757 BLD > A Program of 757 Collab

Turn real business problems into launchable solutions.

BLD is 757 Collab’s venture-building program.

Through hands-on collaboration, team formation, technical talent, and real-world problem solving, BLD gives aspiring founders and early-stage builders a structured place to move from ideas to action.

Apply to Build Weekend

For DOnors

What is BLD?

BLD is where ideas become tangible.

Build Weekend is the flagship activation inside BLD, but the program is bigger than one event. BLD is a long-term venture-building pathway designed to help people form teams, build solutions, and create startup momentum in Hampton Roads.

The Approach

Are you a good fit?

BLD is built for people who are ready to create, not just talk about ideas.

Technical talent looking to build meaningful solutions

Business-minded individuals looking for technical collaborators

Aspiring founders ready to test an idea

Early-stage founders looking for momentum

Builders, makers, and operators who want to work on real problems

Collaborators ready to move from concept to execution

Apply Now

INSIDE THE PROGRAM:

Work on real-world challenges

Form teams with complementary skills

Build prototypes, MVPs, or launchable concepts

Connect with mentors, founders, and ecosystem partners

Gain clarity on the next step for their idea or venture

Create momentum that can continue through the broader 757 Collab ecosystem

BLD helps people move from “I have an idea” to “we built something real.”

Build Weekend

Build Weekend is the flagship entry point into BLD.

It brings together builders, founders, technical talent, and operators for an intensive venture-building experience focused on creating real solutions in a short period of time.

Participants do not just attend. They build.

They collaborate, test ideas, form teams, develop solutions, and present what they have created.

Build Weekend is one of the clearest expressions of BLD’s mission: turning promising people and real problems into startup momentum.

Solutions Developed

People Attended

$0K+

Prizes Awarded

Microsoft Programming at 757 BLD WKND

757 Accelerate Pitch Event Katy Schuck Reelist

Final Pitch at 757 BLD WKND

Eddikson Peña AI Architect | AI Engineer

"BLD WKND stood out as a rare environment where builders, thinkers, and operators were all aligned around actually creating not just talking. It brought together a highly motivated group of people in Norfolk who are genuinely interested in pushing forward ideas, especially in areas like AI and emerging technology.

What made it valuable was the combination of energy and intent. It gave people an outlet to collaborate, experiment, and build alongside others who share the same drive to innovate. That kind of space is needed it accelerates ideas, creates real connections, and helps turn concepts into something tangible."

Tim Masterson Principal Architect of Streaming for Paramount+ and Pluto

"Every time I do a build weekend I learn new things that I end up taking back to my day to day work. Also it’s a good chance make new friends with people who actually make things."

Sarah Kirkland Senior Associate Vice President for Corporate Partnerships at Old Dominion University

"Partnering with 757 Collab on BLD WKND was a tremendous experience. Their team brings incredible energy, organization, and a true commitment to community-driven innovation.

At Old Dominion University, we are proud to support initiatives like this that inspire entrepreneurship, connect talent to opportunity, and help shape a stronger, more innovative future for our region."

"757 Collab connected us as founders, introduced us to mentors, provided structured programming that helped us refine our thoughts and focus our efforts."

Katy Schuck

Co-Founder, Reelist

"The Collab helped us prepare our business for scale. We are truly ready for national expansion and were given a support system of mentors and resources to make it happen."

Megan Riggs Founder, Crunchy Hydration

757 Accelerate Startup Requirements:

At least one full-time founder on the team

Willing to travel to Norfolk VA for 2 weeks

Products are innovative and disruptive

Scalable solutions with high-growth potential

Ready to Build Something Real?