Try Sefton Coffee’s caffeinated sips. “We roast in-house, make all our flavorings, and source directly from a single-family business for our beans.” | Photo by RICtoday
In honor of Small Biz Week, we asked local entrepreneurs to share their must-try experiences + products so you can get a head start on your visit.
Take their word for it
Portal Therapy | Wellness + mindfulness
“A sound bath. Elise Kindya, our founder, holds space for regular small-group sound baths to help clients regulate their nervous system and take a time out from the chaos of the world.”
Goodrich Gourmet Catering Company | Event catering
“Our succulent beef brisket and herb roasted chicken — pure comfort food cooked perfectly.”
Quarry | Creative classes + workshops
“The one-day experience that energizes their curiosity the most! But I will say that our collage club got so popular that we started calling it ‘Collage Cult.’”
Sign up for a cozy, creative workshop with Quarry, first founded in 2023. | Photo by Bird Cox
Support local, shop local
Want even more ways to explore RVA’s small biz scene? Here’s some lightning-round picks:
Which Way to the Stage | Thursday, May 8-Saturday, May 17 | Times vary | Robert B. Moss Theatre | $50 | This emotive comedy production explores the friendship, ambitions, and dreams of two Broadway superfans.
Friday, May 9
Friday Cheers | 6 p.m. | Brown’s Island | $10+ | Rock out to Bully and Rikki Rakki at this fan-favorite outdoor concert series.
Loving v. Virginia | Friday, May 9-Sunday, May 11 | Times vary | Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center | $22+ | Whether you’re an opera fan or simply appreciate compelling human stories, you won’t want to miss this production at one of Richmond’s premier venues.
Saturday, May 10
Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival | Saturday, May 10 + Sunday, May 11 | 3-7 p.m. | Pine Camp Arts Center | Free, $10 suggested donation | This weekend event will feature talks from illustrious writers, live music + dance performances, a special Mother’s Day presentation, and a curated array of books for guests to browse and buy.
Richmond Ivy vs. Virginia Beach United | 6 p.m. | City Stadium | $15+ | Join the excitement at the Ivy’s first soccer match of the season + arrive early for happy hour, giveaways, and a prime spot in the stands.*
Put your business in front of thousands of daily readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
This month, we launched our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide to showcase gifts that say I appreciate you to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends.
While we’ve already filled all our slots ahead of Mother’s Day, we’ve opened up a few more for Father’s Day.
Whether your business offers a neat product, one-of-a-kind gift, or unique service that could be enjoyed by a father figure — we want to feature it. Secure your spot by Friday, May 23.
Starting Tuesday, May 13, two VMFA galleries will temporarily close due to construction — Mid to Late 20th-Century Art + Art Deco and Art Nouveau. See what’s in store for the museum’s $261 million expansion project. In the meantime, you can still experience the iconic Frida Kahlo exhibit.
Sports
VCU men’s basketball star Max Shulga is heading to Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine, beginning on Sunday, May 11. What is the draft combine? An week-long, invitational event where standout athletes undergo tests, interviews, and drills for draft scouting. Tune into ESPN for coverage + updates.
Cause
Nonprofit Studio Two Three is throwing a 2000s-themed party to help raise funds after losing a major grant. “A Dance Party for the End of the World” will take place on Saturday, May 24, so you still have plenty of time to put together yoursnazziest Y2K fit, and snag a ticket.
Community
Working on a home renovation project? A Church Hill couple recently launched a tool-renting program called Ravel Smith Tool Supply, boasting a mission to “build community through affordable access to tools.” Visit the program’s website to make a rental — available for pickup or delivery. (Richmond BizSense)
Fun Fact
“Chicago the Musical” is coming to Richmond from Friday, May 9, through Sunday, May 11. You may have already known that, but did you realize there was a former Richmonder in the cast? Faith Jordan Candino’s career traces back to the River City, and now she returns for a national Broadway tour. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Community
Virginia Physicians for Women is partnering with Sylvia’s Sisters to fight period poverty. Donate pads and tampons at the Richmond Ivy game on May 17 or at any VPFW location by May 30. You can also support the cause by shopping their Amazon Wishlist.*
Festival
Looking for a coastal escape? Make your way to Mount Pleasant, SC, for the annual Sweetgrass Festival on Saturday, July 26. Celebrate Gullah Geechee culture, see sweetgrass basket weaving up close, and soak in the charm of the Lowcountry. Plan your trip.*
Stat
$8,000+. That’s how much you could spend if your dog breaks a bone in a car crash, fall, or collision — from wound treatment and x-rays to emergency surgery and aftercare. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% of that cost.*
The Buy
It’s easy to support small businesses across the globe when you shop unique + one-of-a-kind products on Etsy. One of our favorite things to browse is Etsy’s selection of custom artwork. These are five of our favorites:
I’m seeing visions of butterfly clips, denim-on-denim, and baggy cargo shorts. Studio Two Three’s 2000s-themed dance party sounds like a blast + more importantly, a fun and positive way to support a local nonprofit. If you can’t make it to the Y2K bash on Saturday, May 24 — or if dancing in crowds just isn’t your style — consider making a donation to the organization.
Answered
Answered
What’s one local biz that makes you glad to live in RVA?
The submissions are absolutely rolling in. Here are some more small-biz spotlights from our readers:
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