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From the latest news & highlights to exciting events & specials happening at all of your favorite places, the Downtown Suffolk Business Buzz is your go-to for all business-related information. | Subscribe to our monthly newsletter & stay up to date on all of the latest & greatest happenings with your favorite Downtown Suffolk businesses! | | If you are a Downtown Suffolk business and have something special happening or are offering promotional deals that you would like to share, please let us know via email at dholt@suffolkva.us so we can include it as a feature. | | | |
Virginia's Small Business Person of the Year:
Mr. Donald Mills
Mills Marine & Ship Repair
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Donald G. Mills, President, General Manager, and Co-Owner of Mills Marine & Ship Repair, LLC, as the 2025 Small Business Person of the Year for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mills Marine & Ship Repair, LLC is a family-owned and operated business based in Suffolk, Virginia, co-led by Mr. Mills and his wife, Mrs. Ernestine P. Mills, who serves as the company's Senior Vice President and Co-Owner. Together, the Mills family has built one of Virginia's most respected ship repair companies - known for its commitment to service, faith, and community.
"A man or woman's success in this life is directly proportional to the sacrifices they're willing to make for it." - Donald G. Mills
Mr. and Mrs. Mills have been invited to attend National Small Business Week events on May 4-5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters, where Mr. Mills will be formally recognized by the SBA and will also compete for the title of 2025 National Small Business Person of the Year, alongside awardees from all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam.
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VBAF Still Has Funding Available
The Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF) still has funding available for the FY 2025 Assessment and Planning Grants.
The VBAF Assessment and Planning Grant is designed to promote the restoration and redevelopment of brownfield sites and to address environmental problems or obstacles to reuse so that these sites can be effectively marketed to new economic development prospects. VBAF Assessment and Planning Grants are available in amounts up to $50,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program guidelines and all application templates are available on VEDP’s website.
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Earth & Arts Festival Recap
The 2025 Earth & Arts Festival was a vibrant celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community spirit. From local artists and vendors to hands-on crafts, live performances, and family fun, the festival brought our city together.
Also, in honor of Arbor Day, the city planted a new tree in Downtown Festival Park. The tree symbolizes growth, resilience, and our shared commitment to a greener future for Suffolk.
Check out the highlight video below to relive the day’s magic.
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Darla's Downtown Boutique Interviewed by Shopify
Shopify recently reached out to interview Delaney Rhoads about the process of opening Darla's Downtown Boutique. The article titled, Journey to First Sale (with Shopify AI) takes a closer look at how AI can make setting up an online store easier.
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Outdoors at the Center
1st & 3rd Fridays of May, 6:00 PM
It’s back! Join us for our Outdoors at the Center series, a vibrant event celebrating creativity, community, and summer vibes. This season we’re bringing together live music, specialty food and drink offerings, and live artist demonstrations in our dynamic artist co-op space.
With seven unique events throughout the season, every gathering promises a fresh experience. Every other event is family friendly, featuring exciting themes, outdoor games, and karaoke. Whether you’re coming for the tunes, the bites, the art, or a great night out, there’s something for everyone at Outdoors at the Center.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and come experience the creativity!
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Spring Artisan Market at The Pinner House
May 3, 10:00AM - 4:00 PM
Step into a spring dream at The Pinner House, where blooming gardens meet handmade magic! Join us for our Spring Artisan Market and wander through a wonderland of local treasures — handmade pottery, sparkling jewelry, dreamy paintings, fragrant soaps, curated vintage and the freshest florals of the season. Support small businesses, sip something sweet, and soak up the whimsy — you’re invited!
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Laughs After Dark at Nansemond Brewing Station
May 3, 7:30 PM
Another PRO stand up comedy show returns to Nansemond Brewing Station on SAT MAY 3rd at 7:30pm. “The Station” has been supporting the stand up the scene in the 757 for three years and they got another FIRE pro lineup!
This show features touring headliner Tim Young who has performed on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” & Comedy Central! Also on the show are Sherri Priester (Va Beach Funny Bone & Push Comedy Theater) and your host is Ed Phillips (“Commonwealth Comedy Coalition” & Tidewater ComicCon).
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31 Women Art Exhibit
May 17 - June 14
The Suffolk Art Gallery and Suffolk Art League are excited to team up for 31 Women, a spring exhibition inspired by the first all-women’s art exhibition in the U.S. in 1943. Suffolk’s version of 31 Women aims to feature work by 31 of the most innovative women creating art in the Mid-Atlantic today.
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International Fest
May 17, 11:00AM - 5:00PM
This family-friendly event will take place at Downtown Festival Park and is free for all ages. There will be food trucks featuring international flavors and a variety of performances inspired from around the globe!
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Suffolk Farmers' Market at The Pavilion
Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Market offers an array of fresh local produce, beef, poultry, eggs, honey, baked goods, pickled vegetables, jams, plants and flowers, handmade soaps, candles, garden and farm décor, jewelry, and other artisan crafts.
For more information, visit
www.suffolkvafarmersmarket.com
| | | | If you are a Downtown Suffolk business and have something special happening or are offering promotional deals that you would like to share, please let us know via email at dholt@suffolkva.us so we can include it as a feature. | | | | |
