Norfolk is an independent city, incorporated in 1736, whose motto is: “Thou shalt grow.” The largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, is located in Norfolk. Joseph Jenkins Roberts, born and raised in Norfolk, became the first President of Liberia.
Nauticus, the National Maritime Center, opened on the downtown waterfront of Norfolk in 1994. It features hands-on exhibits, interactive theaters, aquaria, digital high-definition films and an extensive variety of educational programs.
The City of Norfolk always embraces cultural equality, diversity, inclusion, equity and has many historic business-friendly neighborhoods. The City of Norfolk is rolling out their favorite “Welcome to Norfolk” and their “Glad You’re Here!” inspiring Norfolk welcome mats to new entrepreneurs, new startups, business founders, new residents and many value-added local businesses.
In the spirit of many enterprising early settlers, local Norfolk entrepreneurs have created many jobs and business opportunities in the city. With the help of local business leaders, the demand for startup ventures and the need for more goods and services has ignited the spirit of business ownership in the local Norfolk community.