New Opportunities to Join the RISE Team
We are excited to share new opportunities to join the RISE team. If you are passionate about building a stronger, more connected ecosystem to support entrepreneurs, we hope you’ll consider joining the RISE team.
Volunteer Roles
Volunteer roles are unpaid opportunities to give your time and talent to building a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Virginia. RISE Ambassadors gain recognition and visibility as leaders in their local entrepreneurship ecosystem. They may be featured in RISE communications, receive certificates of recognition, and are invited to participate in the annual RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs. For those who want to make a difference without a heavy time commitment, the Ambassador and Advisory Committee roles each offer a way to plug in, support entrepreneurs, and ensure your local community has a voice in regional entrepreneurship efforts.
RISE Ambassador
The RISE Ambassador role is a volunteer opportunity for individuals who are passionate about entrepreneurship and want to play a visible part in strengthening their local ecosystem.
Ambassadors are community champions who share information about RISE programs, encourage entrepreneurs to get connected, and help build excitement about Southern Virginia as a place to start and grow a business.
Ambassadors are engaged through an optional orientation session and invited to join monthly coordination calls where they can share updates, learn about upcoming events, and connect with other Ambassadors across the region. They play an important role in spreading the word about programs, encouraging peers to participate, and shining a spotlight on local entrepreneur stories.
Ambassadors are also encouraged to support or host local ecosystem-building activities — like networking meetups, panel discussions, or classroom visits — and may request reimbursement for pre-approved costs such as refreshments, room rental, or outreach materials. They may also contribute photos, testimonials, or short write-ups to help RISE highlight entrepreneurship in their communities
RISE Entrepreneur Advisory Committee Member
RISE Entrepreneur Advisory Committee Members provide input and perspective to guide the RISE initiative and strengthen entrepreneurship across Southern Virginia. Members commit to attending 4–6 meetings per year (virtual or in-person) and serving as a voice for the entrepreneurial community.
Key responsibilities include:
- Sharing feedback on programs, services, and ecosystem needs from an entrepreneur’s perspective.
- Helping shape strategies and priorities to better serve startups and small businesses in the region.
- Acting as a liaison between RISE and the broader entrepreneur community by sharing opportunities and encouraging participation.
We are looking for RISE Entrepreneur Advisory Committee Members from each locality in the RISE service region, in a variety of industries and business stages. While entrepreneurs of all types are needed, preference will be given to entrepreneurs with experience in traded sector, target industries advanced manufacturing, IT and technology, agriculture (including controlled-environment ag), professional services, and medical manufacturing.
Ready to Volunteer with RISE?
To express interest in the RISE Ambassador and/or Entrepreneur Advisory Committee role, please send a statement of interest to Lauren Mathena, RISE Program Director at lauren.mathena@sovainnovationhub.com.
Paid Contractor Roles
RISE Navigator
The RISE Navigator role is an independent contractor designed for individuals who are passionate about building networks, connecting entrepreneurs to resources, and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Southern Virginia.
Navigators act as bridge-builders: they expand awareness of RISE programs, network with entrepreneurs, and create pathways to resources that support business growth.
Navigators prioritize traded-sector businesses and target industries — including advanced manufacturing, IT and technology, agriculture (including controlled-environment ag), professional services, and medical manufacturing. By focusing on these sectors, Navigators help ensure that RISE resources are directed toward industries with the greatest potential for regional impact.
As part of their work, Navigators generate qualified referrals to RISE programs, provide follow-up communications that connect entrepreneurs with relevant resources, and contribute regularly to the RISE B2B/Resource Database. They also attend a minimum number of ecosystem events each month to stay visible and expand their networks, while supporting major activities such as the annual RISE Summit.
Storytelling is another important part of the Navigator role. Navigators contribute photos, testimonials, and success stories to help RISE highlight entrepreneurship in local communities through its blog, newsletters, and social media channels. These stories capture both the diversity of entrepreneurs in the region and the impact of ecosystem-building activities.
This is a 1099 independent contractor role with a monthly base retainer tied to minimum deliverables, plus additional pay for delivering workshops, speaking engagements, and other contributions beyond the base. Navigators provide their own equipment, manage their own schedules, and work independently, with light coordination through monthly calls and reporting.
RISE Ecosystem Builder
The RISE Ecosystem Builder role is a project-based independent contractor opportunity focused on convening local stakeholders to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems in communities across Southern Virginia.
RISE Ecosystem Builders take the lead in planning and delivering Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Forums — one-day events that bring together entrepreneurs, resource providers, civic leaders, banks, and business service providers to map assets, identify gaps, and build stronger connections.
The role follows a structured, three-step process: first, conducting conversations with entrepreneurs and backbone organizations (economic development offices, chambers, SBDC, workforce, higher education, banks); second, convening a planning session with key partners to align on goals and participants; and third, delivering the public-facing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Forum. Each Forum includes entrepreneur storytelling, networking, and group discussions that generate actionable insights for the community.
Ecosystem Builders are responsible for capturing and submitting key deliverables, including attendee lists, event recaps, testimonials, photos, and referrals documented in the RISE system. They also contribute content that can be shared through RISE’s blog, newsletters, and social media to highlight entrepreneurship in each locality.
This is a 1099 project-based role with a flat fee paid per Forum delivered. Contractors set their own methods and schedule, with coordination provided by the RISE Project Director and Program Manager to ensure alignment with program goals and reporting requirements. The role is well-suited for facilitators, community builders, and connectors who enjoy event planning, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling. Ecosystem Builders help ensure that every locality in GO Virginia Region 3 has an opportunity to convene its stakeholders annually and contribute visibly to the regional entrepreneurship movement.
Ready to Work with RISE?
To express interest in the RISE Navigator and/or Ecosystem Builder role, please provide a 1 to 2 page capability statement highlighting your relevant experience, areas of expertise, and qualifactions. You may also attach a resume if you wish. Please email your capability statement and optional resume as a single PDF to: Lauren Mathena, RISE Program Director at lauren.mathena@sovainnovationhub.com.