Program Director

Program Director

Location: Portsmouth, VA Employer: Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Reports To: Executive Director, Hampton Roads SBDC Worksite: Bloom Coworking (Portsmouth Partnership)

Position Overview

The Hampton Roads SBDC, in partnership with the Portsmouth Partnership and Bloom Coworking, seeks a Program Director to manage entrepreneurial programming and key economic development initiatives in Portsmouth. This role designs, implements, and oversees outcome-driven programs that support small businesses, accelerate growth, and contribute to commercial revitalization.

The Program Director serves as a strategic connector between the SBDC, Bloom Coworking members, the Portsmouth Partnership, and regional partners to ensure programming is aligned, responsive, and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

Bloom Coworking Programming

Plan, develop, and deliver educational and professional development programming for Bloom Coworking. Manage programs end-to-end, including planning, execution, timelines, and follow-up. Conduct member intake meetings to assess business goals and tailor programming to identified needs.

Economic Development Initiatives (up to and including)

· Unlocking Capital Program (Main Street USA): Support efforts to reduce commercial vacancies by assisting property owners and matching viable businesses to available spaces.

· Retail Accelerator Program: Evaluate and mentor participating businesses preparing for brick-and-mortar locations.

· Capital Access Program: Coordinate connections to lenders, capital providers, and financial readiness resources.

· Health Accelerator Program: Oversee programming for health, wellness, and health-related startups.

Strategic Alignment

Establish program goals aligned with Portsmouth Partnership priorities and SBDC objectives. Assess programming effectiveness and identify opportunities for enhancement or expansion.

Business Advising

Deliver technical assistance to individual businesses as well as develop and deliver group seminars.

Outcome Tracking & Reporting

Track participation, engagement, and measurable outcomes. Prepare reports for SBDC leadership, the Portsmouth Partnership, and funding partners. Use data to inform program improvements and demonstrate impact.

Partnership & Stakeholder Coordination

Serve as liaison among the SBDC, Portsmouth Partnership, Bloom Coworking, and community partners. Maintain strong relationships to support entrepreneurial growth and commercial revitalization.

Expected Outcomes

· High-quality programming aligned with entrepreneur and community needs.

· Increased participation in accelerator and capital access pathways.

· Improved activation of underutilized commercial spaces.

· Strong coordination between SBDC services and local economic development efforts.

· Clear reporting demonstrating program impact and ROI.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in business, economic development, public administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).

· 3–5 years of experience in program management, economic development, or small business support.

· Strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills.

· Experience tracking outcomes and preparing reports.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with accelerators, coworking spaces, or entrepreneurship programs.

· Demonstrated support to small businesses via marketing, financial, operations expertise.

· Familiarity with capital access, lending readiness, or commercial revitalization.