Helping founders find community and connections
Three-day educational event that encourages students and alumni to develop and pitch new company ideas. It is a creative and collaborative environment. Pitching, business model formulation, prototyping, designing, and market validation are all part of the experience, which takes place in a friendly and supportive team environment.
Accelerator
in
Norfolk
Norfolk State University
12-week intensive that helps Black and Latinx businesses become more fundable in order to access capital, scale your business, and build a great team. Participants learn through dynamic in-person workshops and 1:1 consultation, receive 12 hours of technical assistance from accountants, lawyers, marketers, designers, and more, make strategic connections, have opportunities to win business grants and capital, and get connected to B-Force’s powerful community and partner network.
Accelerator
in
Hampton Roads
Black BRAND
We offer free educational workshops and webinars, marketing support and practical business resources. And, if you need more personalized support on your small business journey, just make an appointment with one of our small business counselors.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Arlington
Arlington Economic Development
Promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and a diversity of economic opportunities for businesses committed to job creation and revenue generation within Fairfax County. Applicants will have an opportunity to submit details regarding an innovative product, design, service, or technology that they are looking to develop and/or expand.
Accelerator
in
Reston
INCspire Education Foundation
Blends a combination of comprehensive business support including business plan development or improvement, marketing guidance, technical assistance, mini-grants, mentorship and networking support. B³ utilizes a phased assistance approach, customized to the businesses current stage and needs.
Accelerator
in
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg Development
Virtual, 8-session program to help you develop business skills, determine the viability of your business, and gain access to skills and connections that will make you a successful small business owner. Participants can expect to identify their strengths as business owners, define the problem their business solves, identify their ideal customers, understand solid pricing so they make a profit, and determine what kind of money they’ll need to start their business.
Accelerator
in
Staunton
Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
Our team of experienced Mason SBDC counselors are here to help you plan, start, manage and grow your business. Receive cost-free expert guidance on topics such as: business strategy, financing, government contracting, marketing and sales.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
Prince William Economic Development
BDC helps Virginia entrepreneurs and businesses develop and grow their businesses. BDC provides no cost personalized business advising services, training workshops, mentoring, and adaptive general support. Serving small, mid, and large businesses across a wide range of venture stages, from new businesses to existing businesses looking to scale. Additionally, the BDC can help those interested in qualifying for and obtaining state and federal government contracts.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Norfolk
Old Dominion University
Supports the educational needs of our local business community. These monthly, workshop-oriented classes are offered free of charge and are designed to focus on key business areas and offer easily implementable advice and solutions. All BES sessions are conducted virtually and are available for on-demand viewing through the Greater Reston Chamber’s YouTube channel.
Training/Course
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Reston
INCspire Education Foundation
During a business visit, direct contact information is provided to assist with various needs including expansions, state and local incentive programs, workforce recruiting and training, financing, exporting, business planning, and coordination of municipal services. The program’s multiple components work to create a proactive, holistic support system that encourages growth, suitable job creation and investment for our local companies.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
Hanover County Economic Development
We provide business coaching and mentoring services through an established partnership with SCORE — a recognized resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Business mentors offer expertise ranging from tech consultancy and integration to business growth strategy and financial management.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Fairfax
Fairfax County
Growing community of like-minded innovators and organizations interested in bringing new ideas and solutions to the broad set of challenges in the maritime world. The community provides resources and opportunities for members to network, share experiences, and identify challenges and solutions. It also provides participants access to both online and in-person sessions covering a variety of topics with the support of OpenSeas staff and the Dojo community.
Accelerator
in
Norfolk
Open Seas
Hybrid incubation model for entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas, to help you create your first proof of concept, identify the appropriate target market, and build the systems and financing for the successful launch of your business. With Capacitor, our goal is to make this incubation process more accessible by offering virtual mentorship and dispersing physical workspaces so that entrepreneurs from anywhere in the Shenandoah Valley can take advantage of the program.
AcceleratorIncubator
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Staunton
Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
Available to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Charlottesville, Albemarle County and surrounding areas. Classes are held in person on Tuesdays, 6pm – 9pm. There will be an orientation a week prior to the first session and the last session will be followed by a graduation within a few weeks. Get ready to take your business to the next level! This hands-on, in person course enables entrepreneurs to determine whether their business is viable, develop an initial plan for launching or growing their business and learn the fundamentals of how to act on that plan.
Training/Course
in
Charlottesville
Community Investment Collaborative
Helps entrepreneurs accomplish their goals and build relationships between experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs for guidance and moral support. CIC mentors support and guide entrepreneurs in making business decisions, setting goals, and establishing professional networks. They provide honest and informal feedback, exposure to new ideas, theories, practices, and people, and professional support and encouragement.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Charlottesville
Community Investment Collaborative
CIC Entrepreneur Workshop graduates & borrowers, local entrepreneurs, and small business owners explore a unique opportunity to meet 1:1 with experts in their fields in order to get information that will assist the owners and visionaries in building, maintaining, or expanding their businesses.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Charlottesville
Community Investment Collaborative
Offers flexible office space, coworking, and resources designed for startups, seed companies, and entrepreneurs. As a member, you’ll enjoy access to modern office equipment, park-wide benefits, and mentorship opportunities with the region’s premier technology, business, and legal experts.
IncubatorCoaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center
Attract, build, and prepare promising life sciences companies for the commercialization of innovations in therapeutics, medical devices, tools, and digital health aids to address unmet needs in large markets.
Incubator
in
Charlottesville
CvilleBioHub
Virtual accelerator program connecting energy and sustainability startups with their next major utility customer and potential corporate investor. Over 11 weeks, the DEIC helps cohort companies explore paid pilot projects at Dominion Energy and other commercialization opportunities across the Commonwealth. We are looking for seed-stage or later companies with innovative products or services that are ready to pilot at utility scale.
Accelerator
in
Ashland
Dominion Energy Innovation Center
Virtual accelerator program connecting data center-focused energy and sustainability startups with their next major customer and potential corporate investor. Over 11 weeks, the DEIC will provide education, mentoring, and connections, helping cohort companies discover pathways to paid pilot projects at Dominion Energy, QTS, and other commercialization opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Accelerator
in
Ashland
Dominion Energy Innovation Center
To meet the challenges facing anyone starting or thinking about starting a business the Business Development Center at Old Dominion University (BDC) has created an online, on-demand Entrepreneur Certification Program (ECP).
Training/Course
in
Norfolk
Old Dominion University
This 8-week program series provides training to individuals interested in starting a new business. The series highlights different topics every week, and allows the future entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet professional colleagues and business founders. At the end of the series, a culminating event is held and all participants receive a certificate of completion.
Accelerator
in
Statewide
Metropolitan Business League
Educational and support program designed to provide highly specialized training, targeted mentorship, and relationship building to help scale pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and health-focused consumer products companies. High-potential teams will receive customized educational programming to aid in navigating product and company scale-up, expert coaching from global thought leaders and serial biomedical entrepreneurs, and access to investors and corporate partners.
Accelerator
in
Richmond
Activation Capital
Dynamic 10-week business development program and competition that connects entrepreneurs to resources! Entrepreneurs will attend weekly training sessions. In addition, they will have the opportunity to meet and network with successful entrepreneurs, fellow GAUNTLET participants, and mentors.
Accelerator
in
Buena Vista
The Advancement Foundation
Christian startup incubator based in Lynchburg, Virginia, housed in the Center for Engineering Research and Education (CERE) at Liberty University. We are dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to build impactful businesses through mentorship, resources, and a collaborative community.
Accelerator
in
Lynchburg
Genesis Founders
Collaborative approach centers on defining a discrete project tailored to the specific needs of each startup. Through a carefully curated selection process, startups are paired with SMEs possessing deep expertise in one of six key areas. Startups select one of the six key areas and commit to hold an initial meeting with their DEIC expert to clearly define the project scope and objectives.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Ashland
Dominion Energy Innovation Center
The Greentech Network is designed with the growth of your startup in mind. Join the Energy Tech Virginia Meetup Group to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about clean energy solutions, networking, and fostering a sustainable future.
Community/Networking
in
Ashland
Dominion Energy Innovation Center
Provides business consulting services to participants on a wide variety of subjects. These areas may include matters such as marketing, sales, bookkeeping, etc. Once participants hit their identified goals, they will qualify for a one-time grant of $2,500!
Accelerator
in
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg Development
The Incubator supports UVA founders committed to building and growing early-stage ventures they want to see in the world with cohort-based strategic operational, legal, mentoring and financial support. Founders will be part of a supportive community, with tailored mentorship, workshops, peer collaboration and $5,000+ funding per venture.
IncubatorAccelerator
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Statewide
Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship
Ideas must be based on insights, not assumptions, to ensure you build solutions people really want. At the Idea Factory, you’ll learn about customer discovery – the entrepreneur’s secret weapon. It’s the process of uncovering customers’ needs, wants, and pain points before building the product. It’s about getting out of your own head and into the minds of your potential customers.
Accelerator
in
Richmond
STARTUP Virginia
Space for co-working, meeting, getting started, or growing a business in Hampton Roads. Located in the World Trade Center in Norfolk, the IDEA Lab specializes in working with companies focused on Innovation, Defense, Energy, and Aerospace/Aviation. Within the Lab you’ll find the Virginia Offshore Wind Landing and the Virginia Defense Landing, home to companies that are focused on the region’s newest emerging industry (offshore wind supply chain) and the most well-known industry (defense).
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Norfolk
Hampton Roads Alliance
The program covers strategic planning, financial management, marketing, sales, operations efficiency, and more. Over the course of 6 weeks, participants will engage in a comprehensive online curriculum featuring a weekly live speaker series led by industry-leading business experts. These interactive sessions will cover diverse business topics providing outcomes aiming to equip participants with a well-rounded set of skills and knowledge essential for entrepreneurial success. All committed participants will be awarded certificates of program completion solidifying their commitment to business success.
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
RichmondMcLean
Virginia Hispanic Chamber — RichmondVirginia Hispanic Chamber — McLean
The program is designed to increase business readiness, innovation, and success for new/early stage high growth potential companies. Program participants are led through Research and Development, proof of concept, customer discovery, scalability models, investment potential, capital opportunities, and one-on-one industry expert mentors.
Accelerator
in
Buena Vista
The Advancement Foundation
Designed to empower entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas, transforming them into leaders ready to make a mark in their industries. This comprehensive, hands-on program is tailored to foster growth, innovation, and sustainable business success.
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Norfolk
Norfolk State University
Group of current and aspiring Black business owners that receive individualized business coaching... manifest their visions of thriving businesses to better themselves and their community.
Coaching/ConsultingCommunity/Networking
in
Richmond
The Jackson Ward Collective Foundation
A collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Innovation — JLABS aims to accelerate life science sector growth in the New River and Roanoke valleys by providing access to expert mentors, programming, and commercialization resources for startup companies. JLABS and the VTCRC will select up to five companies for participation in the JLABS virtual residency program.
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Statewide
Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center
12-month accelerator with hands-on training, business coaching and mentoring to teach business fundamentals... looking to improve, strengthen or expand their business or aspiring owners with a strong business idea.
Accelerator
in
Richmond
The Jackson Ward Collective Foundation
Ten-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving business. For aspiring entrepreneurs, or seasoned entrepreneurs looking to launch a new product or service.
Accelerator
in
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg Development
9 months leadership training program for everyone who wants to be great at collaboration! Current and emerging leaders practice community problem-solving and learn first-hand how people are working together on local issues.
Training/Course
in
Charlottesville
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Three-month program features engaging workshops and personalized coaching sessions. The initial workshops will focus on self-awareness, social awareness, and influence. Participants will be divided into small groups to meet with professional coaches before the program and between workshops to discuss leadership styles and develop a personal vision. In the final workshop, participants will put their newly acquired skills into practice. Join us to enhance your leadership abilities and make a lasting impact in your organization.
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
Richmond
Chamber RVA
Leadership development program for the business, education, public, and nonprofit sectors. From equipping participants with the understanding of a leader’s role in developing and communicating a transformative vision for the future to teaching them how to manage themselves and others effectively through conflict situations, this program is designed to build an alliance of the finest leaders for present and future leadership needs in the region.
Training/Course
in
Danville
Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
This isn’t your typical leadership course—it’s an immersive experience featuring candid conversations with regional business leaders, dynamic leadership development workshops, and lasting connections with a vibrant cohort.
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
Richmond
Chamber RVA
Founder-focused, proven, and ready to guide your startup's journey. Lighthouse Labs mentors and equips 6-10 early-stage startups with help from our partners. Over 11 weeks, participants gain tailored mentorship, comprehensive education on scaling a startup, and a collaborative cohort community.
Accelerator
in
Richmond
Lighthouse Labs
MIX Incubator supports students, faculty, and staff — from ideation to startup. This space is a resource for all at Mason, at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Start a business, join a team, learn how to pitch your idea — it all happens at the Incubator.
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Manassas
George Mason University
INCspire has access to hundreds of professional services providers willing to provide complimentary advisory sessions and mentoring services. These programs are a powerful method of addressing growth opportunities with your business operations.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Reston
INCspire Education Foundation
Program that links experienced entrepreneurs with cutting-edge biotech innovations from federal and university labs, offering them the opportunity to launch and scale new ventures with comprehensive support, including mentorship, funding, and access to critical resources.
Accelerator
in
Richmond
Activation Capital
Hosted at the National Institute of Aerospace, the Peninsula Technology Incubator (PTI)'s mission is to strengthen and grow the startup ecosystem of Hampton Roads by providing office space, resources, education, and mentorship to entrepreneurs. The REaKTOR Business Technology Innovation Center's mission is to implement an internationally recognized business pre-acceleration and acceleration program to commercialize scientific and technical research.
IncubatorAccelerator
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Hampton
Reaktor Technology Innovation Center
Small business grant program designed to take your business to the next level. Through our exclusive ReLaunch program, small businesses can access a wealth of resources, including business consulting services and/or the development of technology solutions.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Arlington
Arlington Economic Development
Provides convenient university access for residents of Prince William, Fauquier, western Fairfax County, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and adjoining areas to the west and south. In addition, there are opportunities to get involved in campus life through a variety of co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
Incubator
in
Manassas
George Mason University
Four-month, cohort-based program designed for growth-minded entrepreneurs, who still want to remain a small business or stay local. These ‘non-scalable’ businesses need a different type of support than what traditional entrepreneurship programs, like incubators or accelerators, can offer. Small Business Intensive will coach you through the tools and skills you need to grow your small business.
Accelerator
in
Staunton
Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
Offers accelerator programming and direct business counseling consisting of group education sessions and individual consultation, both of which are free and open to the public. United Virginia’s group sessions are virtual and in person and structured as multi-session workshops, where we cover the value of business planning, fundamentals of financial planning, and how to develop a marketing strategy for purpose-driven enterprises among other topics.
Accelerator
in
Richmond
United Virginia Enterprise Foundation
SPARK was designed to help Virginia outpace decarbonization goals by supporting the early stage entrepreneurs working to commercialize transformative technology that makes it safer and easier to build, generate, transmit, and consume advanced clean energy in Virginia and beyond.
Accelerator
in
Ashland
Dominion Energy Innovation Center
Organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses by providing mentorship, networking and funding opportunities. Start Peninsula helps launch you and your business idea towards success through hosting pitch competitions, pitch workshops and informational sessions.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Newport News
Start Peninsula
9-class series designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully start or grow your business. Developed in partnership with industry experts, each class includes videos and resources, providing you with all the information you need to build your business strategically.
Training/Course
in
Richmond
STARTUP Virginia
Hands-on accelerator program modeled on national and international best practices, but tailored to the unique features of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southeastern Virginia. A simple roadmap that is implementable by anyone and is NOT dependent on the ever-changing technical world. It instead is centered around capitalizing on the wins you already have, and leveraging them to help you hit your goals.
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Norfolk
Hatch - Norfolk
Eight-week program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into actual business plans. The program takes you through the concepts required to legitimize your businesses – that is, to create a working business plan that will help you identify your customers and understand the problems you are attempting to solve with your product or service. This program is open to both NSU students, alumni, and the entrepreneurial community in Hampton Roads.
Accelerator
in
Norfolk
Norfolk State University
The newest hub in the IDEA Lab, focused on helping companies coming to Hampton Roads as the United States remilitarizes in the wake of heightened economic uncertainty. In particular, the Defense Landing is focused on supporting the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
IncubatorAccelerator
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Norfolk
Hampton Roads Alliance
Offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive success for startups, emerging companies, and established businesses alike. As a leading Virginia startup accelerator and innovation hub, our programs are built around four core pillars that fuel growth, foster innovation, and connect you with industry experts and investors.
Accelerator
in
Buena Vista
Virginia Innovation Accelerator
Collaborative space where companies interested in establishing a presence in Hampton Roads can become part of the region’s maritime network and growing offshore wind industry. It provides a platform for companies to work, connect, and access resources. The purpose of the Landing is to develop a cluster of offshore wind companies and foster the growth of Hampton Roads as an innovation and supply chain hub of the offshore wind industry.
IncubatorAccelerator
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Norfolk
Hampton Roads Alliance
Committed to empowering women at all levels of leadership across diverse industries by providing opportunities for education, mentorship, and networking. Through engaging initiatives such as educational panels, mentorship programs, and networking events, WE Lead fosters a supportive community where women can connect, grow, and thrive.
Training/Course
in
Danville
Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
Enables women's entrepreneurship by providing low to no cost tools for women to successfully own, operate and grow their small business, thereby creating economic opportunities and job growth by investing financially, intellectually and emotionally in the Hampton Roads community. We are proud to offer two WBC locations: Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA & The Mustard Seed Place in Portsmouth, VA.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Norfolk
Old Dominion University