FOSTER ENTREPRENEURIAL & CREATIVE GROWTH

Start Peninsula helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through mentorship, networking and funding opportunities. The pitch competition, hosted by the city of Newport News, in partnership with the cities of Hampton, Williamsburg, Poquoson, and James City and York counties, has been held annually since 2012.

1-year memberships to the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, the York County Chamber of Commerce, and the Retail Alliance

20 hours of consulting from the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center

10 hours of project management assistance and consulting with the Crim Dell Small Business Network

Bonilla Pet Studio

Bonilla Pet Studio became a Launchpad member in 2021. They have a pet photography studio in Norfolk and wanted to open a second location in Williamsburg. They became a Launchpad member to benefit from mentorship opportunities and to get assistance with the process of scaling up and growing. They heard about Start Peninsula through Launchpad, competed in the September Start Peninsula Micro Pitch, earned a spot as a finalist, and then won the Championship Pitch Event in November 2021.

They celebrated the grand opening of their second location on Dec. 4, 2021.

What is attractive about current entrepreneurial growth in the City?

We were determined to open a studio because the demand was high. We talked to a lot of businesses, and they were all happy to be in the City and had been open for many years.

What tools are available to you within the City that you found unique or compelling for your business vision?

We have participated in many educational opportunities... also in Start Peninsula, initially in the micro pitch competition, and then as the first place winner in 2021. Erin was also a member of BNI and participated in William & Mary's LaunchPad program. She is now participating and volunteering her time with W&M's MBA students on one of their research programs.

BUSINESS FOCUS: Families with pets. We capture the bond between families and their love for their fur babies.

FIND US ONLINE: bonillapetstudio.com

What do you love about working and living in the greater Williamsburg area?

We absolutely love the City and love to call Williamsburg our new home. We feel that everyone was happy to have us, and our business is doing well due to the support of the local community and, of course, from our beloved customers.