Frequently Asked Questions
Read Our Frequently Asked Questions
The Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center provides confidential business advising and low-cost training to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, we can help you navigate planning, marketing, financing, operations, and more.
Yes. To access advising or attend office hours, you must first register as a client. Registration is quick, free, and required by our federal, state and local funding partners. Once registered, you’ll have access to a range of expert resources and support. You can REGISTER HERE.
Our services are available to anyone looking to start, grow, or manage a for-profit small business in the Hampton Roads region. Whether you’re in the idea stage or an established business, you’re welcome to register and receive support.
We host weekly virtual office hours every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. via Zoom, where no appointment is necessary. REGISTER HERE.
For in-depth advising beyond this window, we recommend scheduling a session with one of our advisors after registration.
We work with a wide range of business types: retail, technology, professional services, manufacturing, restaurants, home-based businesses, and more. Our Advisors understand the challenges across industries and tailor support to your unique needs.
No, but we will guide you through the process, offer feedback, and provide templates and tools. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to complete these tasks confidently.
Yes. We assist with understanding government procurement processes and can help with certifications such as SWaM, DBE, and more. We also partner with other resource providers for specialized support.
HRSBDC does not lend money or provide grants, but we help you prepare to apply for funding. Our advisors work with you to develop strong financial projections and connect you with trusted lenders and funding sources.
Absolutely. All client conversations and records are kept confidential and are protected by a signed confidentiality agreement upon registration. Your business and ideas are safe with us!
That’s okay! Many of our clients come to us while they’re still exploring an idea or researching their options. We can help you evaluate the feasibility of your idea, understand legal requirements, and guide you through the planning process.
Yes. Our advisors can help you develop a marketing plan, identify target audiences, offer options for finding a provider to build a website and improve your digital presence. We also offer workshops on topics like social media, branding, and e-commerce.
Missing Verbiage
We don’t currently have specific language services within the HRSBDC, but we’ve found AI tools can be very effective at translation. Please let us know in your registration form if you need assistance in another language so we can try to accommodate your request.
Absolutely. We can walk you through the basics of bookkeeping systems, cash flow management, and developing realistic financial projections for your business plan or loan application.
Yes! We support businesses at every stage — from launch to growth to succession planning. We frequently assist established businesses with access to capital for expansion, hiring, financing, marketing, and operations. Working with established businesses to scale is the sweet spot of the HRSBDC.
The HRSBDC is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), but we are an independent program operated through local host institutions. We provide guidance on SBA programs, loans, and tools, but we do not make funding decisions.
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a request for basic information about your business or idea. Bringing any relevant documents (like a draft business plan, financials, or pitch deck) is helpful but not required.
Our primary focus is on for-profit small businesses, so we refer non-profit organizations to other providers.
Many of our Advisors are current or former business owners, executives, and specialists in areas like finance, marketing, and operations. Their real-world experience adds practical insight to the guidance you receive.
After you complete your registration, our team will typically follow-up within 2–3 business days with an initial email. Depending on your business need and progress in your entrepreneurial journey, we may ask to schedule your first advising session, request your attendance at virtual office hours or suggest seminars that would be the most beneficial first steps.
Our standard office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. While we do not offer routine evening or weekend advising, occasional workshops or webinars may be held outside normal hours. Recordings may also be available.
Yes. Our advisors can provide templates, review your drafts, and offer constructive feedback to help you create a strong, investor-ready business plan. We won’t write the plan for you, but we’ll support you through the process.
We can guide you on local, state, and federal requirements related to licensing, permits, zoning, and registrations. We also help you navigate the Virginia SCC, IRS, and city government portals when needed. If you ask a question that is beyond on our expertise, we can generally refer you to the proper organization. Keep in mind that reaching out directly to these organizations is the preferable first step.
Our team has experience in a wide range of industries including retail, hospitality, construction, health care, government contracting, professional services, manufacturing, and tech startups. We’ll match you with an advisor familiar with your field when possible.
Yes, you are welcome to bring others involved in your business—such as partners, co-founders, or key staff. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Yes, and we proudly serve the military-connected community. Many of our resources and training opportunities are especially helpful to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses exploring entrepreneurship.
Yes. We provide business continuity planning, help accessing relief funding, and recovery support during and after disasters such as hurricanes, floods, pandemics, or economic downturns.
In most cases, yes. We strive to maintain continuity by pairing you with an advisor who understands your business and can work with you across multiple sessions as your needs evolve.
Yes. Through partnerships with Virginia’s international trade resources, we can help you assess readiness for exporting, understand regulations, and connect with global markets