Photo by TJ Sewer
Jennifer Raines of Quirks of Art
Jennifer Raines is passionate about promoting the musical and artistic talents of others.
If there’s one thing we love at The Local Scoop, it’s the power of local businesses to shape the communities we live in. And if there’s one thing we know, it’s that working together, networking and sharing ideas, helps us all grow stronger.
Thanks to our friends at Work Nimbly in the greater Williamsburg region who track these networking groups and more, we’re pleased to present this list of some of the top Williamsburg business meet ups and events.
Consider adding these events and organizations to your calendar to connect with in 2016 and beyond.
Launchpad, Greater Williamsburg Business Incubator
Thanks to a partnership between York County, James City County and the City of Williamsburg, as well as the Small Business Development Center, Launchpad provides entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses with the amenities, counseling and services necessary to grow a successful business via the Greater Williamsburg Business Incubator.
Launchpad is a facility, located 4345 New Town Avenue, Suite 200 in Williamsburg, that provides a comprehensive support process designed to assist and accelerate the successful development and growth of start-up and young companies. This is accomplished through a carefully designed incubation program of business education, targeted services, networking, and other programs designed to help the entrepreneur.
The Hampton Roads Entrepreneurs Networking
This networking group is for multi-cultural mature, sophisticated, successful business men, women and entrepreneurs. It’s mission is to help all facilitate all members to socialize, meet progressive people and share business ideas and services with like minded individuals while enjoying the sounds of both recorded and live Smooth Jazz at weekly events. The group provides a chic, elegant atmosphere, delicious cuisine and great service with a large international and domestic wines selection.
Hosted by Jay Lang of Smooth Jazz 88.1 WHOV each Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at various locations in Hampton Roads. If you attend, look to showcase your business and services, meet new friends and expand your horizons through one on one networking.
Bring a friend and business cards to share.
Colonial Entrepreneurs is designed for start up and established business people in the Williamsburg, York County, Newport News and Hampton communities. The group meets weekly to network and share victories with others.
Williamsburg Business Referral Networking Group
This Williamsburg referral group meets every Wednesday morning from 9 to 10:30 a.m. to help each other promote businesses, pass referrals and build business relationships.
Their model is based on the “word of mouth” concept of advertising and marketing.
The group meets at Chambrel, 3800 Treyburn Drive in Williamsburg.
Call for more information or a personal invitation 518-428-3952 or 757-206-1750.
Cobbler's Collective at Work Nimbly
The cobbler’s children have no shoes. That’s a concept business owners understand and work to end each day. This collected group of independent business people and freelancers support each other weekly during meetings at Work Nimbly in Williamsburg. The goals: trouble shoot problems and help each other grow.
This is not a networking group in the traditional sense, or referrals group. It's a casual opportunity to get together with other business folks and talk shop. The discussion will be led, so there will be some productive problem-solving.
Weekly meetings at 215 Ingram Road in Williamsburg are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. Look for coffee and fancy tea!
Chatting and social stuff happens from 8:15 a.m. till 8:30 a.m and then they get down to the serious (and not so serious) business of businesses.
Williamsburg Economic Development Roundtables
The Williamsburg Economic Development Authority hosts monthly Business Roundtables for City of Williamsburg businesses. The lunch events are designed to increase communication with existing businesses. Topics vary each month, with various speakers invited and issues discussed. The lunches are hosted at City restaurants, with each attendee paying for his lunch.
Strictly Business is a networking event held in the Williamsburg area. Attend an event for a fun time, great food and free drinks – all at no cost to you! Hosts at WYDaily and The Tide have door prizes and Tide music. It’s a great event for established members of the community as well as those who are new to the area looking to make connections. Just bring yourself and your interest in getting to know our staff as well as many others in our community.
Williamsburg Business Alliance
The Williamsburg Business Alliance features a group of successful business owners located in and around Williamsburg. Committed to excellence in the products and services we offer, the WBA’s mission is to help members succeed by referring each other to customers who expect the "best in class.”
WBA regular networking events take place on the third Wednesday of each month.
Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance Business After Hours
Monthly Business After Hours bring together business owners and the community at different locations throughout the city each month for networking, fellowship and information sharing.
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Coffee Connections and Business Connections After Hours
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce serves the cities of Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and York and James City Counties.
Each month, the VPCC hosts two traditional Chamber events – morning coffee connections and evening business connections. The events aim to provide networking opportunities that allow Chamber members and non-members to make business connections that will help grow their organizations.
Chamber members have an opportunity to hold either a Coffee Connection or Business Connection After Hours at their business.
If you are interested in learning more about holding a Coffee Connection or Business Connection After Hours, please contact Jackie Shapiro at: 757-325-8162 or email: jshapiro@vpcc.org.
Ping Bag Luncheons, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Pink Bag Luncheons from noon to 1 p.m. at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce offices in Hampton bring together women (and men) to learn more about various topics. Guest speakers present on items of interest to businesses and lunch is provided.
The Peninsula Women’s Network are a diverse group of professional women that work to help each other and to connect women – connect women with other women, women with new jobs, women to business leads and women to great ideas.
Formed in 1979, the Peninsula Women’s Network is the oldest and longest continuously operating women’s network in the country.
Triangle Resource Entrepreneur Exchange
Monthly, look to the York County Economic Development department for details on their Triangle Resource Entrepreneur Exchange.
Green Drinks, a group of individuals that share an appreciation for all things related to the environment, meets monthly at 6 p.m. except in December. Topics vary, and guest speakers come from many different backgrounds. Topics have included, but are not limited to renewable energy sources, conservation, preservation and education. Guest speakers are working professionals, academics or business representatives. The purpose is to continue learning about our world in a relaxed setting, which also provides a chance to network and socialize.
Don’t see a group you use for networking that’s helping you make a difference in your business? Contact The Local Scoop Williamsburg Edition Editor Stephanie Heinatz at stephanie@localscoopmagazine.com and let us know so we can share your scoop here. #youvebeenscooped.
Photo above courtesy of Quirks of Art by TJ Sewer.