Many exciting informational events for black business owners interested in contract opportunities are coming to our community in March! From the Tidewater Gardens Redevelopment to the up and coming Rivers Casino, we have listed three major opportunities to get involved.
Tidewater Gardens Redevelopment – March 10th
With the redevelopment of the Tidewater Gardens public housing, the general contractor on the project is seeking contractors! Marlyn Development intends to bring a “Norfolk First” commitment to staffing the entire project.
They have stated that” The Brinshore-led Development Team (“Developer”) recognizes and believes in the importance of economic inclusion in the Tidewater Gardens community’s redevelopment. The Developer intends to leverage the development projects’ capacity-building opportunities to create pathways of advancement for individuals, families, and businesses across a spectrum of current starting points.”
This event will highlight the many opportunities to get involved with the project, from construction, business partnerships, and networking opportunities!
Note: The zoom link will be sent to you via email after your register, so make sure to check your spam folder!
Bridging the Connection – March 16th and 17th
The Hampton Roads BridgeTunnel Expansion (HRBT) project will be the “largest construction project in Virginia’s history” according to the HRBT Expansion site. This means tons of opportunities for black business owners, those who remain unemployed, and anyone looking for their next opportunity!
A two-day virtual event will be held, featuring both the cities of Norfolk and Hampton, introducing the many procurement opportunities available! Here is what you can expect:
Day 1:
- Introduction from the city’s Mayor’s and Economic Development Directors.
- Learn how to do business in both cities
- Introductions and updates about upcoming projects
- Learn how to join the HRBT project with the Hampton Roads Connector Partners.
Day 2:
- Hear from Resources Partners: The Department of Small Business Supplier Diversity (SWaM/DBE Certification), eVA ( How to do business with the Commonwealth), Bonding, PTAC ( Procurement Technical Assistance), BOWD Center (Business Opportunity and Workforce Development Center)
- Hear from an expert financial panel.
- Norfolk’s St. Paul’s Transformation projects, Hampton’s Aquatic Center, and the Mary Jackson Community Center opportunities will also be included
Register Here! Register for both days!!!!
Rivers Casino Portsmouth – Ongoing
Another project creating opportunities for black contractors is the Rivers Casino, which will be located in Portsmouth. This exciting venture will “… bring an exciting entertainment destination to Portsmouth including a diverse mix of restaurants with mouth-watering cuisine, entertainment from top-rated performers and hospitality that Rivers is known for throughout the U.S.”
The Rivers Casino has a history of supporting minority and women-owned businesses. Their Chicago home base has spent over $37 million with minority businesses and their website reports that 60% of their staff in Chicago are minorities. This is an excellent opportunity to see growth for Black BRAND members and their businesses!
There are multiple ways to get involved with this project:
Vendors – Partnering with the Rivers Casino as an existing business is as easy as emailing port.vendors@rushst.com. The Casino is dedicated to using a “Portsmouth First” approach for all of their vendor business, so sign up to get on their list. Although there isn’t specific information about what they are looking for, take a look at their vendor page to get an idea.
Potential Employees – Anyone interested in direct employment opportunities with the casino can add their names to a contact list, also via email. The website has that email listed at port.jobs@rushst.com. Both their website and 13 NewsNow report that at least 1,300 permanent jobs will be available when the casino is completed, as well as 1,400 construction jobs!
Help us spread the word about these economic opportunities!
