Presented by Inman HomeServices
Words and Images from Norfolk Festevents.
Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. has announced the establishment of a new Community Development Program presented by Inman HomeServices dedicated to empowering local small businesses, non-profit organizations, and aspiring industry professionals. The program is set to debut in 2021 and applications are currently being accepted.
“Since our inception, Festevents has always been deeply connected to our diverse communities working with volunteers, charities, civic organizations, military, and all types of businesses,” said Norfolk Festevents CEO Ted Baroody. “This new program allows us to formalize and expand our relationship with small business owners, non-profits, and those interested in the special events and hospitality industry.”
The Norfolk Festevents Community Development Program is comprised of three initiatives: the (1) Small Business Outreach Kickstart & Grant Program, the (2) Charity Fundraising Program, and the (3) Karen Scherberger Scholarship & Internship Program.
The Small Business Outreach Kickstart & Grant Program is designed to provide Norfolk small businesses with a unique opportunity for growth and exposure through a Festevents partnership.
Selected businesses will be showcased at major events and festivals, as they can be granted complimentary booth spaces. In addition, selected businesses will also gain access to educational workshops on event marketing, as well as receiving guidance in obtaining required business licenses, insurances, and additional business documents. The program will award a select number of small businesses each year and is primarily directed towards local restaurants, food trucks, retail vendors, start-ups, and newly-owned franchises.
The Charity Fundraising Program will provide an avenue for local charities and service club organizations to raise funds through the sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at Festevents events and festivals. A portion of all net proceeds is donated directly to participating organizations. Over the course of its 30+ year history, Festevents has raised more than $3.5 million for local charities and organizations. New to this program, selected charities will also gain access to educational workshops that provide insight on how to capitalize on fundraising, team building, and the exposure that special events have to offer.
The Karen Scherberger Scholarship & Internship Program, named in honor of Norfolk Festevents Founding Executive Director Karen Scherberger, has been created to recognize aspiring industry professionals currently enrolled in a college program concentrating on special events. In addition to receiving a $1,000 scholarship, the awarded individuals will also gain powerful industry insight through a hands-on experience working alongside the Norfolk Festevents staff. Within the scholarship program, Norfolk Festevents will work closely with local universities and colleges to help improve event industry educational programs.
The application window for all three programs is currently open and closes on Wednesday, March 31. Selected recipients will be notified by April 15.
More information can be found online at bit.ly/CommunityFE.
Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., based in Norfolk, Virginia, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating the most dynamic urban waterfront community in America through innovative programming and imaginative uses of its historic waterfront spaces. Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its advocacy for public access to waterfronts, outstanding quality programming and development of public spaces, transforming Norfolk into one of the most progressive, fun and livable waterfront communities in the country. Residents, workers, and visitors to Norfolk and The 757 are invited to experience all the fun and excitement of the 2021 season!