Staff from Qantm Creative, a Norfolk-based marketing agency, have spent months providing constructive feedback to students and teachers at the Entrepreneurship & Business Academy (EBA) at Kempsville High School.
Student teams are refining their product concepts and developing professional-level pitches for the academy’s annual pitch night competition held May 13. During breakout sessions with all the competing teams, professionals from Qantm Creative shared insight into digital marketing, advertising, branding and public relations. They also provided professional headshots for the students.
From bold ideas to real-world execution, students gained firsthand experience from industry professionals in a dynamic, creative environment.
Qantm CEO Nicole Newsome and Creative Director Jay Spiegel serve as mentors to two student teams, offering ongoing guidance to help strengthen both the products and the presentation strategies. They worked closely with marketing teacher Julia Dieter and technology teacher Sarah Smith.
“Mentoring the students at Kempsville High School has been an incredibly rewarding experience for the Qantm Creative team. These young entrepreneurs aren’t just coming up with ideas; they are building brands with a level of passion and professional curiosity that rivals what we see in the industry every day.
“Our goal was to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution, but seeing their growth, from initial concepts to confident, polished pitches, and even prototypes, reminds us why it’s so vital to invest in the next generation of creative leaders right here in Hampton Roads.”
EBA teacher Julia Dieter said the partnership with Qantm Creative has been transformative for students.
“Having professionals like Nicole Newsome and Jay Spiegel invest their time, expertise, and mentorship has elevated our students’ work far beyond the classroom.” Dieter said. “They’re not only developing stronger businesses and more polished pitches, but also gaining confidence, industry insight, and a clearer vision of what’s possible for their futures. We are incredibly grateful for the meaningful role Qantm has played in shaping our students’ growth and exposing them to real-world expectations in such an authentic and inspiring way.”
Three ways to get involved:
- Attend IncubatorEdu Pitch Night, Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Kempsville High School! The doors open at 4 p.m., event begins at 5 p.m. Join us for an exciting evening as our Entrepreneurship & Business Academy students take the stage for Pitch Night, presenting their innovative business ideas to a panel of industry experts — for a chance to earn funding! Hosted by local entrepreneur Bruce Thompson, this high-energy event showcases the creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. This event is FREE and open to the public! Reserve your tickets here.
- Become a mentor or volunteer at VBCPS! Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities, or contact our Office for Opportunity and Achievement for information about mentorships.
- Learn more about the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy and other, exciting academies and advanced programs for VBCPS students. Click here for more information.
