In April 2013, Early Education Business Consultants were featured in an article from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce website. The article, under an occasional section called "The Business of Early Education," was titled "SBDC's Efforts Honored with National Award ," and opened with:
The efforts of Virginia Beach Economic Development and the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads were honored with an Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Award at the Alliance for Innovation's Transforming Local Government Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 10-12. Warren Harris, Virginia Beach Director of Economic Development, accepted the Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Award for GrowSmart, an early childhood education program recognized for its impact on the future workforce and the economic vitality of the City.