Name of Owner:
The community. Bev Sell, General Manager
Year you opened for business:
2001
How would you describe your business?
The Farm Market of the 21st Century
Briefly describe your typical customer.
Concerned and passionate about what goes into their bodies
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her?
That we are open all year. People need good local and regional produce more than just 3 months out of the year.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in your community?
The diversity of our customers. Food is social justice.
What do you enjoy most about doing business is Hampton Roads?
It is ripe with opportunities. It’s not too big or too small but a good starting place.
What challenges do you face as a business owner?
As a small business owner in the City of Norfolk there are old paradigm policies and procedures that stunt the growth of young businesses and innovative ideas. More could be done to nurture and grow small businesses. Creating a designated Small Business District in low to moderate income areas could be a good start.
What’s in store for your business in the future?
Expanding our C.S.A. Subscriptions (Community Supported Agriculture) into Corporate CSA’s, developing more Community Gardens, developing several farm market satellite locals.
What could government do to help small business owners in your business district?
Develop a “Think Tank” of small business owners and potential owners to craft new policies and ideas. Then put them into action. Give small business incentives much like the ones large corporation are privy to.
What is one thing your business district needs?
Although the Five Points Community Farm Market is not in the Five Points business district (we had to move because our landlord raised our rent by 3 times) we feel very strongly that the Sewells Point Business district needs to become a designated Small Business District. Buildings rehabbed at affordable rents, new sidewalks, pedestrian street lights, and incentive package to encourage businesses. Norfolk has great neighborhoods. Each with their own personality. Yet local government is not encouraging or supporting the growth.
