Business Tips – More Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Business Launch
More Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Business Launch By SCORE Williamsburg Continuing from Part 1, here are more traps that can derail your small business: Viewing marketing as an expense, not an investment – Without marketing, you’re relying on hope, and hope isn’t a strategy. Lacking a Unique Selling Position (USP) – Stand out by defining what…
Innovation Ecosystem – The Blue Economy
The Blue Economy By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber As global challenges like climate change, coastal resilience, and sustainable development take center stage, regions with access to coastal and marine assets are uniquely positioned to lead. The Virginia Peninsula, with its strategic location and wealth of water-based resources, is emerging as a hub for what’s…
Economic Development – How Transportation Connectivity Fuels Growth Across the Peninsula
How Transportation Connectivity Fuels Growth Across the Peninsula By Stephanie Heinatz LEAD Peninsula Class of 2025 Virginia Peninsula Chamber Board of Directors Consociate Media If you’ve spent any time in Hampton Roads, from the Middle Peninsula through Williamsburg, the Peninsula and across to the Southside, you’ve heard the jokes about our bridges and tunnels. The…
Economic Development – Governor Youngkin and Mayor Gray tour new Hampton Logistics Center
Governor Youngkin and Mayor Gray tour new Hampton Logistics Center By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber Governor Glenn Youngkin joined City of Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray and local leaders for a tour of the future Hampton Logistics Center, a $70 million industrial development featuring over 500,000 square feet of Class A space. The center, set to open this fall,…
Business Tips – Avoid These Small Business Launch Mistakes
Avoid These Small Business Launch Mistakes By SCORE Williamsburg The biggest mistake when launching a small business? Running before walking. Too many entrepreneurs jump in without a plan or proper research to confirm demand. Consider these common launch traps: Failing to validate your business model – Use tools like the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to test…
Innovation Ecosystem – Peninsula Leaders Visit “Most Innovative Square Mile” to Spark Regional Growth
Peninsula Leaders Visit “Most Innovative Square Mile” to Spark Regional Growth By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber The Virginia Peninsula Chamber recently led a group of 26 regional leaders to Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts-widely recognized as “the most innovative square mile on the planet.” The goal: to explore how Hampton Roads can build its own thriving innovation ecosystem by…
Business Tips – DOE Approves Jefferson Lab’s 12-Month Contract Extension
DOE Approves Jefferson Lab’s 12-Month Contract Extension By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber I know many of you in the business community are concerned about the future status of Jefferson Lab after a recent article in our local newspapers. Here is statement released by the Department of Energy which falls in line with what Governor Youngkin has recently stated. It should make all of you rest easier: “The Secretary…
Business Tips – Small Business Funding
Small Business Funding By SCORE Williamsburg Finding funding for your small business can feel overwhelming, but the right approach makes all the difference. SCORE mentors assist business owners in identifying funding options, from traditional bank loans to alternative financing like crowdfunding and grants. Key steps include researching market fit, understanding loan repayment capacity, and leveraging…
VPC & Habitat for Humanity Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg Partnership
VPC & Habitat for Humanity Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg Partnership By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber With great enthusiasm, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg (Habitat) announced a new House Partnership with the Virginia Peninsula Chamber (VPC) at their Raise the Roof Event on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This partnership follows the success of…
Economic Development – Hampton Roads Leaders Address Federal Policy Matters
Hampton Roads Leaders Address Federal Policy Matters By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber I have the privilege of representing the Virginia Peninsula Chamber membership and the surrounding business community in a group of regional leaders committed to making our region a better place to live, work and play. This group is committed to strengthening our…