Business calendar: Sign up for free summer sessions from Virginia Wesleyan

MAY 20

MONDAY

Legal Forms Support Small Businesses, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Hive, 140 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach. The Hive Business Resource Center is hosting a one-hour workshop to help owners to find some free legal forms at the Virginia Beach Public Library to support their small businesses. These include day-to-day forms for running operations, like cash receipt logs, packing slips, time sheets, contractors’ logs, daily cash reports, job invoice and more. Free. Register on eventbrite.com.

MAY 21

TUESDAY

Suffolk State of the City, noon-2 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center, 100 E. Constance Road, Suffolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting Mayor Mike Duman, who will highlight key business development initiatives, provide strategic municipal progress updates, address challenges and opportunities and provide a glimpse into the future of Suffolk. Sold out. Hrchamber.com.

MAY 22

WEDNESDAY

7th Annual BizConnect Gives Back Nonprofit Showcase and Networking Event, 8-10 a.m., Harbor Club at Waterside District, 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. This annual event showcases 20 participating nonprofit organization and raises funds through sponsorship, silent auction and 50/50 cash raffle. All proceeds are divided among 20 local participating nonprofits. $25 for nonmembers. For more information: BizConnectHR.com.

Tidewater Association of Service Contractors Exchange Brief, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Old Dominion University, Darden Center, Multipurpose Room 1106, or virtual option. The Tidewater Association of Service Contractors is hosting a cybersecurity talk with Patrick O’Donnell of Kaufman & Canoles; Theresa Duvall, cybersecurity lecturer for ODU; Tracy Gregorio, president of G2 Ops; and Greg Tomchick, president of Valor Cybersecurity. Free. Register at https://tasc-tgic.org/event-5708432.

Emerging Farmers: From Dreaming to Doing, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., virtual. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Veterans Business Outreach Center is hosting a webinar to provide information and resources to individuals who want to or have recently started a farming business with little or no experience. The topics covered will be applicable for almost every form of farming, from micro-farms, hydroponics, urban, and wetlands, to traditional forms. There will be access and advice from experts in the field of farming, taxes, funding, training and agra-business tools. This session will be recorded. Free. Register at sba-vboc.ecenterdirect.com/events/30702.

Hard Hat Tour, 3-4 p.m., 201 Richmond Road, Williamsburg. AIA Coastal Virginia, a professional architect organization, is hosting a tour of the William & Mary Monroe Residence Hall Renovation. The goal is to understand how renovating buildings reduces embodied carbon to align with the Climate Action Roadmap, how the geothermal exchange system reduces energy use and how enhanced ventilation strategies contribute to better well-being. Free. Register at aiahr.org.

MAY 24

FRIDAY

Deadline for LEAD Peninsula civic and community immersion program. The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is accepting applications for a program that helps leaders become better connected to the community through behind-the-scenes perspectives, educational sessions, tours and candid conversations in a 10-month program. Apply at virginiapeninsulachamber.com/lead-peninsula/.

MAY 27

MONDAY

Start of Working in a Group Environment Series, 6-8 p.m., Virginia Wesleyan University, Clarke Hall, Room 214, 5817 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach. VWU is hosting a series of workshops on Mondays and Wednesdays through June 17 on mastering collaboration and building effective team dynamics. Free. Register at vwu.edu/academics/vwu-global/no-cost-workshops.php.

Leading People as Managers or Supervisors, 6-8 p.m., Virginia Wesleyan University, Clarke Hall, Room 214, 5817 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach. VWU is hosting a series of workshops on Mondays and Wednesdays through June 17 on unlocking the potential of effective leadership. Participants are equipped with skills and knowledge necessary to lead teams to success. Free. Register at vwu.edu/academics/vwu-global/no-cost-workshops.php.

Logistic Supply Chain Management: Including Tariffs and Customs Rules and Regulations, 6-8 p.m., The Hive, 140 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach. Virginia Wesleyan University is hosting a workshop series on Mondays and Wednesdays through July 17. This workshop covers fundamental aspects of supply chain management, operations, logistics, and customer service. Participants will gain insights into transportation and logistics, shipment management, and handling export and import documents. Key topics include shipping processes, document management for international trade, and effective management of transportation costs. Free. Register at vwu.edu/academics/vwu-global/no-cost-workshops.php.

MAY 29

WEDNESDAY

Conceptualizing Proposal Graphics, 10 a.m.-noon, virtual. Virginia Apex Accelerator is hosting a webinar on incorporating graphics into government proposals for government contracting. This course is for those who want to develop winning proposals to the government. It provides the skills necessary to develop a concept for a proposal graphic that conveys your solution in a customer-centric way to contribute to the persuasive power of your proposal. This class will also show you how to ensure that your graphics have a professional look and feel, including graphics templates and design principles. Free. Register at virginiaptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/3870?embedded=0.

USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) Commissioning Reception, 4-7 p.m., Historic Cavalier Hotel, Crystal Ballroom, 4200 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads chapter of the Navy League of the U.S. is hosting an event that will highlight the work completed on the aircraft carrier, shipbuilders, industry partners and Navy leadership. The event also honors President Kennedy’s birthday. Remarks will be given by Maryellen Baldwin, president and CEO of Navy League Hampton Roads; retired Navy Capt. Lou Schager, chairman of the NLHR board; and others. A 7-foot model of the carrier built entirely of Legos will be on display. Model builder James Beute will be in attendance. $35. Buy tickets on Eventbrite.com.

MAY 30

THURSDAY

Policies to Spur Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth in Hampton Roads, noon-1:30 p.m., The Priority Automotive Club at S.B. Ballard Stadium, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber and Old Dominion University Strome College of Business are hosting a panel as part of their business series. Speakers include Virginia Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater; Chris Pilkerton, former Small Business Administration general counsel and acting administrator; Jolie Spiers, executive director of the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center; Jennifer Vaziralli of Strome College of Business; and inventor Steve Waddell of Nasoni. $50-$80. Register at hrchamber.com.

Dynamic Dialogues: The Leaders Toolbox: Essential Skills for Effective Leadership, 6-8 p.m., Centura College Corporate Building, 4455 South Blvd., Virginia Beach. The Connect 757 is hosting Mimi Mitchell, CEO of Volunteer Hampton Roads; Sabrina D. Wooten, Virginia Beach City Council member; and Shirkydra Roberts, founder and CEO of Impact, Aspire, Motivate Enterprises. The panelists will discuss the essential skills that every leader needs, including communication, empathy, and adaptability. They will share their personal experiences and strategies for cultivating these skills, as well as tips for building strong relationships with team members and stakeholders. Light refreshments. Free. Register at theconnect757.com.

Building Wealth as an Entrepreneur, 6 p.m., The Hive, 140 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach. The Hive Business Resource Center is hosting a workshop on smart ways to manage and grow your wealth as an entrepreneur. Free. Register on eventbrite.com.

JUNE 4

TUESDAY

Start of Cox Communications Small Business Leadership Academy, 5:30-9:30 p.m., ODU Strome College of Business, 2004 Constant Hall, Norfolk. Old Dominion University, in partnership with Cox, is hosting a series of nine sessions over eight weeks through July 30 for women, LGBTQA, disabled, minority, and veteran-owned businesses. Participants receive a certificate after developing skills, getting introduced to resources and interacting with experts. The first session is on growing effectively and exploring strategies of raising rates, cutting costs, business promotion, execution and innovation. Virtual-hybrid format. Apply at odu.edu/business/community-connections/cox-academy.

JUNE 5

WEDNESDAY

Maritime Industry Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., The Hive, 140 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach. The Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event highlighting the work of the Virginia Maritime Association and Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project. The event is part of a series focused on promoting the industry to diverse small-business community. $17-$23. Register on Eventbrite.com.

Speed Networking, 1-3 p.m., Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News. Southeastern Virginia Health System is hosting 30 organizations to allow participants to connect with new people, gain partnerships and build your business or brand. $100. Register at bit.ly/3K4L9Rw.

JUNE 7

FRIDAY

2024 Economic Forecast, 7:30-9:30 a.m., Holiday Inn, 980 Omni Blvd., Newport News. The Virginia Peninsula Chamber and Old Dominion University are hosting an economic update and forecast with economists Bob McNab and Vinod Agarwal. $45. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

JUNE 8

SATURDAY

Jefferson Lab Open House, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., parking at Canon Virginia, 12000 Canon Blvd., Newport News. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is opening its doors to the public. Discover how scientists are visualizing the proton, watch new experimental detector systems come together and see how the lab is helping to build the world’s next high-powered particle collider for research. Explore the 180-acre campus and dozens of exhibits. Free. Jlab.org/openhouse.

JUNE 10

MONDAY

Norfolk’s Innovative Vision, noon, Hilton Norfolk-The Main, fourth floor, 100 E. Main St., Norfolk. Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate is hosting Mayor Kenny Alexander and city economic development director Sean Washington for a presentation on current and upcoming city investments that will be the catalyst for economic growth. Followed by a Q&A session. $65-$75. Register at hracre.org/event/PL4-2024.

JUNE 11

TUESDAY

June Member Meetup, 8-9:30 a.m., D-Bat Virginia Beach, 5258-A Fairfield Shopping Center. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event with coffee and continental breakfast. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.

Retail 360, 8-10 a.m., Manor House at Windsor Castle Park, 705 Cedar St., Smithfield. The Retail Alliance is hosting a unique format event covering the topics of security, financial management and cash flow and growing your customer base and the digital customer experience. Participants are divided into three groups, ensuring diverse perspectives and comprehensive discussions. Every 30 minutes, attendees will rotate tables, allowing for an enriching exchange of ideas and insights. Each table will be facilitated by a subject matter expert, guiding discussions on the designated topic for the evening. Free. Register at retailalliance.com.

JUNE 12

WEDNESDAY

Government Contracting 101, 9-10:30 a.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting professor Willy Donaldson of Christopher Newport University. $0-$15. Register at bit.ly/2024-0612-Business-Series.

JUNE 13

THURSDAY

Girl, WHAT you gonna DO with your MONEY, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting Ti’Juana Gholson, founder of Inner Peace Coalition Inc., for its Pink Bag Lunch. $10-$15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

JUNE 15

SATURDAY

Trek the Trail: Elizabeth River Trail, 10 a.m.-noon, Jeff Robertson Park, Ghent, Norfolk. The Connect 757 is hosting a 1.5-mile walk on the Elizabeth River Trail to Plum Point Park designed for Black professionals and families to embrace the great outdoors. Free. Register at theconnect757.com.

JUNE 18

TUESDAY

Retail 360, 8-10 a.m., Cure Coffeehouse, 725 High St., Portsmouth. The Retail Alliance is hosting a unique format event covering the topics of security, financial management and cash flow and growing your customer base and the digital customer experience, where participants are divided into three groups, ensuring diverse perspectives and comprehensive discussions. Every 30 minutes, attendees will rotate tables, allowing for an enriching exchange of ideas and insights. Each table will be facilitated by a subject matter expert, guiding discussions on the designated topic for the evening. Our new event aims to facilitate an exchange of knowledge and solutions. Free. Register at retailalliance.com.

JUNE 20

THURSDAY

Chamber Business Social, 5:30-7 p.m., Town Point Club, Norfolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.

JUNE 21

FRIDAY

Small Business of the Year Awards, noon-2 p.m., Delta Marriott, 725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake. The Hampton Roads Chamber and Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center is hosting an event to recognize 11 Small Business of the Year honorees and one overall winner. $55-$95. Register at hrchamber.com.

JUNE 29

SATURDAY

High Society Tea: A Bridgerton Themed Tea for Black Professionals, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Prince Tea High, 3244 Holland Road, Virginia Beach. The Connect 757 is hosting a three-course high tea for Black professionals inspired by the Netflix hit series “Bridgerton.” High tea service features finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate pastries and a curated selection of premium teas. $42. Register at theconnect757.com.

JULY 1

MONDAY

Deadline for applications for Downtown Suffolk Advisory Committee. The city is taking applications for committee members who will play a crucial role in shaping the future of downtown by providing input and recommendations on revitalization and development, preserving historical landmarks and enhancing public spaces. Apply at suffolkva.us/1771/Downtown-Suffolk-Advisory-Committee.

JULY 10

WEDNESDAY

Planning for Growth: Formal Strategic Planning, 9-10:30 a.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 100, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting Professor Willy Donaldson of Christopher Newport University. $0-$15. Register at bit.ly/2024-0710-BusinessSeries.

JULY 11

THURSDAY

HRACRE/CREW Beach Bash, 6 p.m., The Shack, 712 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Coastal Virginia are hosting a popular social event, which garnered nearly 400 in attendance in 2023. $75-$85. Register at hracre.org/event/BB24.

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