SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA (July 9, 2025) Suffolk Economic Development’s Small Business Development Manager, Erin Dears, and Amy Parvez, Business Advisor, with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC), are excited to announce the launch of “Playdate for Providers”– a new regional networking event tailored specifically for Family Day Home Providers across Hampton Roads.
The event will take place on Thursday, July 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hub 757 in Suffolk, VA. Admission is free and open to all licensed and aspiring Family Day Home Providers in the region and local supporting organizations.
“Playdate for Providers” aims to build a sense of community, provide access to and share resources, and deliver valuable educational tools and knowledge to help local providers grow and thrive. The event will feature a presentation by Jennifer Cobb, Assistant Director of Community Development for the City of Suffolk. With over 20 years of regulatory experience in Hampton Roads, Jennifer will help to break down the zoning and permitting process for Conditional Use Permits (CUP), a critical step for providers interested in expanding their capacity.
“This event addresses a crucial need for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Family Day Home Providers,” said Erin Dears, who went on to say that she and Amy Parvez’s collaboration began though a mutual connection with Ja’Ron Vanderhall, Child Care Capacity Coordinator with Minus 9 to 5 at Old Dominion University, as they were both working with him on other related projects. Amy Parvez said that our “goal is to create space where providers can connect, ask questions, and leave with actionable insights that strengthen their businesses.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with fellow providers, engage with local support organizations, and learn about additional business development tools and services.
For more information see the attached flyer, to register to attend visit https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=50450090, for any questions contact Amy Parvez at AParvez@hrchamber.com or Erin Dears at edears@suffolkva.us.
