• This Week in 757
  • Posts
  • this week in 757: grants, robots & a company that prints metal parts

this week in 757: grants, robots & a company that prints metal parts

What’s happening around the region, and what you can still apply for.

Author

IHR757 Events
October 16, 2026

this week in 757

business - innovation - growth in hampton roads

THE BIG STORY
FRIDAY EDITION

The Navy Just Put a Robotics Warfighting Command at Little Creek

A robot that works in a demonstration still has to prove it belongs in a military operation, and the Navy just put the command responsible for that transition in Hampton Roads.

Why Veteran Ventures Capital Is Betting on a Portsmouth Company That Prints Metal Parts

Venture investing was long associated with software and asset-light businesses, but the founder of Veteran Ventures Capital sees renewed appreciation for companies that make physical products, and he recently led a $2.5 million round in a Portsmouth company that prints metal parts.

At 60, Marsha Hudgins Took Over Her Husband's Construction Company. Then She Tripled Its Revenue.

“Define retire.” That was Marsha Hudgins’ answer when asked whether she plans to retire from the construction company she took over at 60 with little direct operating experience.

Virginia Opens $9.9 Million Rural Health Tech Fund to Hampton Roads Innovators

Grants of $250,000 to $999,999 that don’t cost you ownership or have to be repaid are open to eligible Hampton Roads healthcare innovators, but applications close October 29.

THE SHORTLIST

  • Virginia Beach just opened matching grants of $5,000 to $25,000 for Atlantic Avenue businesses to upgrade exteriors, signage, and outdoor dining, first-come, first-served until funds run out. READ MORE.

  • Portsmouth startups just got a shot at up to $2,000 in Smart Start grants, open through Oct. 31 to businesses 0 to 3 years old with 10 or fewer employees. READ MORE.

  • Walashek Industrial & Marine just announced a $5M Norfolk expansion that will add about 40 jobs over three years and bring Navy hovercraft repair work to the region. READ MORE.