The Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association

06/16/2026

What a fantastic evening of connection, collaboration, and community! We had a great turnout at the Wards Corner Business Association in collaboration with East Little Creek Business Association networking event, and the information shared was incredibly valuable for business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders alike.

A special thank you to Ryan “Nikki” Southall for providing insightful information on small business development, entrepreneurship, and the Capital Access Program. The resources and opportunities shared will undoubtedly help many businesses continue to grow and thrive.

We are especially grateful to the City of Norfolk for its continued support of our business associations and the small business community. Your commitment to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for local businesses does not go unnoticed.

A huge thank you as well to Councilman Jeremy McGee, who stopped by and gave us the inside scoop on exciting developments, initiatives, and opportunities happening throughout the City of Norfolk. His engagement and willingness to connect directly with our business community is greatly appreciated.

Events like these remind us that when businesses, community leaders, and local government work together, great things happen. Here’s to building stronger relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for everyone.

03/13/2026

Are you interested in networking with other business owners? Or, interested in finding out more about Visit Norfolk’s programs?

Well, this is the event for you!

Subject: Free Tacos, Networking & VisitNorfolk Insights – March 16

Join the Wards Corner Business Association for an evening of networking, free tacos, and valuable insight into Norfolk’s tourism economy.

Our guest speaker, Maria Herring, Vice President of Destination Experience with VisitNorfolk, will share how tourism—Norfolk’s third-largest economic driver—impacts local businesses and the community. Learn about VisitNorfolk’s mission, how the city is marketed as a tourism, convention, and cruise destination, and how your business can connect with VisitNorfolk’s marketing resources. Maria will also highlight exciting 2026 event and attraction updates.

Event Details

Date: March 16, 2026

Time:

5:30–6:00 PM | Networking (Free Tacos)

6:00–7:00 PM | Guest Speaker

Location: Guads on Granby

7515 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505

Sponsored by: BayPort Credit Union

Pull up, grab a taco, shake some hands, and learn how to plug your business into the bigger picture of Norfolk’s growth.
We look forward to seeing you there.

02/11/2026

Connect Your Business to Norfolk’s Tourism Engine: Free Tacos, Networking & Insights from VisitNorfolk

Local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders are invited to an evening of connection, conversation, and tacos at the next Wards Corner Business Association networking event. This special gathering features Maria Herring, Vice President of Destination Experience with VisitNorfolk, as the guest speaker.

Tourism is more than visitors and hotel rooms—it is Norfolk’s third-largest economic driver, fueling jobs, small businesses, cultural events, and neighborhood growth. This session is designed to help local businesses understand how tourism impacts the local economy and how they can tap into the city’s marketing ecosystem to grow visibility and revenue.

What You’ll Learn

Maria Herring will share valuable insights into how VisitNorfolk works behind the scenes to promote the city as a tourism, convention, and cruise destination. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of:
• How tourism shapes Norfolk’s economy and community
• VisitNorfolk’s mission as the city’s official destination marketing organization
• How VisitNorfolk markets Norfolk to visitors, meeting planners, and cruise travelers
• Ways local businesses can connect with VisitNorfolk’s marketing resources
• Exciting 2026 event and attraction updates coming to the city

Whether you run a restaurant, retail shop, service business, or nonprofit, this is an opportunity to learn how aligning with tourism efforts can expand your reach far beyond your neighborhood.

Networking + Free Tacos

The evening kicks off with networking and free tacos, giving attendees time to connect with fellow business owners, community partners, and leaders before the presentation begins. Come hungry—for food and for ideas.

Event Details

Date: March 16, 2026

Time:
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Guest Speaker Presentation

Location:
Guads on Granby
7515 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23505

Guest Speaker:
Maria Herring
Vice President of Destination Experience
VisitNorfolk

Sponsored By:
BayPort Credit Union

Why You Should Attend

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your business in front of visitors, conventions, or major citywide events—or how tourism dollars circulate back into local neighborhoods—this event is for you. It’s practical, informative, and rooted in real opportunities for Norfolk businesses.

Pull up, grab a taco, shake some hands, and learn how to plug your business into the bigger picture of Norfolk’s growth.

01/10/2026

See attached

Time is running out for FY 2027 federal grant applications.

Nonprofit agencies may be eligible for CDBG, ESG and HOME grants.

Deadline: Jan. 12
Details: www.norfolk.gov/HUDgrants

12/15/2025

✨ It’s officially that season, y’all. Wards Corner + East Little Creek Business Associations are teaming up for a Christmas Party you do NOT want to miss.
📅 Monday, Dec 15
📍 Guads on Granby
⏰ 5:30–7 PM
Come through, network, vibe, and celebrate the season with your business fam.
🎁 Don’t forget an unwrapped gift for local charity!
Let’s make the holidays hit different this year. ❄️🎄

“Drop a 🎁 in the comments if we’ll see you there!”

Carlene Rosemarie Mott Janette Woodruff - Realtor Janette Woodruff East Little Creek Business Association City of Norfolk Government