The Metropolitan Business League

💫 Join us in celebrating our next Premier Business Awards finalist, Catina Downey with NES Co****le Lounge , who is nominated for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award!

🎯 Located right in the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, NES Co****le offers a completely unique entertainment and retail experience centered around the fast-growing sport of co****le. What started as an event concept has evolved into a thriving retail store, tournament venue, and bar where customers can test equipment, join leagues, and gather for social events.

🌟 As a former Army officer and a Certified Public Accountant, Catina combines rigorous structure with innovative tech to maximize operational efficiency and elevate the guest experience. Her focus on relationship-building is at the core of her business, which has allowed her to draw loyal customers from across our region and beyond.

🙌 Catina is a passionate believer in shared success. She serves on the Virginia Society of CPAs Board of Directors and dedicates countless volunteer hours to mentoring small businesses. The NES Co****le Lounge has also forged major partnerships with organizations like NASCAR, Papa Johns, and the Virginia Tourism Corporation, helping to keep Williamsburg on the sports tourism map.

Join us in congratulating Catina Downey on this incredible milestone! 👏👏

Thank you to our Premier Business Award Sponsors
Signature Sponsors - Hampton Roads Workforce Council & Virginia Works.
Gold Sponsor - Virginia Peninsula Community College
Award Sponsor - Accent On Travel

Congratulations to our new Member of the Month, DreShawn Hawthorne, Owner & Founder of DJ King Dre and 1st place winner of the Teens Who Mean Business Shark Tank Competition! 🎉

Read about DreShawn on our website at www.thembl.org/memberofthemonth

Applications for the Amplify Program are now OPEN!

Amplify is a six-month, executive-level program equipping Central Virginia's small business owners with resources, training, and mentoring to enhance your skills, grow your business, and empower you to compete in securing contracts with organizations across the region.

Applications open: May 15th - June 12th
Kickoff event: August 4th
Program dates: August 2026 - February 2027

Apply today!

In recognition of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we invite you to join us for the Incredible Men’s Breakfast on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the beautiful new CarMax Park (the Old Diamond).

This inspiring morning will provide an opportunity for men to connect, network, and engage in meaningful conversations surrounding health, wellness, leadership, and community.

Secure your ticket by June 1st to attend! https://members.thembl.org/events/details/incredible-men-s-breakfast-6831

What a REMARKABLE luncheon we had yesterday! 🤩

Thank you to our incredible speakers and attendees for making this event a success!

📣 Member Enrollment & Renewals are Now Open!

Ready to grow your business and expand your network? Now is the perfect time to join the MBL community! Enrollment is officially open for new members through July 31.

As an MBL member, you’ll gain access to valuable resources, business education, networking opportunities, and exclusive member incentives designed to support your business growth and success.

Current members: renew your membership to avoid any interruptions to your member benefits and access.

Have questions about your membership or renewal? Contact our office — we’re happy to help!