Virginia Beach Small Business Week Parade and Awards Ceremony
Virginia Diverse Chamber of Commerce
Celebrates Small Business Excellence in Vibrant Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Parade Walk Celebration & Small Business Awards Ceremony
The sunny skies of Virginia Beach provided a stunning backdrop for the Virginia Diverse Chamber of Commerce 2024 Small Business Week Parade Walk Celebration and Small Business Awards Ceremony at Grommet Island Park. The picturesque setting, with its sandy beaches and sparkling waters, set the stage for a day of community unity and recognition.
On July 23rd, 2024, small businesses from diverse backgrounds paraded proudly along the parade route, displaying their business signs, t-shirts, hats, and banners. Led by the Virginia Diverse Chamber of Commerce, the parade was a vibrant showcase of entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, drawing the attention of both locals and visitors to the area.
The event was made possible with the generous support and partnership of the Virginia Beach Convention and Tourism, whose contributions played a significant role in its success. Their dedication to promoting local businesses and fostering community engagement was instrumental in creating a memorable and impactful experience for all attendees.
Major sponsor, Costal Edge, added to the festivities with their support, contributing to the success of the event.
The Welcome Address by Michael Anderson, the Public Relations Officer of the Virginia Diverse Chamber of Commerce, set the tone for the day, filled with excitement and camaraderie. Ambassador Michelle Augustus led a moving Community Prayer, emphasizing unity and gratitude among participants.
The Vendor Expo on the boardwalk provided a platform for networking and engagement, offering a unique opportunity for small businesses to connect with visitors and locals alike.
After the parade, guests gathered for the Small Business Awards Ceremony, where deserving individuals and businesses were honored for their outstanding contributions. Mayor Robert “Bobby” Dyer of the City of Virginia Beach delivered an inspiring speech, recognizing the vital role that small businesses play in driving the local economy and building a strong sense of community.
The awards ceremony highlighted exceptional individuals and businesses, such as Michelle Augustus, owner of MONJE’S DAY SPA, who received the 2024 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year award. Other recipients included Nicole Henderson, owner of Unstoppable Nicole LLC, honored with the 2024 Nurse-preneur Award, and D Nachnani, owner of Coastal Edge, who received the 2024 Small Minority Business of the Year Award.
Lajune Williams, owner of Midnite Express Food Truck, was celebrated as the 2024 Flavor on Wheels Trailblazer of the Year, while D Nachnani, also the owner of Harygul’s Halloween, was recognized with the 2024 Community Leader Award. These awards underscored the dedication, innovation, and impact of small businesses in the community.
As the event concluded, the sense of celebration and community spirit lingered in the air, a testament to the resilience and creativity of small businesses in Virginia Beach. The Virginia Diverse Chamber of Commerce extends heartfelt thanks to the Virginia Beach Convention and Tourism for their invaluable support and partnership, which helped make the 2024 Small Business Week Parade Walk Celebration and Small Business Awards Ceremony a resounding success.
The event showcased the diversity and vibrancy of the local business community, inspiring all attendees to continue championing and supporting small businesses in the region.