Program Guidelines & Application
Open November 10 - December 12, 2025
Program Summary
Portsmouth Economic Development and the ODU’s Women’s Business Center are partnering to offer Business Plan Prep, a 6-week training course focused on assisting businesses with creating a comprehensive business plan to apply for the EDA Business Investment Grant Program. During this course you will learn how to use a business plan as a strategic map, clarify a business vision, outline goals and provide detail on how to achieve them.
November 10 - December 12, 2025
After applications are reviewed applicants will be contacted with further instruction.
January 6, 2025 – February 10, 2025, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Eligible applicants:
- Available to businesses that have been in operation for 0-10 years (as evidenced by a City of Portsmouth business license)
- Tax statements/financial statements (3-10 years in business)
- Must be eligible to apply for the EDA Business Investment Grants
- Must be current on taxes and fees with the City of Portsmouth
- Defense/Maritime
- Health Care
- Hospitality/Tourism
- Retail/Restaurants
- General Services
- Transportation/Logistics
-
The Women’s Business Centers of Hampton Roads
The Women’s Business Centers of Hampton Roads (The ODU-WBC and the Mustard Seed Place – WBC) provide no-cost business counseling, training, networking, and resource navigation to help women start, grow, and scale their businesses. Through one-on-one support and specialized workshops, we assist with business planning, marketing, funding readiness, digital tools, financial organization, and entrepreneurial development. Our centers serve all industries and experience levels, helping entrepreneurs gain confidence, clarity, and connections to move their businesses forward.
-
ODU Veterans Business Outreach Center
The ODU Veterans Business Outreach Center provides no-cost education and advising to members of the military community so that they can be successful in their entrepreneurial journey. Funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration.
- Copy of City of Portsmouth business license
- Required by all applicants
- Financial Statements or 2024/2023 Tax Documents
- Required by applicants with 4-10 Years in Business
Application Process - Generalized
Step 1
Completion & submission of Business Plan Prep Application to Portsmouth Economic Development.
Step 2
Portsmouth Economic Development reviews completed application and required documentation.
Step 3
Applicants will be contacted with further instruction.