What’s Better than a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich?

Collaboration!

This spring Bloom joined forces with Percolator to create a joint series collaboration. Something that can bring Norfolk and Portsmouth together, redefine the Elizabeth River as a road instead of a barrier, and unite the business community and entrepreneurs with resources to thrive…and so, the Percolator-Bloom Joint Sessions, now known as “PBJ’s”, was born. We’re working together to bring quality workshops, seminars, and networking events to you.

Our first collaboration was a Pitch Competition. Over the course of the last three months we’ve met every other week with each coworking space opening up their doors to inspiring start-ups and dreamers. Session after session, we were blown away by the imagination and ingenuity of the entrepreneurs.

In these sessions, I have been moved by ideas, creativity, and problem solving solutions, but mostly I’m astounded by the connections that have been made. I’ve had the thought again and again, this is what community means. This is what it is to believe in the people of our region, to believe in their passions and to provide a space for them to be heard, encouraged, supported and nourished, to connect with one another in meaningful ways.

At our last session, one of the visitors cheering on a pitcher,  said, “It’s important that people, especially young people know that there are opportunities available, that’s what I see here.”  We believe everyone needs a seat at the table. In these communities I see a space as inviting, friendly and accessible as a PB&J.

In this cross-pollinating, doors open wider, we listen closer, we see the commonalities that connect us. We find a place for us all to bloom.

Kindra Greene
Community Manager