This Week in 757 (News) April 4, 2025

HAMPTON ROADS ON THE NATIONAL STAGE
Hampton Roads’ Innovation Streak Hits Fever Pitch: WPA Snags Fast Company’s 2025 Spotlight

Fast Company’s been the gold standard for spotting game-changers for decades, sifting through thousands of contenders to crown those who don’t just play the game but flip the board. And WPA? They’re the latest local crew to catch that wave. Read More ➜

FOUNDERS
Hampton Roads Innovators, Let’s Lead the Defense Tech Revolution! Join the Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge Accelerator Now

So, what’s a startup accelerator? Think of it as a turbo boost for your company—a 12-week program (running from August 18 to November 6, 2025) designed to help early-stage businesses validate, refine, and scale their tech. This hybrid program includes in-person sessions in Norfolk, VA, $10,000 in non-dilutive funding per company. Read More ➜

LOCAL HEADLINES
The Most Important Virginia Leadership Shift You Probably Missed

Cathie Vick has been appointed President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. It’s the kind of announcement that, on the surface, might blend into the noise of leadership transitions. But for those paying attention, it signals something deeper. Read More ➜

Sparks Will Fly at the 3rd Annual Invention Convention – Hampton Roads’ Young Innovators Are Ready to Wow

For the third year running, NIC’s teamed up with NPS to roll out a K-12 curriculum that’s all about sparking entrepreneurial fire and STEM swagger. Norfolk Public School students from Lake Taylor, Lindenwood, Ruffner, and Booker T. Washington stepping up to pitch game-changing inventions they’ve been crafting since January! Read More ➜

FERVENT FOUR
Nate Lahy
https://youtu.be/TsPVwdrPQSI

Major Takeaways

• Community engagement can be sparked through simple interactions in everyday places like coffee shops, leading to meaningful connections and opportunities.

• Norfolk's historical development involved significant environmental changes, such as filling in creeks and wetlands, which now contribute to its flooding issues.

• Landscape architecture is evolving to prioritize sustainable and holistic designs that consider environmental impact, wildlife, and community stories.

PARTNERS