2026 Annual Home-Based
BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Your Business. Your Brand. Your Visibility.
This dynamic, one-day event provides the tools, insights and connections to turn visibility into sales, funding, partnerships and business value.
Thursday, October 22nd, 2026
8 AM - 3 PM ET
Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Dr. Hampton, VA
Early Bird Registration Now Open!
Save $20 when you register by October 1st.

Learn From Experts
Actionable strategies and tools from industry leaders.
Connect with Others
Build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, partners, and resource experts.
Get Inspired
Walk away with new ideas, renewed confidence, and a plan to grow.
Take Action
Practical takeaways you can implement immediately in your business.
This Conference is Perfect For:
Home-Based Businesses
Startups & Side Hustlers
Consultants & Service Providers
Online & E-Commerce
Retail & Food Businesses
Creative Professionals
Veterans & Military Spouses
Women & Minority-Owned Businesses

Grab a Slice. Hear Big Ideas. Vote for Your Favorite.
Lunch at the conference is more than a meal, it’s one of the day’s most anticipated events.
Enjoy pizza, salad, and networking while cheering on five local entrepreneurs as they
each deliver a 3-minute pitch about their business. After hearing each presentation, conference attendees vote live to determine the People’s Choice Winner.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, making new connections, or supporting fellow business owners, Bizza is a fun and interactive way to experience the entrepreneurial
spirit of Hampton Roads.
What’s Included:
- Pizza, salad, and dessert
- Five live entrepreneur pitches
- Audience voting
- People’s Choice Award
- Networking with fellow business owners
The Power of Home-Based & Small Office Businesses
50%+
of all businesses start from home
~32 Million
Americans work from home
$454 Billion+
contributed annually to the U.S. economy
67%
of home-based businesses employ 1-5 people
Flexibility. Freedom. Opportunity.
That's the power of home-based business
What Attendees Are Saying
Yes. Complimentary parking is available at the Hampton Roads Convention Center for all conference attendees.
To get the most out of your conference experience, we recommend bringing:
- A notebook/pen or tablet for taking notes
- Plenty of business cards for networking
- An open mind and willingness to learn
- A polished 30-second elevator pitch about your business
- Your favorite hydration container. Water coolers will be available.
You'll have multiple opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business experts, exhibitors, and potential partners throughout the day.
Yes. A complimentary continental breakfast and lunch are included with your registration. Water
coolers available.
No. This is an in-person event designed to maximize networking, hands-on learning, and face-to-
face interactions with speakers, exhibitors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available throughout the conference venue so you can access
resources, connect with exhibitors, and share your experience online.
Yes. The Hampton Roads Convention Center is fully ADA accessible, including accessible
parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms. If you require additional accommodations, please
contact us in advance so we can help ensure you have an excellent conference experience.
No. Registration must be completed online before the conference. Seating is limited, and
advance registration helps us prepare materials, meals, and seating for all attendees.
We encourage registering early to reserve your spot.
This conference is designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners in every stage of
business, including:
- Home-based businesses
- Startups
- Side hustles ready to grow
- Consultants and service providers
- Online businesses
- Retail and e-commerce businesses
- Creative professionals
- Anyone looking to increase their business visibility and grow their customer base
Absolutely. Networking is one of the most valuable parts of the conference. You'll have
opportunities throughout the day to connect with:
- Fellow entrepreneurs
- Business resource partners
- Industry experts
- Speakers
- Exhibitors
- Potential clients and collaborators
Don't forget to bring your business cards and be ready to introduce yourself!
You'll leave with practical strategies and valuable resources you can put to work immediately,
including:
- Actionable marketing and visibility strategies
- AI tools to help streamline your business
- Funding and business resource information
- New professional connections
- Expert insights from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders
- Greater confidence in growing your business
Bizza is our signature lunchtime event that combines Pizza & Pitches.
While enjoying lunch, you'll hear five entrepreneurs each deliver a three-minute pitch about their
business. After all the pitches are complete, conference attendees vote to select the People's
Choice Winner.
It's a fun, interactive opportunity to discover local businesses, support fellow entrepreneurs, and
see firsthand what makes a great business pitch.
If you have questions before the conference, please contact the Hampton Roads Small Business
Development Center. Our team is happy to help with registration, accommodations, or any other
event-related questions.
Know Before You Go
- Registration opens: 8:00 AM
- Conference begins promptly: 8:30 AM
- Dress code: Business casual
- Breakfast & lunch: Included with registration
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary throughout the venue
- Bring: Notebook, business cards, and your 30-second elevator pitch
- Networking: Plan to stay through the end of the conference to maximize connections and
resources
Conference Partners















