RIBBON CUTTING AT
HARBOR LIGHT ACADEMY | | |
On Monday, August 24, 2026, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Harbor Light Academy, the newest educational opportunity in Smithfield (located at 14353 Benns Church Blvd).
Harbor Light Academy's mission is to light the way and cultivate growth in a nurturing Christian environment, while focusing on whole child education through academic excellence, character development, and compassion.
| | NEWLY ENHANCED SIGNAGE AT
SHIRLEY T. HOLLAND INTERMODAL PARK | | |
The newly enhanced signage at Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park incorporates Isle of Wight County’s branding and color palette, presenting a cohesive and professional image for existing and prospective tenants. The updated signage also improves wayfinding throughout the park and enhances overall site safety.
The Isle of Wight County Economic Development Authority thanks W.M. Jordan Company and Scotty Signs for their valuable contributions to this project and their partnership in enhancing the Intermodal Park.
VIEW THE NEW SIGNAGE HERE!
| | SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH
Camp Community College Job Fair | | |
Join a team of dedicated instructors at Camp Community College! Share your real-world experience with the next generation of students when you attend the next job fair, on September 17th in Suffolk. Adjunct and full-time positions available!
• Thursday, September 17, 2026
• 3:00 - 7:00 pm
• Workforce Trades & Innovation Center (612 Carolina Road, Suffolk)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!
| | NEW BUSINESS LICENSES: AUGUST | | |
See the full list of new August business licenses:
PDF Format or Excel Format
New Business Highlights from August:
• Subway 12730 (Smithfield) - under new management
• VR Edwards Construction (Smithfield)
We extend a warm welcome to all of our new businesses.
Thank you for putting down roots to grow in Isle of Wight County!
| | BUSINESS NAVIGATOR SESSIONS
with Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center | | |
Presenting a new opportunity for Isle of Wight County businesses!
Get one-on-one guidance from experienced small business experts, right here at home, with our brand-new Business Navigator Sessions!
Hosted in partnership with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, these FREE, confidential sessions are a chance to talk through real-world business challenges, explore new opportunities, and get practical advice to help your business move forward.
Upcoming sessions are available on September 15 and October 13.
SIGN UP FOR A SESSION HERE!
| HOME-BASED BUSINESS:
Building Resilience and
Growth Mindset in Entrepreneurship | | |
Entrepreneurship can be both rewarding and challenging, especially for solopreneurs and home-based business owners who are responsible for every aspect of their business. Setbacks, uncertainty, and constant change are part of the journey. Developing resilience and a growth mindset can help entrepreneurs navigate these challenges while continuing to move their business forward.
Join the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center for a session designed to help home-based business owners remain confident, adaptable, and forward-focused as they grow their businesses.
• Thursday, September 17
• 12:00–1:00 pm
• Virtual via Zoom
REGISTER HERE!
| | |
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 2026 State of the County. Teaming up with Isle of Wight County and the Towns of Smithfield and Windsor, this luncheon will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 12-2pm at the Smithfield Center. Sponsorships are available!
PURCHASE YOUR TICKET HERE!
| | VIRGINIA RETAIL MATTERS 2026:
A State of Retail Event | | |
The retail landscape is changing faster than ever. Consumer spending habits are shifting, technology continues to reshape operations and small businesses are navigating everything from workforce challenges to economic uncertainty. Virginia Retail Matters brings together the research, insights, and conversations retailers need to stay ahead of.
Join the Retail Alliance on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, for a luncheon and presentation of an exclusive research study on Virginia's retail landscape, commissioned by Retail Alliance and conducted in partnership with Main Street America.
This year's research explores some of the most important issues facing retailers and small businesses today, including:
- The changing consumer economy and what it means for your customers
- Emerging AI tools and how businesses are putting them to work
- Workforce trends, including the evolving expectations of Gen Z
- The growth of local sourcing and "Made Local" retail
- The impact of tariffs, supply chain pressures, and economic uncertainty
- The future of Main Street retail in Virginia
- Consumer trends that will shape the remainder of 2026 and beyond
REGISTER HERE!
| | |
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE
17466 Benns Church Blvd.
Prime commercial opportunity located on a main thoroughfare in Isle of Wight. This exceptional property features two versatile buildings situated on 3.15 acres of land, with 2,500 SF each. The site provides excellent visibility and access, ideal for a variety of business ventures. Currently operating as a distillery, the property’s layout and zoning allow for multiple commercial uses. This is an outstanding investment in one of the area’s most desirable growth corridors.
VIEW THE PROPERTY HERE!
For more information, contact Carlyn Menser, Re/Max Connect,
at (757) 879-9759 or carlyn@remaxconnectva.com.
| | |
Search the County's available properties database
for more commercial or industrial properties.
If you own or represent a commercial property in
Isle of Wight County that is available for sale or lease, please CONTACT US, and we will add it to our database.
| | |
The countdown is ON… just two weeks until the fair is back in town! Mark your calendars for September 17-20 and get ready for:
• Rodeo thrills that’ll have you on the edge of your seat
• Demo Derby crashes you won’t want to miss
• Toe-tappin’ live music
• Screamin’ fun carnival rides
• All your deep-fried fair food dreams
• Local vendors bringing the best of the best
Let the fair fever begin!
GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE!
| | |
Save the date for Main St. to come alive with vintage treasures, food, crafts, art, and vintage-inspired items for all tastes. Live music and a food court keep things festive all day. Open Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Please note: Main St. is closed to car traffic for this twice-a-year event!
FOLLOW THE EVENT PAGE ON FACEBOOK!
| | | | |
