Applications open Oct. 1st for grants of up to $10,000 supporting eligible Virginia Beach small businesses.
The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development’s (VBED) HIVE small business resource center, along with the City of Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA), today announced a new round of the Economic Development Investment Program (EDIP) Part F Small Business Grant Program , providing eligible Virginia Beach small businesses with access to grants of up to $10,000 to support continued operation and expansion. All interested parties must first complete a mandatory pre-submittal workshop in September prior to applying.
Through the program, approved businesses may receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding for eligible business expenses, including working capital for inventory, marketing and advertising, development of an online or mobile presence, equipment and supplies, business expansion, and real estate acquisition. Other business development expenses may also be considered with approval from the VBDA. Payroll, salaries, insurance, lease payments, and personal expenses are not eligible.
The application window opens on Oct. 1 for 30 days. Businesses must meet the following requirements to qualify:
- Be a micro-business as defined by Virginia law or a service-disabled veteran-owned business with fewer than 25 employees
- Hold a valid Virginia Beach business license
- Have operated in the City of Virginia Beach for at least one year
- Be current on all local taxes and fees
- Have not received another grant from the City of Virginia Beach Development Authority within the past 12 months
- Not employ an officer, official or employee of the City of Virginia Beach, VBDA or Minority Business Council.
The program increases access to funding for historically underserved and marginalized small businesses in Virginia Beach, including small, women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. To apply for the grant, a business must attend a pre-application workshop from The HIVE in person or virtually . There will be eight hybrid pre-application workshops in September. Each date will offer both a daytime and evening session.
Dates | Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon 6-8 p.m. | In person: 140 Independence Blvd. Suite 100, Virginia Beach; or Virtually |
Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon 6-8 p.m. | In person: 140 Independence Blvd. Suite 100, Virginia Beach; or Virtually |
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon 6-8 p.m. | In person: 140 Independence Blvd. Suite 100, Virginia Beach; or Virtually |
Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 | 10 a.m. to noon 6-8 p.m. | In person: 140 Independence Blvd. Suite 100, Virginia Beach; or Virtually |
“Virginia Beach’s small businesses don’t just drive our local economy, they shape the character and strength of our communities. This Small Business Grant helps ensure that entrepreneurs across the city have access to the support they need to grow, thrive, and continue making a meaningful impact on the neighborhoods they serve.” - Jerry Mathis, senior business development representative.
For additional information about the Small Business Grant Program, contact The HIVE at TheHive@vbgov.com or 757-385-2470.
Virginia Beach, Virginia’s most populous city, resides where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to drive economic vitality and inclusive prosperity in the city by fostering the attraction and creation of new investment, innovation, and jobs. The HIVE is Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development’s resource center designed to support startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.