Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development

Virginia Beach Launches New Initiative to Support Entrepreneurs

May 11, 2023

Thrive @ The HIVE is geared towards home-based businesses, startups, and military spouses

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (May 11, 2023) — The City of Virginia Beach is pleased to announce a new program that offers access to workspace and various business resources at no cost to existing Virginia Beach startups, home-based businesses, and military spouse entrepreneurs. Thrive @ The HIVE is a city-funded initiative that aims to bolster the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate economic growth by offering essential resources to individuals who qualify for the program.

Thrive @ The HIVE is a two-month program during which members get free access, two business days per week, to the facilities at The HIVE, the City’s business resource center in the Town Center of Virginia Beach. Participants will benefit from access to office space, meeting rooms, and related amenities including laptops for on-site use, high-speed Wi-Fi, copy machines, phones, and more. The HIVE and its affiliated business organizations will also provide free professional assistance, seminars, workshops, and business resources.

Ihsane Mouak from the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development expressed enthusiasm about launching the new initiative, Thrive @ The HIVE, during National Small Business Month in May.

“I believe this program will be instrumental in providing crucial support to the growing number of entrepreneurs in Virginia Beach,” commented Mouak. “By celebrating small businesses, their tireless efforts, and their positive economic influence on the community, the City hopes to empower and inspire more entrepreneurs to succeed.”

The HIVE opened its doors in August 2021 to offer the community an opportunity to grow and scale early-stage businesses. It acts as a knowledge hub, providing valuable resources, and connecting like-minded individuals in the City and the region with the goal of helping businesses flourish. The HIVE acts as a one-stop shop for free counseling and business resources. It offers mentorship and networking opportunities to aspiring and established entrepreneurs and is expected to be an excellent environment for Thrive @ The HIVE participants to grow and succeed.

The City of Virginia Beach and its Department of Economic Development is encouraging interested parties to submit their application for Thrive @The HIVE. Availability is limited. Eligible candidates will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Visit yesvirginiabeach.com/thrive for eligibility criteria and to apply.

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About Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development

The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development (VBDED) aims to recruit domestic and international companies to Virginia Beach, while assisting local businesses with their expansion needs, to create a strong economy, generate high-paying employment opportunities, and increase tax revenues to fund local infrastructure and improved services for Virginia Beach residents. The VBDED attracts and guides private sector investment towards sustainable economic growth for the City. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com

Media Contact:
Erin Goldmeier

egoldmeier@visitvirginiabeach.com

(757) 266-0085