The IncuHub Newsletter

May 2025


Welcome to the May edition of The IncuHub Newsletter! We thank you for your continued engagement and hope you enjoy reading about the many exciting things happening at The IncuHub!

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The IncuHub and Portsmouth Economic Development Collaborate to Support Small Business


The IncuHub is proud to have strong, collaborative relationships with the Economic Development Teams in both cities that we serve, and have recently had two very exciting opportunities to collaborate with the Portsmouth Economic Development Team.


On May 28, we were thrilled to participate in the How To Do Business with Portsmouth event at Tidewater Community College's Portsmouth Campus, co-hosted by Portsmouth Economic Development and the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. This event gave business owners and entrepreneurs an overview of the many opportunities and resources available to them in the City of Portsmouth. Managing Director Gene Granger was interviewed by local reporter Erika Craven for a story about the event that aired on WTKR News 3.


On June 12, Portsmouth Economic Development and The IncuHub will host a Business Investment Grants Information Session and Networking Event at The IncuHub's Portsmouth location from 5 to 7 pm. The event is a great opportunity to learn about the many grants and funding resources available to Portsmouth-based businesses and is free and open to the public! It will feature food and refreshments, and you can RSVP here.

Speed Networking at The IncuHub in Hampton Creates Lasting, Meaningful Connections - and Features Two Mayors!


Where can you attend a speed networking event and have the opportunity to network with not one, but two Mayors? At The IncuHub - that's where!


On the evening of Thursday May 8, Members and guests gathered at The IncuHub's Hampton location for a fun-filled evening that included speed networking, food, and drinks.


Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray and Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover were both in attendance and guests had the opportunity to practice their networking skills directly with the Mayors!


Many meaningful connections were made during the evening and a great time was had by all. This event is just one of many that The IncuHub hosts throughout the year to give business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to build relationships and grow their professional networks. Stay tuned for more events like this later this year!



Member Spotlight: Franklin D. Edmondson, Commissioner of the Revenue, City of Portsmouth


Dedicated leader and community leader, Frankie Edmondson has served as the Commissioner of the Revenue for the City of Portsmouth since 2006. With a distinguished career in public service and a deep rooted commitment to his hometown, his impact is felt across business development, nonprofits and local government.


Commissioner Edmondson’s journey in public service is marked by dedication and achievement. In 2009, he earned his certification as Master Commissioner of the Revenue designated from the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center, solidifying his expertise in taxation, assessment, and local government revenue. Frankie’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the President’s Service Award (2013) and the Sam T. Barfield Award for Excellence (2022), underscoring his commitment to excellence in revenue administration.


Beyond his official duties, Frankie is deeply invested in Portsmouth’s growth and development. He serves on multiple boards and associations, helping to foster community connections, business expansion, and economic empowerment.


In addition to City Hall, Commissioner Edmondson also maintains an office at The IncuHub’s Portsmouth location, and his office’s membership at The IncuHub reflects his commitment to Portsmouth’s growth and development. Having access to a collaborative workspace allows Commissioner Edmondson and team to interact with businesses outside of the home office, provide customer service directly to entrepreneurs, and assist small businesses in obtaining their business licenses. This environment strengthens relationships and ensures that local businesses receive personalized, accessible support from the Commissioner’s office.


The IncuHub is thrilled that Commissioner Edmondson and Team have a robust, dynamic presence at The IncuHub and are grateful for the collaboration and partnership that serves our member businesses so effectively. Thank you, Commissioner and Team!


Commonwealth Employee Benefit Solutions & The IncuHub Host a Lunch 'n Learn in Portsmouth


As part of The IncuHub's efforts to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and connect, we were thrilled to partner with the Team at Commonwealth Employee Benefit Solutions (CEBS) to host a Lunch 'n Learn event on May 21 titled "Let's Protect What You're Building", where the Team at CEBS gave a presentation on the importance of insurance for small businesses to a packed conference room.


Guests enjoyed a free lunch and a fun, interactive presentation where they learned about the many insurance options available to them as small business owners. The IncuHub is grateful to Shannon Glover, Paula Glover, Alina Jones, and Julie Dunn from CEBS for their willingness to collaborate with us on this event and share this important presentation with our members. We're thrilled to host events like this throughout the year to give our members and guests the opportunity to continue their professional education and build on their knowledge and expertise - and ultimately grow their business.

Community Highlights


The IncuHub Team continued our efforts to support our communities and build strong relationships with local leaders during the past month. Below are some highlights:


Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray visited The IncuHub's Hampton location for a tour and update on The IncuHub's contributions to Downtown Hampton and the city's economy.


Executive Director & Owner Marko Frigelj was appointed as Chair of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Task Force, and hosted a kick off meeting and information session for the initiative at the Chamber's headquarters in Newport News.


The IncuHub Team attended the Annual Portsmouth State of the City Address, delivered by Mayor Shannon Glover, hosted by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce at Rivers Casino.


The IncuHub Team met with Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue Tiffany Boyle, Candidate for Hampton Commissioner of the Revenue Michael Harris, and Malaika Wainwright from the Newport News Commissioner's office in Downtown Hampton.


The IncuHub Team met with Newport News City Councilman John Eley at Newport News City Center.


Managing Director Gene Granger and several IncuHub members attended the Small Business Month Networking Event at MoMac Brewery in Portsmouth, sponsored by the Portsmouth Economic Development Team and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.

Upcoming Events


Mark your calendars for these exciting events!


EDA Business Investment Grants Information Session & Networking Reception Thursday May 12, 5 - 7 pm

The IncuHub - Portsmouth

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Interested in becoming a member of The IncuHub? Contact us today to learn more about our flexible workspaces, networking events, and educational resources. Join our community of innovators & entrepreneurs and take your business to the next level!


The IncuHub

(757) 317-2002

info@theincuhub.com


The IncuHub brings together entrepreneurs looking to grow and connect. We offer mailboxes, conference rooms, shared and dedicated desks, private offices, as well as a coworking space, all located within a federally designated HUBZone. Located in Downtown Hampton and Portsmouth, Virginia, our shared workspaces are the perfect starting point for your company to reach its ultimate potential alongside those with common interests.