Virginia Beach Economic Development

09/01/2026

Virginia Beach welcomes Orca AI Defense! 🇺🇸🌊

Virginia Beach continues to grow as a hub for defense innovation and maritime technology. We’re proud to welcome Orca AI Defense, the U.S. subsidiary of Israeli maritime technology company Orca AI, to the Virginia Beach International Incubator as it establishes its first U.S. office right here in our city.

Orca AI’s proven maritime AI technology is already deployed on more than 1,000 commercial vessels worldwide, backed by more than 100 million nautical miles of operational data. Orca AI Defense is now adapting that technology for national security and maritime protection, using AI-powered situational awareness, computer vision, and real-time object tracking help detect threats, including dark vessels and other low-profile maritime activity.

The company is exploring partnerships and pilot programs throughout the Hampton Roads defense and maritime ecosystem — while growing its local team and hiring for a business development professional.

We’re excited to support a company that is advancing maritime security, strengthening our region’s defense ecosystem, and creating new opportunities in Virginia Beach.

Welcome to Virginia Beach, Orca AI Defense! 🇺🇸🌊

Learn more about the job opportunity: https://orcaai.teamme.link/jobs/63.A6E

08/31/2026

Exploring Virginia’s commercial spaceflight ecosystem!🚀

The Virginia Beach Economic Development team recently visited the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) to learn more about Virginia’s extensive aerospace and commercial spaceflight industry. During the visit, the team met with leadership from the Virginia Spaceport Authority and toured MARS’ four launch pads and its 3,000-foot Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) runway.

MARS is one of just four U.S. launch facilities that collectively support approximately 90% of the nation’s payload capacity, while the MARS UAS Airfield provides valuable infrastructure and restricted airspace for government and commercial research, development, and testing.

For Virginia Beach, the continued growth of this ecosystem and our proximity presents exciting opportunities for companies. As Virginia’s aerospace and commercial spaceflight industries continue to grow, Virginia Beach is well positioned to help support what comes next. 🌎

08/25/2026

Virginia beach businesses: take your business to global markets🌎

Looking to grow and diversify your business through exporting? Join the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) International Trade a for “Proven Paths to Global Markets and the Trade Mission Advantage” on September 17 in Norfolk.

This free event will give Virginia businesses an inside look at how international trade missions can help open doors to new markets and opportunities.

Attendees will learn:
✨ What VEDP trade missions are and why they matter
✨ How to plan and prepare for a successful trade mission
✨ What to expect during the in-country experience
✨ Upcoming trade mission opportunities
✨ How the U.S. Commercial Service’s Advocacy Center can help companies win foreign government contracts
✨ Insights and experiences from Virginia companies that have participated in trade missions

📅 September 17 | 11:45 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Slover Library | Norfolk, VA
🎟️ Free to attend | Lunch provided

Whether you’re a company leader, sales or marketing professional, or part of a team exploring international opportunities, this event offers valuable insights and resources to help your business take the next step.

Virginia Beach businesses are encouraged to attend!

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/proven-paths-to-global-markets-and-the-trade-mission-advantage-tickets-1997156950200?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/21/2026

A great evening celebrating big things ahead for Batten University!

VBED was proud to attend Batten University’s State of the University Address and celebrate an incredible year of growth and transformation.

Batten’s new chapter includes becoming home to Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, expanding its health sciences programs and welcoming Sentara College of Health Sciences to its campus. VBED was proud to support the relocation of Sentara College and is excited to see this partnership continue to grow.

The announcement of a new $35 million Health Sciences Center is another exciting investment in our community—creating more opportunities for students and helping strengthen the healthcare workforce across Coastal Virginia.

We enjoyed celebrating alongside Councilmembers Ross-Hammond and Vice Mayor Wilson, along with Director Emily Archer, and look forward to seeing the impact these investments will have on Virginia Beach and beyond.

08/20/2026

We’re proud to see Virginia Beach’s UK Representative, Charles MacDowell, representing our region at the latest gathering of the East of England Regional Defence & Security Cluster.

The event brought together defence and security companies from across the East of England to network, share ideas and explore opportunities for growth in the U.S. market.

These conversations are an important part of strengthening the connection between Virginia Beach and the East of England, creating opportunities for businesses and organizations on both sides of the Atlantic to connect, collaborate and grow.

Thank you to our partners and friends for their continued engagement in building these valuable regional connections: Indy Wijenayaka, Tony Reeves, Stephanie Walton, Michael Veasey and the Essex Growth Agency.

We look forward to continuing this work and creating new opportunities for collaboration between our defence and security communities.

08/14/2026

Virginia Beach is making a strong showing among the region’s Top Workplaces of 2026! 🎉

Inside Business celebrates the Top Workplaces of 2026, recognizing 67 companies across the region — and 25 of them are headquartered right here in Virginia Beach.

That’s more than one-third of the honorees! 👏

This recognition reflects the strength and diversity of Virginia Beach’s business community and the companies investing in their employees and creating great places to work.

Congratulations to all 25 Virginia Beach-headquartered organizations recognized! We’re proud to celebrate the businesses helping make Virginia Beach a great place to live, work and grow. 🌊

08/13/2026

Congratulations to OneSpace Architects on the ribbon cutting of their new home on Independence Blvd!

This SWaM-certified, Virginia Beach-founded firm has grown into a go-to name in commercial architecture for office, retail, and hospitality design.

We are proud to have supported their expansion through Virginia Beach Development Authority’s EDIP grant program and to celebrate this next chapter with the team!

08/07/2026

Virginia Beach is getting ready to host one of the biggest startup events of the year! 🏆

As the presenting sponsor of the Virginia Cup Startup World Cup Competition, Virginia Beach Economic Development is proud to support entrepreneurs, innovators, and founders from across the Commonwealth as they compete for the chance to represent Virginia on the global stage.

On September 17, 2026, the Virginia Cup will bring together startups, investors, business leaders, and community partners at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts for an exciting evening of innovation and entrepreneurship. The winning company will advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco for the opportunity to compete for a $1 million investment prize.

The day kicks off with a pre-party at The HIVE - VB Business Resource Center from 3–5 p.m., followed by the main competition at the Sandler Center from 5–8 p.m.

We're excited to celebrate the founders shaping the future of business and showcase Virginia Beach as a place where startups can launch, grow, and succeed. 👉 Learn more: https://www.innovate757.org/vacup/

Apply To Pitch Attend Main Event Join us September 17 in Virginia Beach Get ready for the return of the Virginia Cup: Official Startup World Cup Virginia Qualifier — where Virginia’s top startups compete for a shot at $1,000,000 in investment capital!We can't wait to

07/30/2026

We were proud to attend Virginia Business’ Top Projects and Real Estate Deals event, which recognizes the outstanding developments helping shape communities across Virginia.

A special congratulations to two Virginia Beach projects honored this year:

🏗️ Atlantic Park: a transformative mixed-use development bringing new entertainment, hospitality, and economic opportunity to the Oceanfront.

🏙️ The Pinnacle on 31st Street: an exciting project expanding the city’s housing options and supporting vibrant community development.

These projects reflect the innovation, investment, and collaboration that continue to move Virginia Beach forward. We’re grateful to the developers, partners, and project teams whose work is helping create a stronger, more vibrant future for our city.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, and thank you to Virginia Business for celebrating the projects making a positive impact across the Commonwealth.

07/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating Emily Archer on her appointment as the City of Virginia Beach’s new director of Economic Development!

After serving as Acting Director for the past six months, Emily officially steps into the role on July 23. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, including 11 years with the City of Virginia Beach, where she has led major planning initiatives, capital improvement projects, and partnerships that help strengthen our community.

"Emily has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic insight during her time as acting director, and in her past roles with the City," said City Manager Patrick Duhaney. "We look forward to the continued progress and innovation she will bring to the department in her new role."

We’re excited for what’s ahead under Emily’s leadership as we continue supporting business growth, creating opportunity, and building a strong economic future for Virginia Beach.

Congratulations, Emily! 🎉
Read the full press release here: https://virginiabeach.gov/connect/news/virginia-beach-city-manager-appoints-new-economic-development-director

Virginia Beach City Government