Event Details
The Good Company Tour engages the Hampton Roads' region around the celebration of good companies and reviving the legacy of historical black excellence, while galvanizing community partners and assets around what makes our region good-past, present and future.
This tour is made possible by presenting partner Truist, The City of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Partnership, and WVEC!
Monday, October 7, 2024: Good Company Tour Announcement
Blair Durham and Portsmouth City Mayor Shannon Glover give the official announcement of the Good Company Tour sharing the details around the initiatives in place set to help local businesses continue to grow and expand.
Watch the official announcement HERE!
Wednesday, October 16, 2024: National Bosses Day Parade
Kick off the Good Company Tour with us while we surprise three Portsmouth-based, black-owned businesses with micro grants sponsored by Truist. Enjoy:
- A ticker-tape parade with percussion group and fanfare
- Proclamations presented by the Vice-Mayor to each business.
- Local media support
Special Invited guests to include:
- Brian Donahue ( Portsmouth Economic Development Office)
- Senator Louise Lucas
- Vice-Mayor, Lisa Lucas-Burke
- Autumn Bailey
- Portsmouth Partnership
- School Board: Lisa Klu
- Vernon Tillage
- …..And more
All are invited to join the parade!
Meeting place: 10:15 AM// The corner of Effingham, and High St. in Portsmouth
Thursday, October 31, 2024: Reviving The Legacy
Catch "Reviving The Legacy" airing on WVEC during the "Making A Mark" segment with Ashley Smith: a 3-part documentary-style series that explores the rich history, current dynamics, and future prospects of black entrepreneurship in Hampton Roads.
November 7-9, 2024: Black Diamond Weekend
Attend Virginia's largest black business conference. This year's theme is "Good Company" featuring:
- Good Company Plenary with Jenifer Lewis: The Mother Black Hollywood
- The State of Black Entrepreneurship in Hampton Roads with Natalie Madeira Cofield
- A Masterclass with John Hope Bryant
- Closing In on Capital Plenary with Dr. Boyce Watkins
- Building Strong Partnerships: Securing Maritime Supply Contracts presented by The Urban League of Hampton Roads
- Sentara joins us as the sponsor of the Manpower track and will be conducting free onsite screenings in order to prioritize men's health.
- Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence joins us as the sponsor of the Impactology track with a focus on raising awareness around the message that "health is wealth" for entrepreneurs and community members alike.
- Bloom, IncuHub, and Gather (6 co-working locations) collaborate to provide free training for entrepreneurs further solidifying Virginia's reputation as the #1 state for business
