June is a season for growth, fresh ideas, and taking the next step. Across Southern Virginia, entrepreneurs are launching businesses, exploring new opportunities, and building momentum for the future. Whether you are just getting started or looking to grow an existing business, now is a great time to invest in your skills, expand your network, and connect with resources that can help you move forward.
This month, we are excited to launch new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs through The Startup Playbook: Idea to Income, continue bringing entrepreneurs together through networking and educational events, and share resources designed to help you turn ideas into action. Wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey, RISE is here to help you connect, learn, and grow.
Let’s Talk Business – Brunswick County
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 5:30pm-7:30pm | Brunswick County Conference Center
Join Brunswick County Economic Development and RISE for a conversation about the entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting business growth. Free to attend. Light refreshments provided.
Startup Playbook: Idea to Income
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 5:30pm – 6:30pm | SOVA Innovation Hub
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm | SOVA Innovatin Hub
Have a business idea but not sure what comes next? The Startup Playbook: Idea to Income helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into a clear, actionable path toward business ownership. Through an interactive workshop and optional one-on-one follow-up support, participants will refine their business concept, explore key startup fundamentals, and connect with resources available across Southern Virginia. Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on an early idea, this series is designed to help you move forward with confidence.
Intro to Federal Government Contracting
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 12:00pm – 1:30pm | SOVA Innovation Hub
Interested in doing business with the federal government? Join Margaret Edmond of Virginia APEX Accelerator for a free workshop covering the basics of government contracting, including SAM.gov registration, the federal contracting process, and opportunities for small businesses. Participants will gain a practical introduction to the rules, requirements, and resources needed to pursue federal contract opportunities. Open to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses.
RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup for Entrepreneurs
Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 12pm-1pm | Zoom
The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup brings together entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia for connection and resource sharing.
Mecklenburg Entrepreneur Meetup
Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | R.T. Arnold Public Library
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, farmers, and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Mecklenburg Entrepreneur Meetup. Hosted by RISE and Marilynn Cabiness, these informal gatherings provide an opportunity to build relationships, share ideas, and learn about local and regional resources that support business growth. Whether you’re just getting started or have been in business for years, you’re invited to join the conversation. No registration is required.
Brunswick Entrepreneur Meetups
Friday, June 26, 2026 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | The Story Cafe
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, farmers, and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Brunswick Entrepreneur Meetup. Hosted by RISE and Marilynn Cabiness, these informal gatherings provide an opportunity to build relationships, share ideas, and learn about local and regional resources that support business growth. Whether you’re launching a new venture, growing an existing business, or simply looking to expand your network, you’re invited to join the conversation. No registration is required. Stop by, grab a coffee or a bite to eat from The Story Cafe, and connect with others in the local business community.
RISE Summit
Thursday, August 27, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:30pm | The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
The third annual RISE Summit brings together entrepreneurs for a full day of inspiration, skill-building workshops, and high-impact networking. This year’s focus is Innovation in Business, Manufacturing, and Agriculture, making it a must-attend event for entrepreneurs across industries. Super Early Bird tickets are available now for $45 through June 30, with Early Bird and Regular rates available as the event approaches.
Upcoming Events Hosted by State Agencies
Generating Leads Using eVA – Workshop #2
Wednesday, June 2 and June 17, 2026 | 10am – 12pm | Online
This advanced workshop is the 2nd in the eVA series & focuses on lead generation. This hands-on session explores the public transparency tools available on the eVA website, including the Report & Resource Center and the new “power” search. You’ll learn how to identify buyers who are buying what you sell, determine prices being paid for goods/services, identify who’s getting business (is it you or your competition). We’ll also walk through the Virginia Business Opportunities public posting page – featuring collaboration tools like B2B Connect & VIBE – as we discuss how & when eVA builds a lead list for you and why rating your leads is important.
Hosted by the eVA outreach team with the Virginia Division Small Business & Supplier Diversity.
Intro to Selling to Virginia – Workshop #1
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 10am – 11:30am | Online
This session will provide a high level overview of the Commonwealth’s purchasing process, including purchasing policies that affect how buyers use the eVA system to “shop” and the eVA tools used by our buying community. You’ll also get a guided tour of the eVA website as we discuss the publicly accessible tools & resources every business should know about if they’re interested in selling to Virginia. And if you’re not already an eVA registered Vendor, you’ll learn how to get signed-up, as well as where to go for help at any time!
Hosted by the eVA outreach team with the Virginia Division Small Business & Supplier Diversity.
Upcoming Events Hosted by the Longwood Small Business Development Center & Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Small Business Tax Fundamentals: What You Must File (and When)
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 12pm – 1:00pm | Online
Understanding your tax and compliance responsibilities is an important part of running a successful business. Join us for this practical workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners better understand local, state, and federal tax requirements, licensing obligations, and common compliance issues. Participants will gain valuable insights, have the opportunity to ask general questions, and leave with a clearer understanding of how to manage their tax responsibilities with confidence.
Understanding Paid Ads: Strategy, Setup, & Results
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 12pm – 1:00pm | Online
Want to get more from your marketing budget? This workshop will cover the fundamentals of effective advertising, including selecting the right platforms, reaching your target audience, setting realistic budgets, and measuring results. Whether you’re new to paid advertising or looking to improve your current approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies to help attract customers and grow your business.
Virignia Tourism Corporation Grant Programs
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 12pm – 1:00pm | Online
Interested in promoting your tourism-related business with grant funding? Join the Virginia Tourism Corporation Grants Team for a virtual session focused on the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program, a funding opportunity for eligible tourism-oriented small businesses such as retailers, restaurants, lodging providers, and attractions. Participants will learn about program requirements, eligibility, matching fund expectations, application timelines, and how to prepare a competitive application before the grant opens in June.
Live and On-Demand Webinars
Multiple Dates | Online
No matter where you are in the state of Virginia, you can access virtual training programs and seminars on a variety of topics including business planning, marketing, management, legal considerations, accounting and bookkeeping, financial analysis, technology, access to capital, and business basics.
Hosted by the Virginia SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers)
Upcoming Chamber of Commerce Events
Chamber of Commerce Events
Multiple Dates | Various Locations
Many of Chamber of Commerce organizations host monthly networking events and ongoing training opportunities for businesses of all sizes and types.
Stay up to date on RISE Events
Find out what’s happening in the RISE Southern Virginia ecosystem on the RISE Meetups page.