Virginia Workforce Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
The mission of Virginia Workforce Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (VWIEC) is to expand the capability and capacity of Virginia's current and aspiring entrepreneurs to aid with economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
VWIEC was established in October 2020 through the Department of Education Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grant. VWIEC operates on the behalf of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development. We are a Hampton University entity and, therefore, a 501 (3) non-profit institute of higher education.
This new center will serve as a statewide nexus of support by integrating the resources of two- and four-year institutions of higher education, experts in the public and private business sectors, and workforce agencies. VWIEC will fulfill a critical niche in the small business development arena.
Who We Serve:
- Clientele from across the state who've been dismissed, displaced, or replaced due to COVID19.
- Those who are unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but want to start a business.
- Those seeking to transition to a new business because COVID-19 has made their current venture inviable.
- Individuals seeking to expand or strengthen their existing business.
Why We Serve:
We want to support the community by removing barriers that restrict them, which include childcare, transportation, certification costs, and business licensure fees.
Services Provided:
- Mentorship
- Assistance with financing strategies
- Education
- Networking
- Pitch competitions
We strive to serve a minimum of 3,000 participants and provide all services free of charge.
Certification & Licensing Support
The ODU Business Development Center (BDC) offers technical and financial support for certification and licensing for qualified participants. * The BDC can support a total of $1750 per business for licensing and certification fees. These include, but are not limited to, the following programs.
Certifications and Licensing
Commonwealth of Virginia Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) is a state certification program. The purpose is to enhance procurement opportunities for SWaM businesses participating in state-funded projects. See opportunities available at ODU down below.
Other Specialized Training
REGISTER FOR BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
For More Information:
Business Development Center at Old Dominion University
Monique McWhite - Director
mmcwhite@odu.edu
757-683-4159
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Cherylynn Sagester - Program Director
csageste@odu.edu
757-683-4793
Women's Business Center (WBC)
Erika Small-Sisco - Program Director
esmallsi@odu.edu
757-683-5517
*Qualified participants with a business since January 1, 2021 or VWIEC individuals who will have attended VBOC or WBC programs or two counselling sessions. This support is contingent on available funding through our partner the Virginia Workforce Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (VWIEC) grant from the US Department of Education. The VWIEC will facilitate opportunities for Virginia's current and aspiring entrepreneurs to help grow our recovering economy.
