Latest news with #ArlingtonEconomicDevelopment
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stretch Your Dollar: Earn cash back when shopping at Arlington County small businesses
ARLINGTON, Va. () — Shoppers can earn 5% cash back when shopping and dining at Arlington small businesses, thanks to the program. Arlington Economic Development's BizNow partnered with Open Rewards to lure patrons to the county's small businesses. Shoppers can accrue cash back, which they can spend at other small businesses. Arlington isof municipalities nationwide participating in BluDot's Open Rewards program. Mustafa Durran, owner of the newly opened Ravenna Pizza in Rosslyn, said the program's been a win for both his customers and his fledgling restaurant, which he long sought to bring to Arlington. 'I took my first bite of a Roman pizza slice and said, 'Omg, why don't we have this in the Arlington area?' he said. 'The crunch, the lightness, and the deliciousness.' After major price increases on Shein and Temu, is Amazon Haul the next budget behemoth? The Wilson Boulevard joint also serves up homemade gelato. Durran said the menu's been a hit, drawing more than 1,000 people to enroll in Open Rewards. With the county's support and the public's appetite for fresh Italian offerings, he sees growth on the horizon. 'Think about it, any of the businesses, even the giants, at some point, they were babies, they were small businesses. So, any support goes a long way,' he noted. Tara Palacious of BizNow said the initiative is injecting life into the local economy, generating $500,000 since its inception. 'With everything that's going on in the world and tariffs and these things happening and affecting our small businesses, we really love to support local,' she said. 'We love to be able to incentivize people to get a different experience.' Businesses are automatically enrolled in the program and don't pay to participate. Business owners may also enroll in the program themselves. Shoppers can begin earning cash back by downloading Open Rewards. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Technical.ly
05-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Brunch and Business: AANHPI Leadership and Their Unyielding Resilience
Event Description Join Arlington Economic Development's BizLaunch team for an inspiring event — Brunch and Business: AANHPI Leadership and Their Unyielding Resilience — that honors the grit, passion and resilience of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) small business owners who turned dreams into reality — right here in our community. The event takes place on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Crystal City, located at 2799 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA. You'll hear firsthand how three founders preserved their culture, pushed through barriers, and built businesses that serve, uplift and thrive. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an ally or simply curious about the power of local stories, this is a moment to connect, celebrate and be moved. AANHPI entrepreneurship has deep roots in U.S. history. As early as the 19th century, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese and Indian immigrants opened farms, restaurants and laundries in the U.S. — often while navigating exclusionary policies like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Act of 1924. The tide began to turn with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, paving the way for a new wave of AANHPI entrepreneurs who would shape industries from tech and healthcare to retail and beyond. Today, the AANHPI population makes up 12% of Arlington, 7% of the nation, and 10% of all small businesses in the U.S. Their stories are about more than just business success — they're about courage, culture and building a future for the next generation. Panelists:


Technical.ly
03-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Philly Tech Week and beyond: 29 mid-Atlantic tech community events in May
Every May, technologists, entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders come from all over the country to celebrate Philly Tech Week — but that's not all the month holds. There's a full slate of virtual and in-person gatherings across the mid-Atlantic to keep you busy through Memorial Day. Whether you're a founder seeking resources for your startup, a tech professional trying to learn new skills or a curious connector looking to build your network, you'll find what you need in this roundup. Check out the links below and browse the company directory for more info on the host orgs, and for more local tech community events (or to promote your own), visit Events board. Monday, May 5 Brunch and Business: AANHPI Leadership and Their Unyielding Resilience — 'Join Arlington Economic Development's BizLaunch team for an inspiring event — Brunch and Business: AANHPI Leadership and Their Unyielding Resilience — that honors the grit, passion and resilience of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) small business owners who turned dreams into reality — right here in our community. The event takes place on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Crystal City, located at 2799 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA.' Hosted by Arlington Economic Development. 1PHL Spring 2025 Exchange — 'The Spring 2025 Exchange is a gathering of leaders focused on shaping the future of digital access, education and entrepreneurship in Philadelphia. Hosted at the historic Franklin Institute, this event will showcase current research, highlight impactful policies, and explore the latest developments in Philly's innovation ecosystem. The day will culminate in a vibrant reception to officially kick off Philly Tech Week, providing an ideal space to connect, celebrate, and envision what's next for Philadelphia's tech community.' Hosted by 1Philadelphia. PTW25 Kickoff Party — 'Get ready to kick off the 15th annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast! Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection and collaboration in the iconic Franklin Institute rotunda. This free happy hour is the perfect opportunity to meet local innovators, exchange ideas, and build meaningful professional relationships. Whether you're a startup founder, tech enthusiast, or industry veteran, you'll find this vibrant gathering to be an inspiring start to an incredible week. Don't miss out on the chance to engage with Philadelphia's dynamic tech ecosystem in one of the city's most stunning venues! DJ Diamond Kuts will back to help us bring the energy to this year's Kickoff Party.' Hosted by 1Philadelphia. Health Sciences Sprint Final Showcase — 'Join us to view the final project presentations of the first ever high school group to complete the Health Sciences Sprint! After working with mentors from a variety of healthcare fields such as physicians, physician assistances, nurses, nutrition experts, physical therapists, mental health counselors, and more, students have developed their very own health action plans for the community.' Hosted by University City Science Center. Tuesday, May 6 Philly Tech Week: Innovate & Inspire: Research Panel & Pitch Competition — 'Join PCI, PACT and Pennovation Works at our annual Philly Tech Week program on May 6, where groundbreaking research meets entrepreneurial vision. This dynamic event will feature a distinguished research panel showcasing cutting-edge discoveries from Penn's brightest minds, followed by an exciting pitch competition, where innovators present their ideas to a panel of experts and investors.' Hosted by Penn Center for Innovation. Pulse Check: Health Tech Trends Shaping the Next Decade — 'This session brings together founders, funders, and practitioners to explore the most significant trends driving innovation in health tech. From AI and personalized care to equitable access and new funding models, we'll examine what's emerging, what's sticking, and what it means for the future of healthcare. Get insights from every corner of the ecosystem as we chart the course for the next decade of impact.' Hosted by University City Science Center. Wednesday, May 7 AI at the Crossroads: Ethics, Innovation and Impact — 'As part of Philly Tech Week and AI Month, this panel explores the balance between cutting-edge AI advancements and responsible development, with a focus on the broader societal impact of artificial intelligence.' Hosted by Penn Center for Innovation. — 'Join GrantExec LLC and Arlington Consulting Group on May 7, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM for an insightful webinar designed for government contractors and grantseekers. This event will provide a deep dive into the current federal market landscape, examining major economic disruptions, budget cuts, and the emerging opportunities that can help your organization thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.' Hosted by Arlington Economic Development. PCI Ventures Office Hours with Yi-Yen Chen (Virtual) — 'Meet virtually with a member of the PCI Ventures team to discuss your business questions on topics ranging from company formation and legal agreements to benefits and insurance.' Hosted by Penn Center for Innovation. Healthcare M&A: Current Market Trends and Transaction Considerations — 'Healthcare M&A activity is expected to heat up in 2025, with deal volumes and values showing potential signs of acceleration. However, this optimism could be tempered by uncertainties stemming from tariffs and the broader macroeconomic environment. The imposition of new tariffs has introduced significant unpredictability, which could lead to more cautious deal-making in the short term. Join Withum's Healthcare and Valuation Services Teams, Michael Ritchie, Taylor Burns, and Chris Marrs for an insightful discussion on the latest market trends and key considerations for those exploring transactions in the healthcare space. This webinar is tailored for healthcare professionals, business operators, and investors seeking the knowledge and strategies to confidently navigate the evolving market landscape.' Hosted by Withum. Thursday, May 8 Builders Conference 2025 — 'The Builders Conference is an annual two-day conference focused on local ecosystem building and the storytelling that supports it. Hosted by the country's leading ecosystem storytelling news organization, Builders brings together entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders and those that support local entrepreneurial and tech-led economic and workforce development strategies.' Hosted by Innovation to Impact: Collaborating with Health Systems in Greater Philadelphia — 'Healthcare systems are complex organizations with unique operational needs, regulatory requirements, and adoption challenges. Bringing healthcare innovations to market – and into the hands of clinicians and patients – requires more than just a great product. It demands strategic alignment with the needs and operations of health systems, a clear understanding of the regulatory and reimbursement landscapes, and access to resources and opportunities. The discussion will highlight accelerator programs in the ecosystem like Science Center's U.S. Market Access and Capital Readiness programs help international and early-stage startup companies scale successfully in the U.S. healthcare market.' Hosted by University City Science Center. — 'Every year, the threat actors that attack companies get more creative. Our team will discuss global trends that are defining the incident response landscape in 2025 and how to deal with these difficult crisis situations.' Hosted by Morgan Lewis. Tuesday, May 13 TEDCO's DefTech Monthly Office Hours — 'Come to the office hours to discuss how DefTech can support your business by leveraging cutting-edge technology, facilities, equipment, and expertise found in the Maryland Department of Defense Labs.' Hosted by TEDCO. Wednesday, May 14 PitchMasters — 'At this virtual, workshop-style event, companies seeking to become 'pitch-perfect' will present their investor decks to the group and receive feedback to help refine their pitch before they go in front of investors. This is a great opportunity for companies to get ready for that 'ask.' Founders receive 6 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of feedback.' Hosted by NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers. Hot Privacy and Data Security Issues on the Hill — 'This webinar will cover recent privacy and data security developments on Capitol Hill and at the US Federal Communications Commission and US Federal Trade Commission.' Hosted by Morgan Lewis. Beyond the Hype: Building a Practical Path to AI Success — 'AI has the potential to transform businesses but not without a solid foundation. Too often, organizations chase the latest AI tools or use cases without first addressing the basics: securing buy-in and getting their data in order. This 'shiny object syndrome' leads to stalled projects, compliance headaches and missed opportunities. In this webinar, we'll break down why AI initiatives falter and how to avoid common pitfalls. We'll share a clear, step-by-step approach that begins with small, high-impact quick wins to build momentum before tackling AI at a larger scale within your organization.' Hosted by Withum. Thursday, May 15 Regulatory Considerations for AI in MedTech — 'As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize the medical technology industry, navigating the evolving regulatory landscape is crucial for success. This webinar will provide insights into key regulatory considerations for AI-driven medical devices, including FDA requirements, risk assessment, validation strategies, and emerging global regulatory trends. Join Jennifer Palinchik and Fehmida Kapadia as they discuss best practices for bringing AI-powered MedTech innovations to market while ensuring safety, efficacy, and compliance. Whether you're a startup, an established MedTech company, or a regulatory professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate regulatory challenges effectively.' Hosted by Ampilfy MedTech and sponsored by TEDCO. Baltimore Region Investment Summit — 'The Baltimore Region is making bold, game-changing investments shaping the future of business, innovation, and economic development. With over $4.4 billion in economic activity in 2024, the region is growing into a premier hub for cutting-edge technology, advanced manufacturing and supply chain, and infrastructure investment. As one of 31 federally designated Tech Hubs, the Baltimore Region is also actively unlocking new biotechnology and artificial intelligence frontiers. The region is witnessing significant real estate and corporate investment activity, transforming its skyline, workforce, and global competitiveness. If you are expanding or relocating your business, or are an investor, the Baltimore Region Investment Summit is exactly where you need to be.' Hosted by Greater Baltimore Committee and sponsored by TEDCO. Tuesday, May 20 Launch Your Dream Business: Life After Government — 'You've dedicated your career to government service. Your commitment and expertise go beyond job titles — past, present and future. Whether you're exploring new career paths, considering entrepreneurship, or thinking about consulting, your expertise has value in more ways than one. Join SCORE, Arlington County's BizLaunch, Arlington Employment Center, and Arlington Public Library to learn the key elements you need to have and the many low-cost services available to you.' Hosted by Arlington Economic Development. Tech Ecosystem Conference — 'The About That Life Tech Ecosystem Conference, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, is exclusively for young adults ages 18-24 who live in Wilmington, Delaware and are under/unemployed (earning less than $40k annually), not enrolled in college or a tech training program, not enlisted in the military, and are looking to build a better future for themselves. The goal of the conference is to develop a motivated group of Aspiring Tech Professionals and ensure they have the tools and access to training to succeed in Delaware's tech ecosystem. This free-of-cost one-day event features inspiring guest speakers, panel discussions and tech industry conversations, life skills workshops, resource booths, networking opportunities, refreshments, and much more!' Hosted by Tech Council of Delaware. Wednesday, May 21 PCI Ventures Office Hours with Bhavana Mohanraj (Virtual) — 'Meet virtually with a member of the PCI Ventures team to discuss your business questions on topics ranging from company formation and legal agreements to benefits and insurance.' Hosted by Penn Center for Innovation. Wednesday, May 28 TEDCO's Investment Open Forum — 'Come to the Open Forum to discuss topics related to venture capital investing and learn more about the TEDCO Investment Funds.' Hosted by TEDCO. PCI Ventures Office Hours with Melisa Lopez-Anton (Virtual) — 'Meet virtually with a member of the PCI Ventures team to discuss your business questions on topics ranging from company formation and legal agreements to benefits and insurance.' Hosted by Penn Center for Innovation. Thursday, May 29 Virtual Rocket Pitch + Power Networking by CONNECTpreneur — 'CONNECTpreneur Virtual Rocket Pitch events are the World's Largest investor pitch events, with the greatest number of accredited investors, VCs, private investors and angels. This will be our 131st event (65th Virtual) over the last 14 years. CONNECTpreneur is a bi-monthly networking mashup that has been attended by 30,000+ business leaders over the past 14 years. Our events are cited as 'The Best Networking Events in the MidAtlantic' by independent media as well as over 70% of surveyed past attendees.' Hosted by CONNECTpreneur with partnership from NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers. Online Digital Safety and Content Moderation: Developing Frameworks in the EU, UK, and US — 'We will discuss the continuing focus of governments and regulatory agencies globally on the new era of 'active' online digital safety and content moderation, including analysis of changes in law and regulation that will impact technology industry stakeholders around the world.' Hosted by Morgan Lewis. Maximizing IP in Challenging Times — 'As we navigate the complexities of 2025, staying ahead in intellectual property law means understanding both the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving regulations and technological advancements. Join us for a panel discussion featuring Ballard Spahr's very own Brian LaCorte, Andrea Stone, and Drew Hensley. Andrea and Drew, both seasoned patent lawyers, will delve into strategies for protecting and monetizing your IP assets and offer invaluable insights into the latest government changes impacting IP.' Hosted by Ballard Spahr. Friday, May 30 Founders Q&A with Anthony Millin — 'An open session for founders to ask serial entrepreneur, venture capital partner, startup attorney, and Founder of NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers Anthony Millin questions about launching and growing a company.' Hosted by NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers.


Technical.ly
02-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Arlington Economic Development
Meet Arlington Economic Development Arlington Economic Development's mission is to cultivate a sustainable, inclusive economy that supports innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term growth. AED delivers value by connecting businesses with the resources, talent and infrastructure they need to thrive — fueling Arlington's position as a premier hub for tech and forward-thinking industries. Over the years, AED has played a pivotal role in transforming Arlington into a thriving hub for technology and innovation by leveraging its strategic proximity to Washington, D.C., fostering partnerships with federal agencies, attracting Amazon's HQ2 and supporting initiatives like the Arlington Innovation Fund. Through a combination of top-tier talent from institutions like Virginia Tech, vibrant business districts and forward-thinking programs that reduce barriers for startups, AED has cultivated an environment where entrepreneurs, investors and established tech firms can collaborate and grow. AED serves as a pivotal resource in the tech and startup ecosystem, offering programs like the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF), which supports initiatives to bolster the local tech landscape. Additionally, AED's BizLaunch program delivers comprehensive support to small businesses through personalized counseling, marketing assistance, and educational workshops. readers can engage with AED through various avenues: • Key tech events: We host and sponsor a wide variety of tech events from DC Startup & Tech Week to female founders' series. • Innovation Ecosystem Newsletter: Sign up for periodic announcements of news and events tailored to startup founders, resource partners and those interested in Arlington's innovation ecosystem. • AIF Sponsorships: If you're working on an event that could add value to the regional innovation ecosystem, we invite you to connect with us.


Technical.ly
02-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Meet these 10 ecosystem leaders and more at the Technical.ly Builders Conference
Philly Tech Week 2025 is right around the corner, and that means it's once again time for the Builders Conference. The annual gathering of entrepreneurship and innovation leaders is bigger and better than ever this year, with two days of insightful discussions and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers from 20+ states. The first day, May 8, is focused on Ecosystem Storytelling, and will take place at the Science History Institute. May 9, the conference will be at the Comcast Technology Center with conversations will be around Economic Mobility. Read on to learn about some of the partners you'll find at the event, and check out the full list of speakers and sessions on the registration page. May 8 — Ecosystem Storytelling Vanessa Chan, University of Pennsylvania Who: 'Vanessa Chan is an accomplished entrepreneur, angel investor, speaker and educator renowned for her expertise in commercializing technologies. She is the inaugural Vice Dean of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania's Engineering School and the Jonathan & Linda Brassington Professor of Practice. In 2021, Dr. Chan was appointed by President Biden to serve as the Chief Commercialization Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy and the Director of the Office of Technology Transitions.' Session: Discussion: The State of Ecosystem Storytelling (9:45 a.m.) Tammi Thomas, TEDCO Who: 'As TEDCO's Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Tammi Thomas is responsible for the overall strategic direction, execution and management of TEDCO's marketing and fundraising strategies. Her leadership is instrumental towards the organization's success in identifying, investing in, and growing Maryland-based technology and life science-based start-ups. Tammi is an award-winning communicator with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, technology, economic development, higher education, and entrepreneurship.' Session: Ecosystem Building is a Job Now: Organizing, Connecting & Storytelling (10:30 a.m.) Tally Wolff, Arlington Economic Development Who: 'Tally Wolff is the Startup Ecosystem Manager at Arlington Economic Development, where she runs the Arlington Innovation Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting and growing the region's startup ecosystem. She's spent her career helping entrepreneurs thrive, starting at Ashoka, launching a social enterprise accelerator in Columbus (SEA Change), and later running programs at the edtech startup WeThrive. Most recently, she's helped nontraditional talent break into tech through coding bootcamps like Generation USA and Tech Elevator.' Session: Remote vs. Hybrid for Startups: Recruiting & Ecosystem Engagement (10:30 a.m.) Jason Bannon, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Who: 'Jason Bannon believes in the power of good stories to build meaningful connections. He leads marketing and communications for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, bringing more than 20 years of brand marketing experience in for-profit and non-profit businesses to the role. A Temple University graduate and native to Greater Philadelphia, his experience with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania advocated for the growth of Greater Philadelphia and its tech, life sciences, and innovation communities. A veteran of consumer and B2B marketing roles for global and regional brands, he proudly spreads the word that Philadelphians have, can, and will continue to change the world.' Session: Ecosystem Storytelling is about People, not just Places (11:30 a.m.) Ben Bartolome, JPMorgan Who: 'Ben Bartolome is a Vice President of Startup Banking at JPMorgan, supporting pre-seed and seed-stage startups in their growth journey from start to exit. Prior to joining JPMorgan, he was the co-founder and CEO of Walkthrough, a Philly-based B2C fintech dedicated to making financial wellness and advice accessible to anyone who needs it. Earlier in his career, he was also a data scientist and quant in the energy space for different hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, and large financial institutions.' Session: Honing Your Pitch: For Sales, Investors & Employees (11:30 a.m.) Anthony George, Ben Franklin Technology Partners Who: 'Anthony George is a Venture Capital Associate for the Tech Investment Group at Ben Franklin Technology Partners where he assists with sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio administration. Prior to joining Ben Franklin in 2021, Anthony held a position at the University of Delaware's Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships. Prior to that role, for nearly a 10-year period, Anthony was involved with the launch, management, and growth of five small businesses in several different industries, including information technology. These businesses achieved nearly $12 million in annual sales in 2019.' Session: VC Roundtables: Telling Your Story to Investors (3:00 p.m.) Kimberly Klayman, Ballard Spahr Who: 'Kimberly W. Klayman is the Practice Leader of the Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Group. Kimberly has broad experience representing privately held emerging companies, as well as venture capital, private equity funds, family offices and corporate venture groups that invest in high growth companies. She works with companies through the entire corporate life cycle, including pre-formation and general corporate counseling, venture capital financings, and mergers and acquisitions. Kimberly also counsels investors and platform companies in strategic acquisitions of high growth companies.' May 9 — Economic Mobility Danae Mobley, 1Philadelphia Who: 'At every age, people are owed the right to acquire knowledge and explore their true potential. Danae's work is centered on being the conduit between what's possible and actualization. For more than two decades, Danae has built a career centered in innovation as an educator-turned-urban planner — turned CEO. She currently sits at the helm as Chief Executive Officer of Coded by, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that equips underrepresented people with the tools needed to either lead or start their own tech or innovation-focused companies. Additionally, she serves as Executive Director of 1Philadelphia — a citywide initiative aimed at establishing Philadelphia as a hub for equitable tech and innovation.' Our emcee for the day! Scott Nissenbaum, Ben Franklin Technology Partners Who: 'Scott Nissenbaum is President, Chief Executive Officer, and member of the Board of Directors at Ben Franklin Technology Partners. He believes that technology can make the world a better place and has dedicated his career to that ideal. Prior to becoming President and CEO at Ben Franklin, Scott served as its Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President, where he led the organization's investment group, a team of 10 investment professionals making seed and early-stage investments across IT, Digital Health, Life Sciences, and Advanced Manufacturing.' Session: Discussion: Case Studies on Entrepreneurship Access (10 a.m.) Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown, Accenture Who: 'Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown serves as the Senior Manager of Operations and Strategic Programs at Accenture, overseeing operations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Her role is crucial in enhancing connections with the local business community, managing operations, and fostering collaborative opportunities for social impact. She leads the Philadelphia Apprentice Network, engaging apprentices, employers, and partners to promote skill-building and career advancement. Additionally, she is a member of the Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs and serves on the Board of Directors for Philadelphia Works.'