Jolie Spiers serves as the Vice President of Small Business and Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center. In these two roles, Jolie helps set the conditions for business success in Hampton Roads and provides resources for entrepreneurs to build solid foundations and optimize their capacity. Together, the Chamber and the SBDC are champions of small business at every stage of development from start-up to global expansion.
Jolie’s goal is to raise awareness of the Hampton Roads SBDC – its programs, training, 1:1 business advising, access to financial and market research – and to be the leading champion for small businesses and entrepreneurs in our region. She wants everyone to know that the Chamber and SBDC are here to support your business growth and success!
With a degree in print journalism, Jolie was a freelance writer for many years and loves a compelling story. The small business narrative in Hampton Roads is one of ingenuity, economic development, and quality of life – all of attributes that make our region the best place to be – and she loves getting to share that story every day. Among her previous professional achievements, she is most proud of her work in community rebuilding on the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.
On a personal note, Jolie is originally from Hampton Roads and couldn’t be happier to be back home again after living on the Gulf Coast, in Denver and New York. She loves exploring the places and spaces that make each locality in Hampton Roads so special, especially its amazing small businesses.