LET’S TALK BUSINESS

5:30 – 5:45 PM | Welcome & Networking (15 minutes)

• Arrival and informal networking
• Food available (hors d’oeuvres / light dinner)
• Participants connect across sectors

5:45 – 5:55 PM | Opening Remarks (10 minutes) – Alfreda Reynolds, Director of Economic Development, Brunswick County

• Welcome and local context
• Importance of entrepreneurship to the local economy
• Framing the purpose of the event

5:55 – 6:05 PM | Setting the Stage (10 minutes) – RISE Team

• Overview of RISE and regional efforts
• Goals for the evening
• How this connects to future opportunities (including RISE Accelerator)

6:05 – 6:30 PM | Entrepreneur Spotlight & Storytelling (25 minutes)

• 2 to 3 local entrepreneurs share their experiences (include traded sector/target industry)
• Focus on real challenges, opportunities, and support gaps
• Optional: brief film clip from Bottom Line film by Rudy’s Girl Media

6:30 – 7:00 PM | Small Group Discussions (30 minutes)
Facilitated table conversations with a mix of entrepreneurs and resource providers

Discussion prompts may include:

• What is working well for entrepreneurs in this community?
• Where are the biggest challenges or gaps?
• What resources, connections, or support are missing or underutilized?
• Where can we better align or collaborate?

7:00 – 7:20 PM | Group Share-Out & Key Takeaways (20 minutes)

• Each group shares top insights
• Facilitator highlights common themes and opportunities
• Capture ideas for follow-up and action

7:20 – 7:30 PM | Next Steps & Closing (10 minutes) – RISE Team

• Ways to stay engaged:
• RISE Accelerator (participants, mentors, B2B service providers)
• Ongoing RISE programming and events
• Upcoming local or regional events 
• Appreciation to partners and attendees
• Door prize drawing (must be present to win)
• Encourage continued connection after the event