This Week in 757 (Happenings) Aug 22, 2025

A recap of the week’s biggest success stories, and insights from local entrepreneurs.

Author

Innovate 757
August 22, 2025

B-Force Accelerator | Now accepting applications!

Description:
A 12-week intensive for black and latinx businesses that are at least 2 years old to prepare them for capital access.

The Info Sessions for the new cohort of B-Force Accelerator will occur at Black BRAND Headquarters in Norfolk, every Tuesday in August at 6pm.

Click the REGISTRATION LINK for more info.

LOCAL HEADLINES

And the 2025 Virginia Champion is…

The evening kicked off with a powerful performance from the ODU Marching Band, setting the tone for a high-energy night of competition and celebration. Fans were treated to surprise appearances from the Norfolk Tides and their mascot Riptide, plus a lively Crunchy Hydration drink-off that had the crowd cheering. Read More ➜

From Pumpkins to Breakthrough Produce: Hampton Roads Pilots a Farming Revolution

By drawing attention to how a bricklayer turned contractor is now working alongside NASA and Michelin-star chefs, the Pilot underscored what so many of us already know: Hampton Roads is no longer just a “best-kept secret.” In a time when headlines in our region too often focus on what’s broken, this was a story about what’s possible — about hope, enterprise, and the community structures enabling both. Read More ➜

FERVENT FOUR
From HGTV to Multimillion-Dollar Success: Business Growth and Leadership Lessons
https://youtu.be/cRudrrI4Emg 

Major Takeaways

  • Emblem Olive Oil gained significant exposure and growth through strategic participation in events like the Start World Cup and securing a USDA contract for supplying olive oil to Native American communities.

  • Chasity Pritchett emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps from learned insights, such as registering on sam.gov and actively pursuing government contracts to scale her business.

  • The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, including its high smoke point and potential to reduce heart disease risk, are foundational to both Emblem Olive Oil's product offerings and Chasity's nonprofit initiative, Let's Fight Back.


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