In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the success of a retail accelerator program launched nine months ago, which has supported 22 local entrepreneurs in developing their businesses. The program, unique to the Hampton Roads area, focuses on providing education and resources tailored to retail, helping participants create business plans and marketing strategies while generating significant online sales.

To date, the collective sales from the program have reached $26,400, showcasing a diverse range of products from coffee and juices to handmade jewelry and skincare items. The program aims to transition these entrepreneurs from home-based operations to commercial retail spaces, with many vendors still balancing their businesses alongside full-time jobs.

The meeting also addressed the program's sustainability, as it currently relies on external funding and is not self-sustaining. Officials proposed a budget of $116,000 for the upcoming year, requesting $66,450 to continue supporting the initiative. The focus will be on enhancing educational offerings, including commercial real estate courses and financial management workshops, to better prepare vendors for future growth.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the broader impact of the program on the local economy, particularly in revitalizing the High Street area, which has seen a lack of retail presence for over a decade. The program has not only provided a platform for local makers but has also attracted visitors from surrounding areas, positioning Portsmouth as a burgeoning hub for small businesses.

In other developments, the meeting included updates on a new multifamily project in the Innovation District, which is set to bring 50 units of affordable housing to the area. Groundbreaking for this $20 million investment is scheduled for January 28, marking a significant step in the city's ongoing efforts to enhance community infrastructure and support local economic growth.