HAMPTON-Business owners looking to get back on their feet after the covid-19 pandemic can seek assistance through the Virginia Workforce Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (VWIEC) at Hampton University.
The center, which was first launched in October 2020 thanks to a Department of Education Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grant, is open to any business owner in Virginia who has been affected by the pandemic. This includes aspiring business owners, startup companies, and those transitioning to a new field as well as existing business owners. VWIEC offers workshops and resources to guide entrepreneurs on a path to success. VWIEC’s free program involves three phases that assist business owners with developing and growing their companies, and participants are rewarded with stipends at the end of completion of each phase to help with their business.
“They’ll spend most of their time in Phase 1,” said Aisha Newsome, VWIEC’s director of implementation.
This phase involves uncovering their interests, discovering their strengths, fleshing out their business goals, and developing their business model. Phase 2 delves into marketing strategies, finding funding, and the legalities involved with owning a business. Mentors are also available to offer support and guidance.
“The mentorship is the best and most beneficial piece of this program,” Newsome said. “It’s important to speak with someone in the same background.”
Currently, there are 33 participants working their way through the final phase of VWIEC’s program, which includes industry specific training and certification, a final business pitch, and obtaining their business registration and licensing.
Newsome said the program takes roughly three to four months to complete. Business owners who have reached out to VWIEC for assistance come from a variety of fields and include specialty retailers such as clothing designers and those who want to sell skincare, haircare, or healthcare products; financial consultants; and food truck owners. One participant is working on an energy efficient product for hot water heaters.
“I love hearing the ambition behind their voices,” Newsome said. “I love hearing from all the dreamers and helping them to see it all come to fruition. We want to be able to give them all the tools they need to succeed.”
The goal is to assist at least 3,000 people across Virginia. VWIEC is currently seeking mentors who can offer advice and feedback to program participants, lead virtual instruction workshops in their field, or attend virtual or live pitch sessions to judge and offer feedback to participants. For more information on becoming a mentor, call 757-964-6992 or email [email protected]. For more information on the center, visit www.vwiec.org.