The RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Danville, VA will include networking opportunities and breakout sessions featuring amazing speakers to support entrepreneurs at each stage of business, from ideation to starting, growing, and scaling.

45 MINUTE WORKSHOP

TRACK: ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Learning objectives for this workshop include:

• Understanding the purpose and benefits of eVA for small businesses
• Learning how to create and optimize an eVA vendor profile
• Navigating search functions to identify relevant contracting opportunities
• Accessing resources and training within the eVA platform

Description:

Participants will be provided with an overview of eVA and will be guided through registering, finding opportunities, and using eVA’s tools to connect with buyers and better position their businesses for success.

Workshop Presenter: Kathy Deacon, Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (SBSD), Business Services Manager, Southwest Virginia

Prerequisites: None

Notes for Attendees: For businesses interested in procurement opportunities with the Commonwealth of Virginia

Kathy Deacon serves as the Business Services Manager for Southwest Virginia at the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). In this role, she champions the growth and success of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators by facilitating access to education, resources, and opportunities within Virginia’s SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned) procurement program and the broader state contracting system. 

Kathy brings a wealth of experience in economic development, having held leadership positions across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Kathy is a small business owner herself, and understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering others to build and sustain successful ventures across the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.