Debra Hamilton Farley serves as the Associate Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center. Debra assists clients who desire to start a new business or who need assistance in further development of an existing business. The main concerns of the center are to assist in increasing and maintaining growth through economic development within the Hampton Roads Area. Debra has been with the Hampton Roads Small Development Center for over 32 years.
Debra’s approach to sharing information is demand driven during both one-on-one and group settings. Her passion to assist in sustainability allows her to deliver the most accurate, useful, and effective information possible, thereby increasing the client’s ability to reach their goals.
Her many skill sets include: business & time management; excellent customer service; business development; goal setting; ability to coach in accounting and develop and understand cash flow projections. Debra has been awarded Minority Advocate of the Year, VASBDC State Star, Women in Business Achievement Award, as well as a host of additional plaques, certificates, and certifications. After receiving her Associates Degree in Business Administration, Debra graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. She then completed a Masters’ Program in Global Management from Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
On a personal note, Debra is originally from Macon, GA and has called Hampton Roads her home for almost 33 years. She loves to discover new menu favorites at restaurants in the area and explore beautiful sites throughout Hampton Roads. Debra enjoys spending time with her husband, three daughters, and two granddaughters. She loves the diversity of the various cities, counties, and neighborhoods and that there is always something exciting to do in Hampton Roads!