Virginia Beach Spotlights Economic Momentum and Key Industry Growth During 2026 Economic Development Week
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. – Virginia Beach Economic Development (VBED) today announced plans for the city’s celebration of International Economic Development Week, taking place May 4-8, 2026. Throughout the week, VBED will host a series of events highlighting business growth, workforce appreciation and international engagement, including two new exclusive events that celebrate Virginia Beach’s economic development and growing creative sector while connecting with local business leaders.
“Economic Development Week is about celebrating the industries, businesses, and innovators that continue to shape Virginia Beach’s economic future,” shares Emily Archer, Acting Director of VBED. “From advanced manufacturing to defense and technology to professional services, each sector and existing business plays a distinct role in our City’s success. Together, they create a powerful, unified story of sustained investment and job growth.”
VBED is proud to host three exclusive events for Economic Development Week:
Virginia Beach Career and Opportunity Fair; May 5 12PM to 3PM
A strategic partnership focused on connecting local employers with qualified, job-seeking residents. This event is designed to support hiring goals while strengthening the workforce across the Virginia Beach community.
Taking place at Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation
Taste of the ViBe: Sips & Savor Tour: May 8th 12PM to 4PM
An exclusive, behind-the-scenes journey through the ViBe Creative District’s most iconic culinary and craft locations. Guests will enjoy eight curated sip and savor stations featuring personal ViBe stories from local business owners, premium tastings and custom artisan gifts.
A Taste of the ViBe tour ticket includes complimentary entry into the ED Week Block Party celebration immediately following the tour. Space is strictly limited to 100 guests.
Block Party at ViBe Park: May 8th 4PM to 6:30PM
An energetic, open-air celebration featuring live music, local food trucks, and unmatched opportunities to connect with city leadership, economic development partners, and fellow business leaders.
In attendance will be city leadership, the Virginia Beach Development Authority, and the Virginia Beach City Council for a marquee reception honoring IEDC Economic Development Week.
Enjoy live music from BJ Griffin & Friends, local food trucks, and interactive art activations in the heart of the district.
Register for both events at yesvirginiabeach.com. Proceeds will benefit the Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation and the Creative Well Arts Foundation.
Over the current fiscal year, Virginia Beach has continued to build on its economic foundation with key achievements including:
Through the Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA), five Economic Development Investment Program (EDIP) awards supported more than $17 million in capital investment, resulting in 239 jobs created and 751 jobs retained across companies including TST Defense, GovSolutions, GroundWorks, PT2GO, and One Space Architects.
The Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program awarded 14 grants totaling $112,255, leveraging more than $453,000 in private investment, an 87% increase in applicants year-over-year.
The Atlantic Avenue Grant (AAG) program awarded four projects, totaling $77,833 in grants and $157,166 in planned private investment.
The HIVE supported entrepreneurs through 143 workshops and 84 one-on-one advisory sessions, in partnership with regional organizations.
Workforce development efforts expanded through eight new partnerships, strengthening talent pipelines across industries.
International business growth continued with the addition of companies from Canada, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and Germany, further positioning Virginia Beach as a global gateway for innovation.
Since opening on May 4, 2025, The Dome, a 70,000-square-foot venue at Atlantic Park, has hosted 46 events, welcomed 96,000 attendees, and generated $1 million in economic impact through rent, ticket sales, and capital funding.
Additional milestones include the continued expansion of the city’s international incubator and the issuance of nine RFPs supporting strategic development and infrastructure projects.
Virginia Beach is strengthening its position as a hub for international business, offering incubator-style programs and partnerships that help global startups enter the U.S. market. Supported by advanced digital infrastructure and a skilled workforce, the city is emerging as a gateway for innovation in technology, energy, and manufacturing.
Key industry sectors, including defense, advanced manufacturing, and technology, drive economic growth, bolstered by military presence, strong logistics access, and a growing reputation as a digital port city. This momentum is further supported by expanding energy initiatives, a robust professional services sector, a thriving tourism industry, and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem led by programs like The HIVE.
To complement the week’s programming, VBED will roll out a creative campaign that captures the spirit of the city’s economic momentum. Inspired by the idea of “Greatest Hits,” the campaign positions the city as a “breakout band” with its industry hubs driving the sound behind its success.
Rooted in the idea that nothing brings people together like a hit record, this year’s campaign transforms Virginia Beach’s economic story into a collection of “greatest hits,” showcasing the industries, businesses, and partnerships fueling a vibrant economy. Those interested in following along with Economic Development Week activities can engage with the campaign throughout International Economic Development Week on VBED’s social platforms.
International Economic Development Week is a global initiative that recognizes the critical role economic development plays in building strong, sustainable communities. In Virginia Beach, it serves as a platform to highlight the strategic efforts that attract investment, support businesses, create jobs, and enhance quality of life in the city.
For more information about Virginia Beach’s initiatives during Economic Development Week, please visit HERE.
About Virginia Beach Economic Development Virginia Beach Economic Development (VBED) supports business growth, attracts new investment, and advances a diverse, resilient economy in Virginia Beach. Focused on key industries such as defense, technology, advanced manufacturing, energy, and tourism, VBED connects companies to the resources, infrastructure, and talent needed to succeed. With global connectivity and a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, Virginia Beach is a place where businesses can grow and compete. Learn more at yesvirginiabeach.com.
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