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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T190000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260421T000610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T000610Z
UID:10002065-1776790800-1776798000@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:INNOVATE Cyber Virtual Student Showcase & Pitch Event
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to invite you to the upcoming INNOVATE Cyber Virtual Student Showcase & Pitch Event on Tuesday\, April 21 at 5:00 PM (ET) via Zoom.\nThis high-impact\, experiential learning event highlights the innovative work of undergraduate student teams across the Commonwealth of Virginia who have spent the semester tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges using a design thinking mindset and a human-centered approach.\nJoin us to:\nHear student pitches and innovative cybersecurity solutions with a human-centered approach\nLearn about their journeys and experiences\nExplore emerging talent and opportunities for deeper collaboration\nDate: Tuesday\, April 21\nTime: 5:00 PM (ET)\nLocation: Zoom Webinar – Join from anywhere\nRegister at this link to join us! \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/innovate-cyber-virtual-student-showcase-pitch-event/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Pitch Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newportnewsva.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Innovate-Cyber-skasXF.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260323T232421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T232421Z
UID:10002026-1774440000-1774443600@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Beyond the Buyer Persona: Mastering your Ideal Client
DESCRIPTION:Most startup founders navigate their growth using a paper map—they filter for job titles and industries\, then wonder why their “perfect” leads aren’t biting. In 2026\, a job title is just a coordinate; it doesn’t tell you the weather\, the current\, or if the fish are even there.\n​In this high-impact session\, we’re moving past static personas and into dynamic ICPs. We’ll show you how to stop “sailing blind” by using:\n​🔍 The Paper Map (Searchable Layer): The objective filters you use to build your list (Industry\, Stage\, Title).\n​🧠 The Deep-Sea Sonar (Learnable Layer): The hidden psychological traits you need to earn (Motivations\, Buying Behavior\, Risk Tolerance).\n​🧭 The Tactical Compass (The Bridge): The system for translating those deep “pings” into “clues” you can actually find and act on.\n \n​Stop guessing and start navigating. We’ll cover how to find this data\, how to verify it through behavior\, and why speaking where your audience already hangs out beats screaming into the void. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/beyond-the-buyer-persona-mastering-your-ideal-client/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://newportnewsva.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/54c08106-1869-46d9-b509-eb2c4342d9f4.png-n70mYg.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260316T232302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T232302Z
UID:10002004-1773914400-1773921600@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Mapping the Entrepreneurial Road Ahead - The Anatomy of a Typical Entrepreneur's Journey Forward
DESCRIPTION:Promotional Video HERE.\nEntrepreneurs often ask advisers for a “road map” to see what the entire business journey looks like— what are the steps from startup\, through venture and growth\, to scaling and possible exit or sale – and brief descriptions of each step.\nEntrepreneurs\, business owners\, founders and CEOs and their teams\, sometimes want to understand the complete path forward\, and how long it might take to be successful?\nPlease consider joining Mason Small Business Development Center’s Senior Business Adviser\, Adjunct GMU Professor and GMU Mentor in Residence\, George Siragusa (“Coach S”)\, who answers these questions in this no-cost webinar.\nLearn about the event objectives and more at the link provided. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/mapping-the-entrepreneurial-road-ahead-the-anatomy-of-a-typical-entrepreneurs-journey-forward/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Entrepreneurship
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260309T232055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T232055Z
UID:10001972-1773223200-1773230400@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:SEO & Social Selling Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Promotional Video HERE\nOverview of the Live Webinar\nThe following will be covered during this live webinar:\nPower of SEO and social media for attracting customers\, including local SEO to precisely target your market.\nWebsite optimization for lead generation. How personas\, message maps\, and content calendars help to make your website and social media footprint more attractive when integrated.\nSocial selling as an amplifier of your existing sales and marketing strategy. Learn to build an omni channel presence and customer journey for faster wins.\nWhat your digital channel strategy needs\, to be effective in terms of content\, technology and investment.\nHow to effectively use paid media and advertising. Cost savings of optimizing your website and SEO to maximize paid media spend and ROI.\nSpeaker: Hussain Shah\, Subject Matter Expert – Digital Marketing\, Mason SBDC & Timm Johnson – Director\, Mason SBDC\nLearn more at the link provided. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/seo-social-selling-webinar/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,SBDC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260309T232046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T232046Z
UID:10001968-1773144000-1773147600@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn: AI & The Future of Workforce Development
DESCRIPTION:The Virginia Tech Newport News Center will offer Virtual Quarterly Lunch & Learn Sessions in 2026! These sessions will be from noon-1 p.m. on Zoom and are free and open to the public.  \nAI & The Future Of Workforce Development led by Sarah Rodriguez\, Associate Professor\, Engineering Education at Virignia Tech.  This Lunch & Learn explores how AI workforce development can better meet the needs of diverse learners\, with a particular focus on the pivotal role higher education institutions play in opening doors to high‑demand technology fields. Grounded in research supported through a Microsoft AI Economy Institute Senior Fellowship\, it examines emerging models such as micro-credentials\, stackable certificates\, and short‑cycle programs—alongside early evidence and student experiences—to show how institutions can build equitable on‑ramps to data\, automation\, and applied AI careers for a much broader population of learners. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/lunch-learn-ai-the-future-of-workforce-development/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:AI,Tech
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newportnewsva.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1770150686951-0mnh7C.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T133000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260302T231152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T231152Z
UID:10001962-1772712000-1772717400@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:SBA Loan Programs: Up to $5 million Available for Small Businesses
DESCRIPTION:Small Business Administration loans can be used for a wide variety of needs including working capital\, purchases of inventory and equipment\, refinancing business debt\, buying a business\, and the purchase or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate.\nDuring this webinar\, we will discuss the three main SBA Loan Programs – 7(a)\, 504 and Microloans. You will receive guidance on….\nwhat to do before approaching a lender\nwhat the SBA application process looks like\nhow to find SBA lenders\nThis event is part of Capital Pathways\, a no-cost program from the Virginia SBDC that helps small businesses get the funding they need to grow. The program is designed for very small (fewer than 10 employees)\, emerging\, and growth-ready businesses that face challenges accessing traditional financing. It offers hands-on group learning\, guided implementation\, and extended one-on-one support focused on strengthening your finances\, loan applications\, and legal setup.\nRegister now to save your spot!\nA confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/sba-loan-programs-up-to-5-million-available-for-small-businesses/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T133000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260223T225614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T225614Z
UID:10001929-1772020800-1772026200@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Storytelling that Sells: 6 Techniques for Brand\, Sales\, Marketing & Pitching
DESCRIPTION:Most founders struggle to explain what they do in a way that lands.\n​​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.\n​​This isn’t a branding problem.\nIt’s a storytelling problem.\n​​In this 90-minute\, high-touch session\, you’ll learn how to:\n​​Use storytelling to reduce risk and drive decisions\n​​Adapt your message for investors\, buyers\, or marketing content\n​​Build clarity around your value using 6 powerful frameworks\n​​Pitch transformation — not just features\n​​This session is for startup founders who need to sharpen how they show up for:\n​​Sales\n​​Marketing\n​​Pitching\n \n​​You’ll leave with:\nA tested storytelling toolkit you can plug into your next email\, pitch deck\, or sales call — immediately.\n \n*Please Note: This event is the first of the new 2026 Founder Roadmap Series presented by RedwoodRISE Ventures – More events to follow!* \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/storytelling-that-sells-6-techniques-for-brand-sales-marketing-pitching/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://newportnewsva.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2026-Founder-Roadmap-ET4y52.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260223T225615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T225615Z
UID:10001930-1772020800-1772024400@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Strategic Thinking 101
DESCRIPTION: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.\n \nSpeaker(s): Jordan Hanna Gray\nFee: No Cost \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/strategic-thinking-101/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship,Home Based Business
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260216T223934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T225426Z
UID:10001919-1771934400-1771938000@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:The 5 p.m. - 9 a.m. Entrepreneur: Building a Side Business Without Burning Out Your Career
DESCRIPTION: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.\nPanelists: Chelsea Mandello M.B.A. ’21 (Troopster)\, Maybelline Sak ’07 (ADV)\nModerator: Graham Henshaw (William & Mary)\nThis 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! \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/the-5-p-m-9-a-m-entrepreneur-building-a-side-business-without-burning-out-your-career/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newportnewsva.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/wm-professional-QFxtoG.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260209T222454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T223833Z
UID:10001900-1771495200-1771502400@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Building Your Value Proposition Design (VPD) Webinar
DESCRIPTION: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!\nThe 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. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/building-your-value-proposition-design-vpd-webinar/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship,SBDC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260209T222408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T222408Z
UID:10001888-1770922800-1770926400@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:From Intelligence to Authority: Securing AI in 2026
DESCRIPTION:Why AI makes security architecture more important\, not less.\nThis is a live\, digital-only event focused on how AI is reshaping cybersecurity\, identity\, and enterprise architecture. No in-person attendance. Join from anywhere.\nAs 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.\nThis session reframes AI security from “model safety” to architecture safety.\nWe’ll explore how trust\, identity\, governance\, and control planes must evolve as intelligence becomes non-deterministic.\nIf 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.\n  \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/from-intelligence-to-authority-securing-ai-in-2026/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:AI,Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newportnewsva.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2026-01-20-at-1.19.58-PM-OLHUKx.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260209T222408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T222408Z
UID:10001887-1770890400-1770897600@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Simple Business Plan Bootcamp February 2026
DESCRIPTION:All businesses need a plan to succeed.\nYour 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\nUnfortunately\, 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.\nIn 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.\nIn 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.\nSpeaker(s): Eric Byrd\, Manager\, Loudoun SBDC\nFee: $0 No Cost\nTwo Sessions:\n(Part 1) Thursday\, February 5th\, 2025  10:00am – 12:00pm\n(Part 2) Thursday\, February 12th\, 2025  10:00am – 12:00pm\nNOTE: Registration closes 24 hours before start of first class. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/simple-business-plan-bootcamp-february-2026-2/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship,SBDC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T110000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260202T220846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T222324Z
UID:10001877-1770717600-1770721200@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Using AI for Social Media
DESCRIPTION:Work Smarter\, Stay Authentic\nSocial 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.\nIn 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.\nThis session is designed to be approachable\, practical\, and immediately useful.\nWhat you’ll learn:\nWhich AI tools are most useful for social media marketing\nHow to use AI to generate content ideas and draft captions\nWays to streamline social media planning and save time\nBest practices for using AI while keeping your brand authentic\nWhether you’re new to AI or already experimenting\, you’ll leave with clear ideas and next steps you can put into practice right away. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/using-ai-for-social-media/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship,Home Based Business,SBDC
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T120000
DTSTAMP:20260429T155854
CREATED:20260202T220641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T220641Z
UID:10001862-1770285600-1770292800@newportnewsva.com
SUMMARY:Simple Business Plan Bootcamp February 2026
DESCRIPTION:All businesses need a plan to succeed.\nYour 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\nUnfortunately\, 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.\nIn 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.\nIn 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.\nSpeaker(s): Eric Byrd\, Manager\, Loudoun SBDC\nFee: $0 No Cost\nTwo Sessions:\n(Part 1) Thursday\, February 5th\, 2025  10:00am – 12:00pm\n(Part 2) Thursday\, February 12th\, 2025  10:00am – 12:00pm\nNOTE: Registration closes 24 hours before start of first class. \nShare this location:
URL:https://newportnewsva.com/event/simple-business-plan-bootcamp-february-2026/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Business,Entrepreneurship,SBDC
END:VEVENT
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