Welcome to The Hub

Welcome to The Hub! This is an online space dedicated to keeping our board members and community partners up to date on the latest and greatest news, events and resources happening across our organization. We know how important it is to make sure you stay connected and are able to access all the information you need to support and promote the work we’re doing in our community. Now you can find it here – all in one convenient place.

Resources

Access strategic plans, meeting agendas, minutes, financial reports, and key updates that shape our work this year. These documents are here to keep you informed, aligned, and empowered to make meaningful contributions to New Hill’s mission. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming meeting or looking to stay up-to-date on our progress, everything you need is just a click away.”

Flavor Catering Hosts UVA Pop-Up

Last week, the Flavor Catering team had the opportunity to showcase their talents through a week-long pop-up at the University of Virginia cafeteria. This collaboration allowed them to serve a curated menu to UVA students, faculty, and staff, providing valuable exposure and experience in a high-volume dining environment. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it served as a strong reminder of the quality and creativity within our BEACON Kitchen community. Opportunities like this not only elevate the work of our food entrepreneurs, but also demonstrate the growing interest in supporting locally rooted, Black-led food businesses.

We’re working hard to advance our mission and appreciate your support along the way!

From new community partners, to major developments with projects and new programs, this fireside chat is a monthly video series designed specifically for our board members, highlighting the top five things you need to know about the incredible work New Hill is doing every month. Click this link to catch up on previous installments.

Monthly Fireside Chat

SchoolBitez Website Refresh

In preparation for the upcoming school year, the SchoolBitez landing page has been redesigned to better align with BEACON’s branding and to elevate the program’s public presence.

This update is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the visibility, credibility, and overall experience of SchoolBitez as we continue to grow the program and reach more families in the year ahead.

We look forward to sharing additional updates as we roll out improvements for the new school year.

Major Event Highlight

Up to $960,000 from Governor Abigail Spanberger

We are thrilled to announce we’ve been awarded a grant for up to $960,000 from Governor Abigail Spanberger, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the USDA. This capital allows us to complete renovations on the BEACON Exchange, our retail storefront, without the burden of debt and explore mobile refrigeration to connect our chefs directly with local farmers.We are thrilled to announce we’ve been awarded a grant for up to $960,000 from Governor Abigail Spanberger, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the USDA. This capital allows us to complete renovations on the BEACON Exchange, our retail storefront, without the burden of debt and explore mobile refrigeration to connect our chefs directly with local farmers.

A New Investment in Economic Mobility

The Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation has made another significant investment of $300,000 in our work. We are honored to partner with a foundation that shares our commitment to building a resilient local economy.

A Gift from BAMA Works

A huge thank you to BAMA Works, the legendary Dave Matthews Band, for their generous $300,000 gift to our organization. Thank you for standing with us as we build a stronger, more equitable Charlottesville.

BEACON Flavor Catering is coming to UVA this Summer

Something is cooking at UVA and it’s us! This summer, BEACON Flavor Catering is moving into a permanent spot on UVA’s grounds at Newcomb Hall. This location will serve as a high-visibility go-to spot for fresh-made meals and local products, bringing the unique flavors of our entrepreneurs directly to students and staff.

Fueling the Next Generation

Through a partnership with LunchLink, we are now providing fresh, locally-prepared meals to students at The Covenant School at their Birdwood campus. This expansion not only serves the community but provides a consistent, scalable revenue stream for our kitchen. This service compliments our existing program with SchoolBitez, where we provide lunch to students who don’t have a cafeteria on campus at Peabody, Charlottesville Day School, and Mountaintop Montessori. If you know of any other schools in need lunch services please reach out and let us know. 

Member Spotlight

Congrats to Penny’s Imperfect Pizza for securing a $24,930 investment. This was made possible through an AFID Infrastructure Grant and a full match from Albemarle County.

Penny’s has been growing right here at BEACON. This is exactly why we do what we do at New Hill. When we provide the space and the tools, our entrepreneurs do the rest.

Major Event Highlight

Daps & Donations

A little giving went a long way

Our Daps N Donations event with the University of Virginia’s Black Alumni was an incredible opportunity to network and share New Hill’s mission and vision with the community. Here’s a video recap of the event in case you missed it!

New Hill In The News

Council reallocates another $90K in federal funds to BEACON kitchen

The City of Charlottesville’s approach to the use of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development….

New Hill Development Receives City Contribution

Recently, the Office of Economic Development presented New Hill Development Corporation a $500,000 check as part of the city’s commitment….

Check us out in Vinegar Hill Magazine

New Hill Development Corporation got its start from a series of conversations about the history and future of Black wealth….

BEACON BLOG IS LIVE!

New Hill Development Corporation got its start from a series of conversations about the history and future of Black wealth….

Council holds first reading of $500K payment to New Hill for BEACON kitchen

Tonight, Council will have the second reading of a proposal to give half a million to a nonprofit organization outside….
CEO yolunda

A new hill to build on Envisioning a future for Black business in Charlottesville

New Hill Development Corporation got its start from a series of conversations about the history and future of Black wealth….

Will you be joining us?

The following events are happening this month and we would love for you to come out and join us!