Hampton Economic Development

Professional Selling for Small Business - May 21; 10AM-12PM
Foxhill Neighborhood Center, 65 Hall Road, Hampton

Many new business owners feel uncomfortable with selling — but it doesn’t have to feel pushy or awkward.

This workshop will help you reframe selling as a natural, customer-focused conversation. You’ll learn how to:
✨ Ask the right questions
✨ Understand customer needs
✨ Present your product or service with confidence and clarity

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with practical techniques to turn everyday conversations into real business opportunities.

Stop “selling” and start connecting. Your next customer conversation could change your business.

Free event, registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professional-selling-for-small-business-tickets-1988320737851?aff=oddtdtcreator

SBA Loan Programs: Up to $5 million Available for Small Businesses
Thu, May 14 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (Online workshop)

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.

During this webinar, we will discuss the three main SBA Loan Programs - 7(a), 504 and Microloans. You will receive guidance on….

* what to do before approaching a lender
* what the SBA application process looks like
* how to find SBA lenders

This 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.

No cost. Register now to save your spot!
https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=940460025&cid=1EKdsx9ACA1EoxnOicXVBu-IyulYU6ISCL2VZXXmxYRzpErKSM2gf5yNpHp7TopzOZG_b1RdBwQr8tORzS7JfT1suaRm7rX_x2GO2gbhtm2c=

Hampton is where it’s at!

Two exciting ribbon cuttings this week celebrating local businesses making a difference in our community.

Welcome to Zuri Self Care Collection at 1071 N. King Street — offering natural self-care products for the whole family and helping our community prioritize wellness naturally. Visit https://zuriselfcare.com/

We’re proud to see businesses continue to grow and invest in Hampton!

Big congratulations to our very own 40 Under 40 honoree, Curtis Colbert! 🎉

As Senior Manager of Marketing & Research, Curtis plays a vital role on our team, and we couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations, Curtis!

What’s all the fuss about AI and ChatGPT?

What AI tools are available, and how can a small business use them to streamline customer service and marketing tasks?

Join Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants on May 5th from 112:00-1:30PM. He will help answer those questions and more. The first half of the session will give an overview, and the second half will be set aside for Q & A.

Free online session. Register at https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=900460024&cid=1EKdsx9ACA1EoxnOicXVBu-IyulYU6ISCL2VZXXmxYRzpErKSM2gf56A3W_DxG8oMb98feIYSFBUUrZtRN8Zrl9dnHhXoq6ESqNd3xD8ReDE=