Virginia Beach Development Authority Awards Over $136,000 in Small Business Grants

January 15, 2025

16 Businesses Each Received Grants of up to $10,000

From cutting-edge eye care technology to innovative youth automotive training, 16 local businesses are set to revolutionize their operations thanks to a total of $136,530 in Small Business Grants from the Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA). These strategic investments will catalyze small business growth across the city.

The Virginia Beach Development Authority launched the Small Business Grant Program in September 2024 to support small-, women-, minority-, veteran-, and disabled veteran-owned businesses in the city. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to qualifying businesses, providing essential funding to help local entrepreneurs expand and drive economic growth within the community.

“Virginia Beach’s entrepreneurial spirit is getting a significant boost,” said Virginia Beach Deputy City Manager Amanda Jarratt. “These grants are fuel for innovation, job creation and economic vitality in our community.”

A total of 16 businesses from various districts have been awarded grants, enabling growth across multiple sectors, including technology, education, physical expansion and marketing. These investments will support the development of new products, services and infrastructure, creating lasting contributions to the local economy.

Businesses utilizing grants to power digital transformation and innovation include:

Snapqube Corp ($10,000) will modernize event photography with innovative photo booth technology.
Open Door Media Solutions ($10,000) will develop AI-powered video production tools for small businesses.
Vault Athletics & Fitness ($9,073) will launch a branded mobile app to engage clients and enhance fitness services.
Type A Virtual Solutions ($10,000) will upgrade its virtual business support infrastructure.
Freedom Title and Escrow ($4,889) will modernize its computing operations.
Elizabeth M Borza O.D. Inc ($10,000) will acquire a state-of-the-art retinal imagery technology to enhance patient care services.
Security Scholars, LLC ($10,000) will enhance cybersecurity training with a client portal, IP protection and cloud support.

Businesses utilizing funds for education and training development include:

Unique Skin and Beauty Bar ($10,000) is expanding into an esthetics education training facility.
Greight Company Limited ($10,000) will venture into children’s book publishing and offer career development workshops.
F.L.Y. Enterprises LLC ($10,000) will expand its electric vehicle services and enhance its high school mentorship program.

Businesses utilizing funds for physical expansion and improvement include:

First Class Beauty Suites ($10,000) will create new professional spaces for entrepreneurs.
Bounce Hoppers ($9,980) will invest in new obstacle course equipment to expand its offerings.
EauBleue Solutions LLC ($10,000) will expand transport services and invest in business growth.
Brush It on Paint Co LLC ($8,328) will acquire professional-grade equipment to streamline operations.

Business utilizing funds for marketing innovations and outreach include:

Food Temptress Cookbook Store ($3,250) will launch a targeted digital marketing campaign.
The Book Artist LLC ($1,000) will expand its reach through strategic tourism marketing.

“These investments represent more than business growth – they’re about creating new opportunities, enhancing services and strengthening our local economy,” Jarratt said. “When our small businesses thrive, Virginia Beach thrives.”