Our Mission

At StartWheel, our mission is to centralize and mobilize efforts that foster the growth of entrepreneurism in our regional innovation economy. We aim to guide and cultivate an entrepreneurial network where talent, resources information and leadership come together.

Building an Innovation Economy

We are building an ecosystem here in HRVA focused on growing, guiding and connecting entrepreneurs in order to build a stronger and more innovative economy in our region.

Inclusivity & Interconnection

It’s time to collectively stand this up and speak with one resounding voice to help draw attention to and streamline these efforts to benefit the entire region: aspiring entrepreneurs, students, employees, and existing businesses alike.

The StartWheel Community

Our ecosystem is comprised of investors, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, mentors, universities/colleges, corporate partners, talent resources, media & marketing partners, culture & community partners and more.

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Executive Director

Tim Ryan
Tim RyanExecutive Director

Board of Directors

Paul Hirshbiel
Paul HirshbielVice Chairman of The Memory Center
Nancy Grden
Nancy GrdenPresident & CEO, Reinvent Hampton Roads
Jeff Johnson
Jeff JohnsonDirector, Tech Center Research Park
Mark Johnson
Mark JohnsonVice President & Community Development Manager, Truist
Erica McMannes
Erica McMannesFounder & Chief People & Community Officer, Instant Teams
Evans McMillion
Evans McMillionExecutive Director 757 Accelerate
John Paris
John ParisPartner, Williams Mullen
A.K. Schultz
A.K. SchultzCo-Founder & CEO SVT Robotics
Jolie Spiers
Jolie SpiersExecutive Director at Small Business Development Center