Virginia Beach Economic Development

06/23/2026

Do you know an entrepreneur, business leader, organization, or innovator making a difference in Hampton Roads?

At The HIVE, Virginia Beach’s business resource and innovation center, we are proud to support the entrepreneurs and companies helping strengthen our local economy and shape the future of Virginia Beach. We encourage our community to help recognize those whose work is creating a lasting impact.

⏳ Nominations close June 30: https://www.innovate757.org/757technite/

Calling all Virginia Beach Business Entrepreneurs, Businesses & Innovators! 🚀 Nominations are now open for Innovate Hampton Roads' TechNite!

TechNite celebrates the people and organizations driving innovation across Hampton Roads, from startups and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, local governments, and universities. This year's event will take place on Thursday, October 29, from 5 PM to 8 PM at The Dome by Rutter Mills.

At The HIVE, we’re especially excited to see nominations highlighting the Virginia Beach entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovators that are helping shape the region’s future. You can submit multiple nominations across all awards categories.

📝 Submit a nomination and learn more: https://www.innovate757.org/757technite/
📅 Deadline for nominations is June 30

06/16/2026

Paige Fox and Dominique DeBose are representing VBED this week at Eurosatory 2026!

Eurosatory is the world’s premier land and air-land defense and security exhibition, bringing together more than 100,000 defense professionals, government leaders, and industry innovators from around the globe to address today’s most complex security and operational challenges.

The team is engaging with international partners on topics including defense innovation, advanced manufacturing, dual-use technologies, and opportunities for collaboration that strengthen global supply chains and security ecosystems.

If you are also attending Eurosatory this week (June 14–19) and would like to connect with the Virginia Beach Economic Development team, please send us a message on LinkedIn!

Hampton Roads Alliance | Virginia Economic Development Partnership | VEDP International Trade | Matt Smith | Andreas J. Flensborg | Leonard Sledge | Brian Donahue | Mary Wood, PMP

06/12/2026

The Virginia Beach City Council was proud to recognize STIHL's 100th anniversary at their recent meeting. This milestone reflects a century of innovation, manufacturing excellence, and global leadership.

Since opening its U.S. manufacturing operations in Virginia Beach in 1974, STIHL has become one of Virginia’s largest manufacturing employers. With nearly 2,700 team members, the company continues to make a significant impact on our local economy while producing world-class products that serve customers around the globe.

This recognition was embraced by the entire City Council, signing a resolution honoring STIHL’s remarkable achievements and lasting contributions to our community.

Congratulations to STIHL on 100 years of success, and thank you for your continued investment in Virginia Beach and the people who call our city home.

06/11/2026

Military leadership and talent remain among the region's greatest economic assets.

On June 12, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council's Executive Military Breakfast & Learn will feature Rick Dwyer, Executive Director of HRMFFA, discussing federal economic security and its implications for businesses, communities, and workforce development throughout the region.

We encourage business leaders, workforce partners, and military-affiliated professionals to take advantage of this opportunity to connect, learn, and engage in an important conversation about the future of our workforce and economy.

📅 Friday, June 12 | 8 AM – 9 AM
📍 Town Point Club (101 W Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510)

Register here: https://engage.theworkforcecouncil.org/register/RICKDWYERJUNE122026

06/11/2026

Reminder happening today June 11th!

A strong regional economy depends on connecting talent with opportunity, and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council's 5th Annual Regional Job Fair will help make those connections happen.

The Annual Regional Job Fair will bring together 105+ employers and hundreds of job seekers at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Attendees will have access to on-the-spot interviews and career opportunities ranging from entry-level positions to skilled trades and professional roles.

We encourage veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, recent graduates, and job seekers throughout the region to take advantage of this opportunity to connect directly with hiring organizations.

📅 Thursday, June 11 | 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666)

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/RegionalJobFair5

06/09/2026

Congratulations to Vectrona, LLC on 15 years of growth and impact here in Virginia Beach.

For a decade and a half, this people-first team has been simplifying complex national security and infrastructure challenges and turning them into mission-ready solutions.

As Vectrona continues to invest, expand, and create high-skill opportunities in our community, we’re proud to call them a partner and look forward to many more years of collaboration.

Thank you, Vectrona, for choosing Virginia Beach and for all you do to strengthen our region and our nation.

06/03/2026

What does it take to become a welder? Our Virginia Beach Economic Development team recently got a firsthand look during a hands-on welding experience with Q.E.D. Systems Inc. 🔥

Welding is a critical skill that supports many of the industries that drive our local economy, including maritime, defense, manufacturing, and infrastructure. As employers continue to seek skilled talent, careers in the trades offer strong opportunities for individuals looking to build rewarding, in-demand careers.

During our visit, we learned about the training, precision, and expertise required in the profession while gaining a deeper understanding of the important role welders play in keeping our region moving forward.

Thank you to Q.E.D. Systems Inc. for hosting us and sharing your expertise. Partnerships like these help strengthen workforce development efforts and support the future talent pipeline in Virginia Beach.

Take a look at some highlights from the day below! 👇

05/29/2026

We are so excited to have you join the team!

🎉 Welcome Jerry Mathis to The HIVE at Virginia Beach Economic Development as our new Senior Business Development Representative!

With 14+ years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, Jerry brings a passion for community, business growth, and helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into action. We’re excited to have him supporting the Virginia Beach small business community and expanding resources for local entrepreneurs.

Welcome to The HIVE, Jerry! 👏

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

We are proud to announce that the City of Virginia Beach has received the 2026 Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association in the Transportation category.

The City submitted the 18th Street Corridor Improvement Project in the $5M to $25M division. This recognition highlights Virginia Beach’s commitment to infrastructure improvements that enhance connectivity, accessibility, and the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.

Virginia Beach City Government