Innovate Hampton Roads and the city are teaming up to bring the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional to the Zeiders American Dream Theater in Town Center on Aug. 28. This is the first time the Startup Cup, a global platform that fosters entrepreneurship around the world, has come to Virginia.

“This a competition to get in front of global investors,” said Tim Ryan, executive director of Innovate Hampton Roads. “Never before has there been an opportunity like this (in the area).”

The competition is open to Virginia startups of all types. The winner will represent Virginia in the Startup World Cup in San Francisco for the $1 million prize, Ryan said.

In addition, the event provides networking and an opportunity to get feedback from investors, he said.

Startup World Cup Chairman Anis Uzzaman is the founder and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures in California’s Silicon Valley. He is responsible for the firm’s overall global investments and operations with $2 billion under Pegasus Tech Ventures’ management. He has invested in over 260 startups globally such as SpaceX, Airbnb, Doordash and 23andMe, according to his website. The competition, he said, helps connect entrepreneurs of various cities and innovation ecosystems to Silicon Valley and the rest of the world.

“We are thrilled to partner with Innovate Hampton Roads for the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional,” Uzzaman said in a statement. “This is our first time bringing the event to Virginia Beach and we are delighted by the quality of enthusiasm of competing startups.”

Startup World Cup selecting Hampton Roads for the regional competition is significant and speaks to innovation happening in the area, Ryan said. It’s also a pivotal moment for the region to grow its ecosystem on a global scale.

“This is a result of what we are doing in Hampton Roads with startup successes,” he said.

Ryan pointed to accomplished companies that began and are headquartered in the area such as DroneUp in Virginia Beach and SVT Robotics in Norfolk. He said having federal facilities such as NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton and Jefferson Lab in Newport News is a plus because they encourage entrepreneurship.

The interest in Virginia is a testament to the state being ranked No. 1 this year in America’s Top States for Business by CNBC. This is the sixth time the commonwealth ranked No. 1 and the third time within the past five years.

The Virginia event is limited to 100 applications. Judges throughout the state will narrow the applications down to about 10 to 12 companies, Ryan said. Startups in any stage can apply as long as they are a legal entity, not just an idea.

Interested contestants can apply online by Aug. 14 on the Innovate Hampton Roads website at innovate757.org. Ryan said the event is seeking volunteers to help. Interested volunteers should email james@innovate757.org or tim@innovate757.org.

“We want to give the alleyway purpose other than a walk-through to maybe have pop-up events and be an outdoor creative space,” said J.B. Crowley, executive director of the Hilton Village Main Street program. “Maybe have the farmers market there.”

The Economic Development Authority entered into a memorandum of understanding with Historic Hilton Village Inc. to help implement a $50,000 grant from the Virginia Main Street program. The grant will fund planning to enhance the alley between Main and Hopkins streets as well as for redevelopment of the bank building at 96 Main St., which has sat empty for several years, Crowley said.

The plan, which Crowley said should be completed by October, will evaluate best practices for signage, public art and creative placemaking. The nonprofit organization will seek input from area residents and business owners to understand their needs, she said.

Crowley noted that local unique businesses are a staple for the area. Hilton Village Farmers Market is held year-round on Saturday mornings at First United Methodist Church’s parking lot. The neighborhood hosts several festivals, including Hilton Pride, Hilton Art Walk and Busker Festival and Hilton Village Spring Festival.

“It is an entrepreneur ecosystem,” she said.

Crowley is also working on making the area more accessible to allow people to age in place. Crowley, whose 16-year-old son uses a power wheelchair, recently gave a presentation at the Main Street America conference on how to best offer amenities to people living with disabilities.

The neighborhood has been in the Main Street America program since 2022. Historic Hilton Village was the first federally financed housing project during World War I. It was first planned and built in 1918-1919 to house shipyard workers.

“The city is really committed to this project, and I am grateful,” Crowley said. “For over 100 years it’s been a place to live, shop and do business.”

Corkscrews & Brews opened near City Hall this summer serving a variety of coffees, lattes, smoothies and wine. Food items include breakfast sandwiches, pastries, lunch sandwiches, soup and charcuterie boards.

Owners Travis and Faith Reid said they came up with the idea to offer coffee and wine because that’s what they like.

“I really like coffee and my wife likes wine,” he said.

They chose their wine selections with the help of a sommelier who works for their wine distributor. Coffees and lattes are created by an experienced barista, Aline DaCosta. She recently developed a Snickers latte that has chocolate, cream, caramel and hazelnut. Specialty lattes include pistachio cream and honey lavender. The café also sells a variety of lemonades and teas.

South Carolina native Travis Reid said his favorite sandwich is the roast beef with cheese and fig mustard. Cheese selections are American, provolone, cheddar and gouda.

“It has a sweet salty taste,” he said. “There’s a lot you can do with figs. I learned that from a chef.”

Another popular dish is the chicken wrap that features spicy ranch dressing. The charcuterie board consists of fig jam, olives, crackers, strawberries, peanuts and a variety of meats.

“It’s really good when paired with wine,” Reid said.

They plan to expand the menu with suggestions from customers, he said.

“We are still a bit of a work in progress,” Reid noted.

The couple started in the food business with a food truck called A Taste of Life, which specialized in healthy food options. They had wanted to offer something besides deep-fried food.

Their restaurant has bright colors with mural-like artwork. It can seat 36 people and hold up to 49 people. They chose to open in the Yard District because Reid heard there is a push by Newport News officials to revitalize the area and as a former Newport News Shipbuilding employee, he’s familiar with the neighborhood.

“We want to bring good vibes to the community,” he said.

Corkscrews and Brews, at 208 23rd St., is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The balance is finding a way to allow flexibility in allowing businesses to start at home while not affecting neighbors, county leaders said. Proposed zoning changes would allow home-based businesses by right, or without having to go through the special use permit process, within certain conditions that limit the number of people on-site and require businesses to use their own property for parking.

At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, citizens expressed concerns with proposed changes that have been in the works since 2019, when a committee of citizens, home-based business owners, homeowners’ associations, chamber of commerce members and county staff formed to study the issue. The proposed ordinance was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission and then was suddenly tabled, said Chris Davidson, a home-based business owner. The pandemic played a role in the delay.

The more than 2,000 home-based businesses in the county break down to 17% being personal services, 18% merchants and 64% maintaining an office in the home, said Earl Anderson, the county’s chief of development services. He said most merchants do not sell out of their homes, but do so online and at area festivals and locally owned retail stores. Most with an office do not have clients visiting them.

Citizens who spoke were equally divided. Three former York County Chamber of Commerce presidents, Davidson, Toni Chavis and Tim Meyer, requested the board approve the proposed ordinance. Davidson said the county needs to adopt it to adapt to the nature of business using a laptop, cell phone and the internet. He said other rules, like for signs and noise, also exist.

“Don’t let what I call the boogey man guide the conversation,” Davidson said.

York County had earned national awards for its support of home-based businesses by providing lunch-and-learn programs and an annual daylong convention while Davidson’s wife, Melissa Davidson, was assistant director for York County Economic Development. The county was nationally recognized for its efforts, he added.

Meyer said many home-based businesses outgrow their homes and move to commercial properties. He said there are many empty commercial buildings along the U.S. 17 business corridor that could eventually be filled by businesses growing from homes.

Chavis, owner of Opulent Designs, was a committee member. She’s run her home improvement business from her house for 23 years “and no one in my neighborhood knows it.” She said she visits her clients and no clients ever come to her home.

A big concern of some residents is cars from either the business’s employees or customers. Including the resident owner, the proposed ordinance limits the number of people to four, whether they are employees or clients. The property must offer enough parking for them and the residents on paved or gravel spots.

It also limits how much of the home can be dedicated to the business to 25% or 400 square feet, Anderson said. Home businesses needing more than four parking spaces or needing conditions beyond what is allowed would be required to get a special use permit.

Citizens who requested more regulation include Melanie Soble, who complained about the home day care that moved next door about one year ago. She said there are 36 car trips daily and parking is an issue, especially when the driveway is used for other purposes and cars park in the cul-de-sac. She said neighbors’ driveways have been blocked, the garbage truck cannot enter the cul-de-sac and the mail carrier must park his truck and walk to deliver mail.

Another issue for Soble is the children playing outside “using outside voices.” She said the day care does not have typical play structures.

“It’s possible I will spend the rest of my life listening to screaming children — or worse, crying children — who get hurt during this risky play,” she said.

John Farley said a neighborhood is where people live and not a place where people come to work.

For Richard Howell, the lack of enforcement on parking is an issue. He said the sheriff, who was a committee member, indicated that unless there are no parking signs, cars cannot be ticketed or towed. He said he does not have a problem with home-based businesses.

County Supervisor Thomas G. Shepperd Jr. pointed out that most home-based businesses, particularly self-employed professionals like lawyers, do not have impacts like traffic, operate invisibly and should not be have to go through a burdensome regulatory process. Multiple supervisors acknowledged that the public gets a voice through the special use permit process.

The changes would not override homeowner association requirements, according to a June 4 presentation to the county. Certain uses would not be considered home occupations, including tattoo parlors, gaming establishments, small engine and equipment repair, convenience stores and transport of hazardous materials.

The county is holding another public hearing on the proposed changes on Sept. 17.

“Russia and China are outpacing us in growing their defense. China is attempting to gain international order,” Capt. Hannah Kriewaldt, supervisor of shipbuilding in Newport News, said.

The region is home to 18 military installations with 125,000 military personnel that make up 40% of the region’s economy, said Rick Dwyer, executive director of Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.

In order for the military to continue to support the country, certain issues need to be addressed: development encroachment near bases, sea level rise, quality child care, spouse employment, affordable housing and mental health services, Dwyer said. Nearly all the speakers said recruitment is down in part because of these issues.

About 200 people came to the James River Country Club on May 31 to hear from several presenters regarding how the military is performing. While there are successes, there are also challenges.

“It’s an important time in our country,” said Chuck Zingler, commissioner of the Virginia’s Department of Veteran Services. “We have to work on recruitment, retention and how we treat our veterans. It is our job to understand their needs, from the youngest to the oldest.”

The department is working on transition programs to help veterans dealing with homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse, Zingler added.

He also cited efforts by state leaders to ensure sustainability of the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program amid growing costs. The General Assembly reconvened to address the tuition waiver and stipend program as lawmakers added program eligibility changes in the recently passed two-year state budget signed by the governor.

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In the wake of recent suicides among Navy personnel living and working at the Newport News shipyard, Kriewaldt said there is now money set aside for improved housing and mental health services. Sailors lived aboard ships undergoing major midlife maintenance overhauls at the shipyard. The Navy committed to enhancing sailor quality of life with off-ship housing for junior sailors.

Brig. Gen. Catherine Jumper, commander of the Virginia Air National Guard, said over 7,000 soldiers and more than 1,200 airmen plus 800 part-time personnel support the commonwealth with emergency management. The Virginia National Guard has a 20-year partnership with Tajikistan and just entered into one with Finland.

Col. Matthew Altman, commander of the 633rd Air Base Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, points to community support and engagement. Small businesses are regularly awarded contracts for base repairs. Last year, the base awarded $9.8 million to local small businesses. Working with Native American tribal leaders, base personnel repaired severe erosion to protect archaeology sites, among other community involvement.

The largest employer in York County, Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, has two storage magazines under construction. Cabins and a golf course are available. The base supports Yorktown’s July 4 celebration by suppling a barge to launch fireworks. It cares for nature by partnering with Virginia Institute of Marine Science for oyster restoration, Cmdr. Kurt Davis, executive officer of the base, said.

Work is also being done at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown. Cmdr. Sarah Geoffrion said at the center, there are 714 uniformed personnel, 118 civil employees and 142 contractors. Recently, a sewer pipe was replaced. It also hosts Sea Scouts to improve recruitment.

This is the first year the chamber’s Military Affairs Council presented the event. Led by Kathleen Jabs, special assistant to the president on military affairs at William & Mary, the council is comprised of installation commanders, representatives from the offices of U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, Newport News and Hampton city representatives and more who help the military, said chamber President and CEO Bob McKenna, a retired Navy captain.

The council also produces a job fair, military recognition events that award Military Citizens of the Year to members of each service who have distinguished themselves as outstanding servants of their nation and as volunteers in the Peninsula community.

“The 105 townhomes are already sold out. There are 72 single-family detached homes that have been sold and several apartments have been pre-leased,” said Buddy Spencer, owner and principal broker of Mid-Atlantic Residential of York County.

When finished, the “lifestyle community” on 101 acres along Victory Boulevard will have 176 apartments, 105 townhomes, 11 cottages and 238 single-family homes plus 40,000 square feet of retail space, he said. The developer is working with Ryan Homes as a homebuilder. The Franklin Johnston Group is building and will manage the apartments.

The price for a single-family home ranges between $400,000 to $600,000. Spencer said there are many amenities that are appealing for families, including the Poquoson school system’s high ratings.

“It’s also the safest community in the state and close to the bases and NASA,” Spencer added.

Spencer also noted that although Poquoson has had flooding issues in the past, the community is not in a flood zone, therefore flood insurance is not required.

The project began about 10 years ago with Spencer working with city leaders to develop it.

“There were challenges along the way. But the city wanted it to happen. They recognized that the population was getting older and there’s a need to bring in the next generation,” he said.

Amenities include a swimming pool and clubhouse. The clubhouse is named for John B. Graham Jr., who died earlier this year. He played a significant role on the Peninsula, including helping to create the Peninsula Sports Club, Spencer said. Graham Jr. was an alum of Poquoson High School, career veteran of NASA and helped grow and preserve the family business, seafood wholesaler Graham & Rollins.

Native Soul Bar & Market at 9 E. Mellen St. is a recent addition. The mother-daughter team of Marlo Blount and Janae Scott own the naturalist’s haven with smoothies, herbal tea, cold-pressed juices, raw vegan plant cakes, natural soaps and candles. All food items are for takeout only.

The market also sells stylish mugs, artistic stickers and Native Soul branded T-shirts and hoodies, Blount said.

“We’ve also set aside a cozy corner dedicated to self-care enthusiasts, offering a thoughtfully selected collection of self-care books to enhance your well-being,” Blount said.

An on-site certified herbalist, Dawn Lewis, crafts the herbal teas. Those and the fresh-made, ice-free smoothies are house specialties. Lewis offers consultation sessions for people seeking herbal remedies.

A new restaurant, Cibus Chophouse, opened in the former Drexler’s Wood Fired Grill spot at 30 E. Mellen St. Phoebe Jayne and Justin Ramos are partnering with general manager Brad Monte on the dining destination, according to a news release posted to Facebook.

Cibus’ online menu includes wood-fired steaks, pork chops and racks of lamb in addition to wings, smash burgers and desserts such as tiramisu.

For the art lover, Art Central Gallery recently opened across from The American Theatre with an array of African-style art and African American art. Soon, the gallery will start teaching art classes and workshops, said Dominique DeBose, executive director for The Phoebus Partnership.

There is also hope for the Lancer’s property on the corner at the entrance of the historic area. After being closed for many years and left in disrepair, the commercial space is available for rent, based on recent signage, said DeBose, who also works for Hampton Economic Development.

While there have been some openings, the first Black-owned brewery in Hampton Roads shut its doors in October.

1865 Brewing Co., just 2 years old, was unable to be financially sustainable, the business said on Facebook.

Up the road, Tres Compadres is working to open in the former Hardee’s restaurant, DeBose added.

The Phoebus Partnership and DeBose are not on their own when it comes to keeping the area vibrant.

Hampton Roads’ Retail Alliance secured a $100,000 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant will implement a retail technical assistance program for Phoebus’ current retailers. This project will incorporate individual business assessments and mini-implementation grants of $3,000 to $5,000 that will be awarded to five businesses. There will also be three educational workshops for all businesses within the commercial district, she said.

Set for Feb. 26 through March 3, the week includes 16 restaurants offering specials such as free coffee with purchases, percentages off and special pricing.

The idea for the week came from Bay Haven Grill manager Jessica Haman, who has over 20 years of experience working in Peninsula restaurants.

She contacted York County Economic and Tourism Development, and the office decided, “let’s do this,” said Deirdre Roesch, the development office’s marketing and communications manager.

“It’s our job to boost our independent restaurants especially during the slow season,” she added. “We plan to make this a yearly event.”

Haman said when she first began talking with other restaurant owners about a special restaurant week, there was positive response with other ideas springing forth. A number of areas in Hampton Roads offer restaurant weeks.

“We started talking about other good ideas to promote and support each other. We plan to start a local restaurant manager Facebook page to discuss issues like supply chain problems. We want each other to be successful,” she added.

According to Haman, the local restaurant industry has not fully bounced back since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Events such as Restaurant Week help establish customer relationships, she said.

For recently opened Dominion Dogs, this is an opportunity to further introduce its permanent location to the public. The business, which operates hot dog carts, opened a restaurant in James-York Plaza in Williamsburg’s Edge District last year.

“We’ve only been opened since September,” owner Dave Andre said. “We got several regulars, but this is good opportunity to bring new people in and show them the different topping options for hot dogs that probably never thought of.”

Andre, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Andrea, said they found York County business officials to be helpful, including with securing a grant to open the business.

Participating restaurants include:

1781 Café by Aromas: Free drip coffee with the purchase of a sandwich or soup

Anna’s Brick Oven: 10% off entire bill

Bay Haven Grille: Three-course lunch special for $25 and three course dinner special for $30

Ben & Jerry’s: 20% off orders with mention of “Restaurant Week”

Carrot Tree Kitchens: Any lunch entrée, sandwich or wrap, choice of side, dessert and iced tea or coffee for $20.24 (tax included)

Dominion Dogs: Lunch and dinner specials for $12

Grunow’s Kitchen: Three-course lunch or dinner specials for $25

Jordan’s Pizza Subs & Much More: One large pizza with one topping for $14.99

Marco’s Pizza: Large specialty pizza, large one-topping pizza and cheezybread for $24.99

Mobjack Coffee Roasters & Petite Café: Robert’s favorite sandwich for $14, Green Goddess sandwich for $12 and tomato fennel soup for $7

Shorty’s Diner: French toast flight for $10.50; Smashed Burger special for $10.50

Sportsmans Grille: Daily lunch and dinner specials featuring ribeye steak, prime rib, crab legs, spaghetti and more

Vinny’s Pizza & Pasta 2: Three course dinner special for $30

Water Street Grille: Two-course lunch special for $22 or three-course lunch special for $27; three-course dinner specials from $30, $35 and $40

York Gardens & Tea Room: Dinner special for $17.69

Yorktown Pub: Fish and chips sandwich for $12

For more information, visit visityorktown.org/restaurantweek.

Built in 1949, the former Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church sits on West Avenue near the Victory Arch and the Yard District. The church building was condemned in 1989 and has been vacant for 30 years, said Derek Perry, assistant director of city development. The property, in the newly designated historic district, is owned by the city’s economic development authority.

The city hired Richmond-based 3North Architects to develop concepts for the building and surrounding area. Concept recommendations included a restaurant, an event venue and an entertainment venue with a secret garden and elevated interior and waterfront dining, he said.

When it comes to repurposing ideas, Perry said, “Anything is on the table. We are open to private developers bringing us ideas. Whether it be a place for concerts, a restaurant, a brewery, we are open.”

The city maintained the iconic building for its classic Byzantine-style architecture instead of tearing it down for new construction.

“The church’s location is directly adjacent to the James River Strand, a new park project opening up the James River waterfront and connecting the existing Victory Landing and Christopher Newport parks,” he added.

The city received a $90,000 planning grant from the Industrial Revitalization Fund from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to help pay for the firm’s $179,000 in work, Perry said.

The firm did a site and building analysis that included environmental analysis, code review and building condition assessment. It held two public forums for community input and performed a market study.

The area that received the historic district designation includes portions of downtown stretching from 23rd to 37th streets. The designation, given by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the National Park Service, offers tax credits to those who invest in buildings built between 1892 and 1973 in the area, he said.

The effort to repurpose the building is part of the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. Thus far, art murals, landscaping and new housing construction have taken place along with several restaurants being established on 23rd Street.

“This will overall complement what’s already been done downtown and the James River Strand,” Perry said.

Owners Rick Tanner and Dean Tsamouras emphasized there are no plans to change the pub, located in historic Yorktown. Instead, they will enhance the area around it with an outdoor covered dining deck between the pub and the closed Larry’s Lemonade restaurant. The deck replaces a tent used for outdoor dining since the pandemic.

“It will be a place where you can walk up sandy and in your bathing suit to have a drink and a bite to eat,” said Greg Granger, owner of G-Square Inc., which owns the property.

The property owner also plans to add another restaurant on the other side of the pub on top of the hill with a view of the York River mouth where it hits the Chesapeake Bay.

“It will be a one-of-a-kind view,” Tsamouras said.

Construction will be in two phases, starting with the deck, which is expected to finish this year, Granger said. It will have two beverage stations and tables with menu QR codes for patrons to order from either existing restaurant site.

Plans for the Larry’s restaurant menu and interior are not yet complete, Tsamouras said.

Parking, unloading areas and sidewalks will be improved with help from York County. It’s part of the Water Street improvement project, said Darren Williams, deputy director of Economic and Tourism Development.

“The area around there and Riverwalk down the road lack continuity. There will be landscape improvements. Pedestrian access will be improved and shower towers will be installed. We are excited to bring this to the waterfront,” Williams said.

Tanner and Tsamouras have owned the pub since 2000 and have a long-time lease with Granger’s company. Originally called Gus’s, it was built in 1951 and renamed Yorktown Pub in 1987.

The trio worked with the development department, county development authority and the Historic Yorktown Design Committee on the enhancement plans. They also worked with nearby residents and the over 300-year-old Grace Church to ensure their comfort with the addition.

“We listened and engaged with village residents,” Granger said.

Tsamouras said the group presented three different choices during the approval process.

“It took at least four months to get the conception design approved by everyone,” Tsamouras added.

Granger’s father, the late Gil Granger, who started G-Square Inc., purchased the property in 1965. Granger bought the company from his father about 20 years ago, he said.

He said this is not the first attempt to make improvements to the area. Each time, the late Granger ran into obstacles, his son said. This time, Granger made an effort to talk with then County Administrator Neil Morgan about the roadblocks his father encountered and asked for help with the project.

“He said, ‘We want to work with you all.’ This opened great lines of communication. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes a village to enhance a village,” he added.

This is another recent improvement to Yorktown’s Water Street.

Last year, Yorktown native Matt Bowry purchased the former Duke of York Hotel, made significant exterior and interior improvements and renamed it the Yorktown Beach Hotel.