and in what order.
YOU’LL LEARN HOW TO:
Turn your idea into a clear business concept
Choose the right business structure for you
Understand LLCs, EINs and business registration
Identify the licenses and permits you may need
Understand the basics of home-based business compliance
Separate your business and personal finances
Avoid common and costly start-up mistakes
Create a simple roadmap from IDEA → BUSINESS → FIRST CUSTOMER
HOW TO START A BUSINESS
No jargon. No 50-page business plan. Just practical guidance to help you get started.
Whether you have an idea scribbled in a notebook, have already started selling, or simply don’t know where to begin, this workshop will help you understand the steps needed to build your business on the right foundations.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what you need to do, what order to do it in, and what your next step should be.
MEET YOUR SPEAKER — PAULA SHORT
Paula Short is an entrepreneur, business advisor and speaker who has experienced the entrepreneurial journey from both sides of the desk.
She co-founded and grew a beauty brand in the UK, taking products from concept to market, appearing on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, selling through major retailers and expanding internationally before ultimately selling the business.
After relocating to Virginia, Paula worked directly with entrepreneurs and small-business owners as a business advisor in Hampton Roads. Today, she combines that advisory experience with the lessons learned from building her own businesses to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into commercially viable businesses.

HERO Wednesday: The Resource War Room (PENINSULA)
2026-09-02 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-09 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 600 Thimble Shoals Boulevard #210, Newport News, VA 23606, Newport News, VA, 23606, US
Housing/Healthcare/Education/DoD Skillbridge. No red tape. Direct access to the experts you need in one room.
One room. Every resource.
Connect directly with Housing, Healthcare & DoD Skillbridge/Education providers. Cut through the noise and get solutions.

HERO Wednesday: The Resource War Room (Norfolk)
2026-09-02 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-09 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 861 Glenrock Road #Suite 220, Norfolk, VA 23502, Norfolk, VA, 23502, US
Stop navigating alone. Get direct intel on Housing, Healthcare & Education/DoD Skillbridge. Skip the waitlists. The 757’s best resources.
Housing. Healthcare. Education/DoD Skillbridge. Zero red tape. Direct access to the experts you need in one room. Secure your family’s logistics now.

Small Business Finance Basics
2026-09-02 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Ruppert Sargent Building, 1 Franklin Street, Hampton, VA 23669, Hampton, VA, 23669, US
Ready to finance your small business? Join Hampton & Truist Bank to learn financing basics and position your business for success!
Ready to take the next step toward financing your small business? Join the City of Hampton Small Business Division, in collaboration with Truist Bank, for a Small Business Financing Basics Workshop designed to help entrepreneurs better understand their financing process can help position your business for success. Whether you’re launching a new business, expanding an existing business, purchasing equipment, or seeking working capital, understanding the financing process can help position your business for success.

HRNG & Ping Pong Gives Networking Event at Kettler in VB
2026-09-02 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | KETTLER Showroom, 4117 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452, US
Join us for our 5th Event at Kettler with Ping Pong Gives! Ken Lees and Jack Frost host this super fun event in Virginia Beach.
Join us for our 5th Networking Event at Kettler with Ping Pong Gives
🏓Ken Lees and Jack Frost host this super fun event in Virginia Beach at the premier outdoor furniture showroom on Virginia Beach Boulevard- The Kettler Showroom! Yes, we get to sit on the furniture! And we get to play ping pong too.
🏓We will have coffee and refreshments available. Ken will tell us about his upcoming event- Ping Pong for Charity Tournament and the Non-Profits that it supports. Jack will tell us about Kettler and the amazing products they create. And we get to try them out firsthand. We will even give out some door prizes. Bonus- you can shop for furniture while you network. Don’t miss this one! Always a great event.

Main Street Shawarma Food Truck
2026-09-02 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Mix up your midday meal! Main Street Shawarma is bringing authentic Eastern European-inspired street food right to the Assembly parking lot. Skip the standard lunch rush and grab a made-to-order chicken, lamb, or falafel shawarma wrap. With loaded fries and hearty rice bowls also on the menu, it’s the perfect excuse to step away from your desk. Just stop by and enjoy a fresh, savory bite right outside.

Networking Happy Hour with Jake Maines
2026-09-02 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Apex Entertainment Virginia Beach, 4621 Columbus Street #100, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Voted Best Networking Event In The 757
Come eat, drink, & mingle!
Networking Happy Hour is a low-key, no agenda, meet new people/catch up with old friends-type of event.
Swing by anytime between 5 & 8 p.m. for a few minutes or the whole time!
More info about the events can be found at http://networkinghh.com/.

The Network: Direct Employer Access (Newport News)
2026-09-03 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-08 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 600 Thimble Shoals #Suite 210, Newport News, VA 23693, Newport News, VA, 23693, US
Stop applying online. Start shaking hands. Bypass the resume “black hole.” Meet vetted hiring managers who know what your clearance is worth
The Algorithm Can’t Hire You. We Can.
The Problem: You spend hours tailoring your resume. You submit it to an online portal. You wait. You hear nothing. The “Black Hole” of online applications is the enemy of a fast transition.
The Solution: The Network is your bypass. We cut the red tape and put you in the room with the people who actually sign the offer letters.
This isn’t a “job fair” where you collect brochures. This is a tactical access point to the 757’s most aggressive military-hiring companies. We have vetted every employer in the room. They aren’t here to tell you to “apply on the website”—they are here to find their next team leader.
Who Should Attend:
Transitioning Service Members: Who are tired of the waiting game.
Military Spouses: Looking for employers who understand the PCS lifestyle.
Veterans: Ready to level up from their current civilian role.
Your Rules of Engagement:
Bring Resumes if you have them BUT no biggie if you don’t.
Be Social: No stress, take your 30 seconds to tell them who you are. Make it count. Learn who they are and what they’re looking for. If it’s not you, how you can help.
The job market is all about who you know. Come know the right people.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Newport News Front Desk: 757-782-4531
Email: militarycommunity@theworkforcecouncil.org
This event and the services provided herein at the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Centers are funded through 25% or $199,576 through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and 75% or $580,391 through nonfederal sources.

The Network: Direct Employer Access (Norfolk)
2026-09-03 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-08 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 861 Glenrock Road #Suite 220, Norfolk, VA 23502, Norfolk, VA, 23502, US
Stop applying online. Start shaking hands. Bypass the resume “black hole.” Meet vetted hiring managers who know what your clearance is worth
The Algorithm Can’t Hire You. We Can.
The Problem: You spend hours tailoring your resume. You submit it to an online portal. You wait. You hear nothing. The “Black Hole” of online applications is the enemy of a fast transition.
The Solution: The Network is your bypass. We cut the red tape and put you in the room with the people who actually sign the offer letters.
This isn’t a “job fair” where you collect brochures. This is a tactical access point to the 757’s most aggressive military-hiring companies. We have vetted every employer in the room. They aren’t here to tell you to “apply on the website”—they are here to find their next team leader.
Who Should Attend:
Transitioning Service Members: Who are tired of the waiting game.
Military Spouses: Looking for employers who understand the PCS lifestyle.
Veterans: Ready to level up from their current civilian role.
Your Rules of Engagement:
Bring Resumes if you have them BUT no biggie if you don’t.
Be Social: No stress, take your 30 seconds to tell them who you are. Make it count. Learn who they are and what they’re looking for. If it’s not you, how you can help.
The job market is all about who you know. Come know the right people.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Norfolk Front Desk: 757-807-0423
Email: militarycommunity@theworkforcecouncil.org
This event and the services provided herein at the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Centers are funded through 25% or $199,576 through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and 75% or $580,391 through nonfederal sources.

Business Finance Basics
2026-09-03 10:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
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

Founder x Investor Matchmaking
2026-09-03 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
About the event
Founder ↔ Investor Speed Matching
A curated 60-minute session where founders and investors meet face-to-face in rapid, thesis-aligned 1:1 conversations.
This is a founder intro & investor deal flow accelerator bringing together pre-seed & seed founders actively raising and investors actively deploying.
It’s not a webinar. It’s not a panel. And, it’s not on Zoom!
It’s a high-intent room where every conversation is engineered for relevance and momentum. If you enjoy waiting weeks for replies that never come, this is not for you.
If you want high-signal conversations in under an hour, get ready!

🤝 How the Room Works
All founders and investors are visible in the room
Everyone can see who is participating before the session
Everyone chooses who they want to meet
You’ll meet a new participant approximately every 5 minutes
If you’re vibing, you have the option to extend the time
Most founders will have 8–12 total conversations in one hour
You’ll meet:
investors, when there is mutual relevance
other founders, which often leads to partnerships, referrals, and shared intel
This is an intentional room – not a one-sided pitch environment.

🔍 How Matching Works
Founders and investors select simple tags when registering.
Matches are curated based on:
Industry / sector alignment
Stage (pre-seed / seed)
Raise amount /check size fit
Matches are based on relevance, availability, and mutual interest.

🚀 VIP Keyholders
VIP Keyholders have more leverage in the room:
increased visibility to investors (profile placed at the top of the list)
priority access when multiple founders request the same investor
earlier placement into investor conversations when the energy is high
VIP overrides standard mutual selection when investor demand exceeds supply.
This does not guarantee investment – it improves access, positioning, and probability in a constrained environment.

📩 Event Access & Registration Details
Once you register, you’re in.
The event link and final instructions will be emailed 24-48 hours before the event to keep the room clean and intentional.
Just show up on time and be ready to talk.

💼 Investors: Want In?
You can attend for free, pick the founders you’d like to meet and will be matched automatically during the session.

CAN Artists in Residence: Past & Present, Opening Reception
2026-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Explore the next era of local artistry at the Opening Reception for CAN’s newest exhibit at Assembly. The CAN Foundation presents an inspiring exhibition featuring Wil Swink, MarieAnn Fluker, and Rain Spann. Celebrate the continuum of the artist residency program, connect with these talented creators, and honor their exciting transitions into new community leadership roles. Secure your spot at the opening reception and witness the evolution of their talent. – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej1Wim0NzQR-hebu1UJJgMgwwGXtkHf9_pIJiBm6G9MS57vA/viewform

🧜‍♀️ AICHR | Late Night Builders
2026-09-03 21:00 - 2026-09-04 00:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Wild Wings, 101 S Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Can’t sleep? Up late tinkering on a project? Or can’t make the usual meetups till the kids are in bed?
Late Night Builders is a monthly hangout for builders, tinkerers, and the generally curious. Developers, designers, AI enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, hobbyists — if you make things or want to start, you’ll fit in.
Bring something you’re working on, pick someone’s brain, or just show up for cheap wings and good conversation. No agenda, no presentations, no networking cringe.
Anyone is welcome at any experience level. Bring your laptop, bring a friend, or just bring yourself.
FAQs
Is there free parking? Yes. There is plenty of free parking available at the location.
Is this event free? Yes. Space is limited, so please RSVP and cancel if your plans change.
🤝 Organizers & partners
Organizers
The AI Collective Hampton Roads
​Platinum partners
TechArk
Regent University
ECPI University
Hampton Roads Chamber Foundation
Retail Alliance & Retail Alliance Foundation
Bronze partners
Assembly
757 Collab
🌍 ​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.

Late Night Builders
2026-09-03 21:00 - 2026-09-04 00:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Wild Wings, 101 S Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Can’t sleep? Up late tinkering on a project? Or can’t make the usual meetups till the kids are in bed?
Late Night Builders is a monthly hangout for builders, tinkerers, and the generally curious. Developers, designers, AI enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, hobbyists — if you make things or want to start, you’ll fit in.
Bring something you’re working on, pick someone’s brain, or just show up for cheap wings and good conversation. No agenda, no presentations, no networking cringe.
Anyone is welcome at any experience level. Bring your laptop, bring a friend, or just bring yourself.

The Entrepreneurship Hub Open House: Explore Your Entrepreneurial Potential
2026-09-04 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 249 Richmond Rd, 249 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, US
Join us for the Entrepreneurship Hub Fall 2026 Open House, where students, alumni, founders, mentors, faculty, staff, and community members can explore opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with the entrepreneurial ecosystem at William & Mary.
Discover how the Hub supports entrepreneurs at every stage through programs, mentorship, funding opportunities, and startup experiences. Meet founders, student entrepreneurs, mentors, and the Hub team while exploring pathways to turn ideas into action.
Whether you have a startup idea, are looking for entrepreneurial experience, or are simply curious about innovation, this event is a chance to discover your next Hub move. Join us for an afternoon of networking, conversations, and inspiration.
Food and refreshments will be provided!

Real Estate And Your Small Business
2026-09-08 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Every start-up must wrestle with real estate issues such as location, zoning, and lease restrictions
The City of Virginia Beach is interested in creating jobs and professional positions from businesses of all sizes and wants to be leader in technology innovation. City of Virginia Beach officials elected and professional, and particularly members of City council, wantto know that taxpayers and their constituents benefit from VB EDA activities and expenditures. They want to see not only quantity but quality occupational enhancement. Manufacturing activities are particularly desirable because of not only labor demands, but spin-off logistic blockchain activities. There is also a constant need for industry alignment of Federal, and local government contracting assistance, with emphasis on DoD-related support of goods anc services.
Small business entrepreneurs should be directed to local sources of Capital Services, versus on-of-town/on-line providers. A common mistake a start-up makes is to shop for lowest price, which typically directs them to on-line provider. This is common for accounting and insurance support. Out-of-town support can never match the interaction with local sources.
The City is not uniform, in terms of geography, demographics, or traffic flow. What is needed at the Oceanfront(Tourism Focused Programming), is not the same as the Municipal Center, Airport Industrial Park, or Towne Center. All entrepreneurs must address these considerations (i.e., Market Segmentation) when making short -and- long-term decisions (i.e. Real Estate and Your Small Business)

One-on-One Business Mentoring with SCORE
2026-09-08 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.

Capital Jumpstart: Funding Foundations - Are You Fundable?
2026-09-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
This objective of this first session by Howard Hesson helps business owners understand what lenders evaluate and how to prepare accordingly.
Topics Covered:
• Types of capital (loans, grants, crowdfunding, KIVA)
• What makes a business fundable
• Revenue readiness and financial hygiene
• Common application mistakes
• Capital planning fundamentals
Technology Integration:
Participants will use Al-assisted tools during the session to generate a personalized Capital Action Plan based on their business stage and funding goals.
Deliverables:
• Capital Readiness Self-Assessment
• Cash Flow Snapshot Template (if applicable)
• Al-assisted Capital Action Plan
• Funding Pathway ldentification Worksheet

Finances with SCORE
2026-09-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Ruppert Sargent Building, 1 Franklin Street, Hampton, VA 23669, Hampton, VA, 23669, US
Join Hampton Small Business & SCORE for Finance with SCORE and gain practical tips to better understand and manage your business finances.
Understanding your business finances is essential to building a strong and sustainable business. The City of Hampton Small Business Division, in partnership with SCORE, invites Hampton entrepreneurs and small business owners to join us for Finance with SCORE.
This workshop is designed to help business owners strengthen their financing knowledge, make informed decisions, and better understand the numbers behind their business.
Whether you’re starting a business, growing an existing business, or looking for ways to improve our financial management, this is an opportunity to gain practical insight and connect with experienced business mentors.

MISSION START in Hampton Roads Summer Edition
2026-09-09 09:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | The Fort Eustis Club, 2123 Pershing Avenue, Newport News, VA 23604, Newport News, VA, 23604, US
The Tactical Operation to Get Your Family Situated in Hampton Roads.
* REGISTRATION IS COMPLETED WITH THE LINK BELOW * https://engage.theworkforcecouncil.org/register/MISSIONSTARTSEP26
* EVENTBRITE IS NOT THE REGISTRATION PAGE. USE THE LINK ABOVE *
Don’t Just Move. Land.
Your Ultimate Welcome-to-the-Neighborhood Tactical Playbook!
Moving to a new duty station or trading the uniform for civilian life can feel like a multi-front battle. You aren’t just looking for a paycheck—you’re trying to secure quality childcare, decode school districts, track down the right neighborhood, and unlock your hard-earned benefits, all while living out of cardboard boxes.
Doing it alone? Overwhelming. Doing it with a squad of insider experts? That’s called a winning strategy.
Think of MISSION: START & STAY as your ultimate VIP pass to Hampton Roads. We’ve rounded up a powerhouse coalition of “Fixers” and “Strategists” from JBLE Command, DOL VETS, Childcare Aware, and School Liaison Officers to cut right through the red tape for you and your family.
👶 Bring the Whole Crew! Military families are the heart of this event, so yes, kids are absolutely welcome! We’ll have a dedicated “stroller parking lot” and plenty of fun, engaging activities to keep the little ones smiling while you get the intel you need.
THE PLAYBOOK: YOUR AGENDA
We’ve organized the chaos into a high-energy, easy-to-navigate day.
🎒 0930 | GEAR UP! Check-In & Passport Issue
Roll up to the Fort Eustis Club, grab a coffee, and claim your Summit Passport. This is your personal guide to the day—and your ticket to some awesome swag.
🕒 0930 – 1330 | EXPLORE THE ZONES
Take the morning at your own pace and hit the areas that matter most to your family:
THE BALLROOM: The Military Thriving Sphere
Zone A: Future & Career: Discover awesome career paths. Connect face-to-face with SkillBridge anchors, authorized training providers, and top-tier higher education institutions.
Zone B: Life & Home: Solve the “life” puzzles first. Meet with your local military community anchors to get answers on housing, childcare, and local life.
Zone C: The Benefits Lane: Claim the support you’ve rightfully earned. Talk directly with experts who know the ins and outs of your military benefits.
THE VICTORY ROOM: The Tactical Prep Pit
Resume Triage: Get 1:1 assistance and learn how to use AI to make your resume jump to the top of the pile.
Spouse Strategy Hub: Shoutout to our military spouses! The USO Pathfinder team is on deck to help you tackle professional license portability and local career growth.
Mock Interviews: Shake off the nerves with quick pitch coaching from the pros at RecruitMilitary.
🥪 1200 | GRAB & GO LUNCH
Hungry? We’ve got you covered. Fuel up with a complimentary lunch. (First come, first served—so don’t map your route too far from the food!)
🎤 1230 | POWER PANEL & NETWORKING
Pull up a chair, meet some new friends, and learn from a panel of inspiring industry leaders who are veterans and military spouses themselves. They’ve been in your boots and know exactly how to thrive in Hampton Roads.
🏆 1330 | MISSION COMPLETE!
The Result: You walk out the door with a sharper resume, a solid school plan, and a brand-new local support network.
The Reward: Turn in your completed Summit Passport and score an exclusive VETTED T-Shirt!
👀 BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE!
You are now officially briefed and “Cleared” for the rest of the epic Red, White & Blue Summit. Your passport keeps you moving right into these next events:
PART 2: The Red, White & Brew Mixer 🍻
When: SAME DAY (Sept 9), 1730 – 2000
Where: Coastal Fermentory (Uptown Location in Newport News)
The Vibe: Unwind, grab a drink, and mingle with local leaders, employers, and fellow military veterans & spouses in a fun, relaxed setting.
PART 3: The Big Day 2 Lineup 📸
When: Next Day (Sept 10), 0930 – 1500
Where: Back at the Fort Eustis Club
The Vibe: A massive hiring event with military community anchors, a completely free professional headshot studio for your LinkedIn profile, and another complimentary Grab-n-Go lunch!
Featured Attraction: The HII NNS Mobile Experience (MX) Trailer! Newport News Shipbuilding is bringing their massive, high-tech 1,000-square-foot interactive trailer. It will be on-site all day long for you and the kids to explore. Step inside to check out the cutting-edge future of digital shipbuilding, try out virtual/augmented reality simulators, test your skills on a welding simulator, and learn directly from the region’s largest industrial employer about incredible local career paths!
Get Situated. Get Ready. Let’s Build Your Community.
* REGISTRATION IS COMPLETED WITH THE LINK BELOW* https://engage.theworkforcecouncil.org/register/MISSIONSTARTSEP26
* EVENTBRITE IS NOT THE REGISTRATION PAGE. USE THE LINK ABOVE *
This event and the services provided herein at the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Centers are funded through 25% or $199,576 through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and 75% or $580,391 through nonfederal sources.
