Newport News Economic Development Authority

May you have a warm and joyous festival of light

Newport News Arts Commission Invests in Performing, Fine Arts Organizations -- More than $159K provided to 25 organizations

To celebrate and enhance arts offerings in the city, the Newport News Arts Commission recently presented 25 grants to community organizations. The grant funding, which totals $159,379, supports dance, media, music, theater, visual, literary, and related arts.

Grant funding is divided into two categories – General Operating Support and Special Projects. For Special Project grants, funding is provided for activities targeting students and special audiences. In both cases, the minimum grant award is $500.

This annual Arts Commission grant program is part of the city’s Community Support Agency Grant initiative and is supplemented by a $4,500 State Creative Communities Partnership Grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. To be eligible for a grant, non-profit organizations must be housed within the city or be able to clearly demonstrate how they serve Newport News residents. They must also have been in existence at least a year, have a Board of Directors and visible support from the community, provide programs or activities that directly benefit Newport News residents, and agree to comply with funding guidelines.

The Newport News Arts Commission was established in 1980 to help City Council review and address requests for arts-related financial support. The Commission has 12 Council-appointed members, one School Board representative, nine General Public representatives, and two youth representatives.

Grant recipients include:
Access Virginia
Big Pink Music (New in FY 2024)
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Hampton Roads Philharmonic
Mary Torggler Fine Arts Center
Mildred McDaniel Concert Series
Mosaic Steel Orchestra
NN Public Art Foundation
Peninsula Community Theatre
Peninsula Youth Orchestra
Port Warwick Foundation
Rainbow Productions, Inc.
Shark City Drum (New in FY 2024)

Step back in time with our hands-on workshop! Embrace the spirit of the season as you adorn a grapevine wreath with historically accurate natural materials, delving into the enchanting holiday traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries. Your experience includes all supplies and a festive tour of the historic house. Join us in crafting memories and celebrating the magic of yesteryear! 🍇✨

Saturday, December 2, 10:00 am
December 2 · 1 - 3 pm EST

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wreath-making-workshop-at-historic-endview-tickets-748608316627?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Aldora Glass, a company specializing in architectural glass and aluminum system building products, made its debut in Newport News and the business community through a Ribbon Cutting and Open House event. The gathering was attended by City officials, local business professionals, and members of the company's national sales team. Mayor Phillip Jones and Aldora CEO Leon Silverstein both delivered remarks during the occasion.🌟
Located at 280 Enterprise Drive in Oakland Industrial Park, this facility is Aldora’s seventh branch operation and will serve customers in the Mid-Atlantic region. For more information, visit www.aldoraglass.com.

Discover the artful synergy of strength and soul in Newport News, where history, culture, and community unite. From the Mariners' Museum to the Virginia Living Museum, and captivating performances at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, our city is a vibrant canvas of labor and artistry. Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of Newport News – a community that embraces both the art and soul of our city. 🎨✨

In Newport News, each year, 14,000 active-duty personnel transition out of the military, contributing to the strength and vitality of our local businesses. Together, we build a dynamic and supportive environment for the next chapter of success.

In the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of Hampton Roads, the Start Peninsula 2023 event has once again spotlighted the brilliance and ingenuity that our region fosters. With a series of virtual Micro Pitch competitions culminating in an exhilarating championship pitch, 3 outstanding startups have emerged as winners, each embodying the spirit of innovation that defines our community.

Congratulations.

AdvisorFinder: This inventive online marketplace has stepped forward to simplify the journey of finding a financial advisor.

Forentify: In an era where media manipulation is a growing concern, Forentify emerges as a more than necessary software solution.

InfraSGA: Addressing the critical need for sustainable urban development, InfraSGA introduces a bioretention solution that blends simplicity, uniformity, and adaptability.

Beyond acknowledging the winners, the event took a moment to celebrate all participants. Twelve contenders, who had navigated through previous pitch events since March, were recognized for their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. They were rewarded with cash prizes and assured continued support from local economic development departments.
Image CTO: https://www.innovate757.org/

Turning passion into purpose: the business that is built on genuine love and expertise, designed for customer convenience.

Milton’s Paint & Body Shop. LLC is a locally owned and operated paint and collision repair shop that specializes in returning automobiles to their pre-accident condition. The business is located at 13269 Warwick Blvd. and is owned by longtime Newport News resident Richard Kennedy.
The shop’s motto is, “We work for the customers,” and all collision repairs come with a lifetime warranty. For more information about Milton’s Paint & Body Shop, please visit miltonsbodyshop.com.

You can also experience business excellence tailored just for you.
Discover a new standard of service, crafted from the heart. 💼✨

Unlock the charm of Newport News with the Breakthrough Experiences Pass! 🌟 Explore our city from end to end, check in at diverse locations via GPS, and earn exclusive branded swag along the way. Dive into Newport News like never before – your adventure starts here! 🗺️🎉

To get started, simply visit newport-news.org.

Visit the Newport News Tourism website to sign up and discover how Newport News is a city Built on Breakthroughs! Document your adventures on social media and tag so we can be a part of the journey.

Welcome & congratulations, Saté. Chef Kyle has evolved his award-winning food truck into a swanky, new hot spot in City Center. He’s been a regular on the Hampton Roads Show, voted Best Truck, and Best Chef, and now his first brick-and-mortar is open offering “the new American Experience” with fusion cuisine and an exceptional cocktail menu. Enjoy this chef-driven restaurant, in the heart of Newport News. Judging by the big crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting, we expect it to make a positive impact on the community for a long time to come.

The stage is set for our Start Peninsula Championship Pitch Event!
TONIGHT Wednesday, November 8 · 6 - 8 pm EST
Over the last nine months, Start Peninsula has heard 40+ Founders pitch their business ideas. Now, only 10 Founders remain to a showdown in this shark-tank style pitch competition.
Who will take home the three separate first-place prizes of $5,000? Which Founder is leading the next unicorn company out of Hampton Roads? This event is a must-see. And the best part is the event will be held virtually on Zoom!
You do not want to miss out! Reserve your FREE tickets for the Start Peninsula Championship Pitch Event TODAY!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/championship-pitch-event-tickets-517978667137

Your ride, your vote! 🚌🗳️ On Election Day, November 7, 2023, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is your ticket to the polls. Enjoy free rides on buses, light rail, ferries, and paratransit services, encouraging convenient access to voting.
First visit gohrt.com to plan your trip to the polls or other destinations.

Exercise your right and experience the ease of public transportation. Let your voice be heard!

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On Saturday, Nov. 4, join the Newport News Human Services (NNHS) team at the Explore - Engage - Employ Expo for a day filled with exciting opportunities and valuable connections.

This in-person event will be held at 14302 Old Courthouse Way.

Dive into a world of opportunities at the Explore - Engage - Employ Expo! 🌟 Whether you're job hunting or keen to discover Newport News Department of Human Services, this event is your gateway. Engage with our passionate team, explore diverse programs, and stay updated on the latest trends. Build connections, ask questions, and enjoy family-friendly activities, giveaways, and refreshments. Join us for an enriching experience and set your journey in motion! 🚀

Embrace the spirit of fall at Mariners' Park Fall Festival this Saturday, Nov.4! 🍂 Join us for family-friendly activities, pumpkin decorating, live music, beer & cider tastings, and delicious bites from food trucks. Don't miss out on the fun at Harvey Field, Mariners’ Museum and Park, 1-5 PM. See you there! 🎃🎶🍻
Entrance to the Festival is $2 per person and is CASH ONLY. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the festival.
Purchase your Tasting Ticket in advance and get Festival admission for FREE. Advance ticket sales end Nov. 3. Day-of alcohol sales are CASH ONLY and can be purchased on the day of the festival at the beer tent.

Imagine a world where your business dreams have no limits. If you had the chance, what transformative changes would you make in your business? Share your vision with us!

Life in Newport News is all about balance.

The city is recognized as one of the top 10 in the nation for healthcare, and its abundance of parks and community events fosters an energetic and wellness-focused lifestyle, resulting in a community of thriving individuals and overall prosperity.

77% of Adults Enjoy Active Lifestyles
4 Hospitals/Medical Centers
30 Walking/Running Trails in Newport News Park

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of Newport News' Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) as the lead for its new High Performance Data Facility Hub (HPDF). Jefferson Lab will partner with DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California to form a joint project team led by Jefferson Lab. The HPDF will be a $300-500 million computing resource that will provide transformational capabilities for data analysis, networking, and storage for the nation’s research enterprise. It will provide researchers with tools, methods and technologies to maximize the scientific value of data.

The selection was announced to a packed room of national, state, and local leaders. During the event, Governor Glenn Youngkin, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Congressman Bobby Scott, State Senator Monty Mason, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, and Jefferson Lab Director Stuart Henderson celebrated the collaboration that brought this project to Newport News.

Welcome to Virtual Vendor University! Join us for an informative online as part of the 3-part series.

Oct.19 at 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Online Event: https://www.innovate757.org/venue/online-event/
For the tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-vendor-university-tickets-709374246467

Virtual Vendor University offers a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners to explore the realms of vendors, government contracting, and networking from home. This virtual series promises valuable insights and connections with professionals from various regions. Don't miss the chance to enhance your business skills and expand your knowledge in the comfort of your own space.

Understand the legal and regulatory requirements in your industry.

This is a city where some of the world's most magnificent ships take shape, and where numerous national industries thrive.

These remarkable achievements are born from the determination and dedication of skilled tradespeople and entrepreneurs who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and push boundaries to usher in new eras of progress.

Have you registered for the 9th Annual ProcureCon yet?
"Transportation on the Move: Innovation Delivered"

Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 8:30 AM to 3 PM

AT VDOT Hampton Roads District Headquarters
7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435

Register here: https://pcontransportation.eventbrite.com

*All business types are welcome to attend*

Thank you VA Asian Chamber of Commerce Hampton Roads for hosting this Thursday's PROCURECON REGION 757 in Suffolk.

JOIN
9th Annual ProcureCon ' 23
A Summit and Buyer Day Expo for
Small, Women Owned, and Minority Businesses

Thursday October 12, 2023 * 8:30 AM to 3 PM

AT VDOT HAMPTON ROADS DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS
7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435.

Contact Ms My Lan Tran with questions: [email protected]

Dress code: Professional.

Parking: Free

https://pcontransportation.eventbrite.com

Start Peninsula – Micro Pitch Competition #4
October 11 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

By Start Peninsula
https://bit.ly/SP23MP4

How Home-Based Businesses Can Effectively Use Print Advertising
October 11 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Website:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-home-based-business-lunch-lea-series-tickets-547734818587

Benefits of starting a business in The City
Empowering dreams, building the future, thriving in the heart of the City's pulse.

Hear what Newport News CEO was recognized in the latest Forbes Magazine’s 50 Over 50, alongside Jamie Lee Curtis & others --

https://tinyurl.com/BurlingtonMed

Very few of us are born with the natural ability to speak publicly. If you are like most, then public speaking is a skill acquired through hard work, practice and coaching.

Pitch Perfect Workshops are the perfect way for you to learn how to deliver your message with confidence and get people’s attention in the process!

Sign-up for a Pitch Perfect Workshop Offer by Start Peninsula.
>Sept 26, 6-8pm
>Online, virtual live

In addition, these training workshops are perfect for those interested in their Micro Pitch events, where you pitch your business idea for a chance to win $500 and qualify for the Start Peninsula main event in November to win $5,000.

Online Pitch Perfect Workshops are FREE. Contact [email protected] for more information.

We are proud Newport News is on the radar & involved with our White House. Great job, Mayor Phillip Jones

Drive global competitiveness with local support.

Newport News welcomes businesses from all over, offering intentional infrastructure, qualified labor, and industry support.

-Experience a multicultural community with the resources of a major hub, without the high costs.
-50% lower cost of living compared to NYC and reasonable business taxes and fees.

Join us and thrive in a supportive, cost-effective environment.

For more info, visit: https://newportnewsva.com

Introducing the Newport News Street Museum.

Partnering with The CAN Foundation, Newport News is showcasing diverse locations throughout the city with captivating murals.

Promoting placemaking, tourism, and community connections, this innovative project features renowned regional and national muralists.

Stay tuned for updates and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Newport News Street Museum.

For more info, visit: https://www.thecontemporaryartsnetwork.com

Minority-owned companies, proved by their SWaM credential, can do business direct with the City of NN when the value of work is $100,000 or less.

SWaM firms interested in doing business with the City are encouraged to register with the Office of Purchasing by visiting the Vendor Registration Page. Procurement opportunities with an estimated value of $100,000 or less may be directly solicited to qualified vendors. Evidence of SWaM certification may be provided during the registration process. Most City procurement opportunities (Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, Unsealed Request for Proposals, and Request for Quotes) will be posted on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.

Info is here: https://www.nnva.gov/689/Small-Woman-Minority-Program-SWAM

--> EDA Staff can help direct you to any of these resources or get you in the loop on the initiatives.

PS - Post updated 8/31, the direct purchase threshold is increased to $100,000, from $50,000.