RAMP Up:
Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Innovation Accelerator Program
Turn your innovation into a business ready for growth.
RAMP Up is a new 8-week commercialization accelerator program for Virginia-based entrepreneurs and companies building whatâs next in agriculture, forestry, food systems innovations, wood products, natural resources, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, sustainability, and other rural technology and innovation.
Hosted in-person at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, Virginia, RAMP Up is delivered through a partnership between RISE (Regional Investment in Startups & Entrepreneurs) and RAMP (Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program).
Applications for the inaugural cohort are due by September 3, 2026.
8 Weekly Sessions: September 21 – November 9, 2026*
Hosted at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, Virginia
4+ Hours per Week
Expert Mentors & 1:1 Coaching
Up to $10,000Â Business Support per Company**
Pitch Day at the Emerging Tech Conference: November 19-20, 2026
*Weekly in-person sessions are scheduled for Monday’s, 2:00-5:00pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, Va. All sessions will be in-person, except the October 12th session will be virtual. Attendance is required at all sessions and at the Pitch Day.Â
**Business Support available to eligible program graduates, subject to funding availability and completion of program requirements. Business support may either be provided as business support credits OR as non-dilutive funding, depending on the company’s location.
Is RAMP Up right for you?
Whether you’re just getting started or preparing for growth, RAMP Up is designed to help innovative companies validate their market, strengthen their business model, and prepare for commercialization.
You may be:
â An entrepreneur with an idea.
â A startup developing a prototype or MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
â A company preparing to launch a product or service.
â An existing business developing a new product, technology, process, or innovation.
â A spinout from an existing business, university, or research institution.
â A company with existing customers looking to grow or enter new markets.
You don’t have to be a traditional agriculture or forestry business. Companies developing innovative products or technologies that support agriculture, forestry, sustainability, rural communities, or related industries are encouraged to apply.
BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Business Eligibility
Applicants must:
-
- Be developing an innovative product, technology, service, process, or scalable business model.
- Be committed to active participation throughout the program.
- Meet program geographic eligibility requirements.
Company Stage
RAMP Up welcomes companies at a variety of stages, including:
-
- Idea or concept
- Prototype or MVP
- Market-ready product
- Existing customers
- Growth-stage company
- Existing business launching a new innovation
- Spinout from an existing business, university, or research institution
RAMP Up: Eligible Virginia Service Areas
Hover over a highlighted locality to see its funding source and available company benefit.
- Cities of Covington, Danville, Emporia, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Radford, Roanoke, and Salem
- Counties of Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Botetourt, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Craig, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Roanoke, and Sussex
- Businesses located within towns in these counties are also eligible to apply
Note: The list above includes the 23 Cities/Counties in the Southern Virginia region served by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. The additional localities included are eligible through the RISEâRAMP partnership.
PROGRAM COMMITMENT
By applying, participants understand and agree that:
-
- Weekly cohort sessions, coaching sessions, and participation in Pitch Day are mandatory.
- Weekly cohort sessions will be held on Mondays, 2-5pm. Seven sessions will be in-person at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, Virginia, and one session which will be held virtually.
- Cohort sessions will meet once each week for approximately three (3) hours, and participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions.
- Mentor meetings may be held virtually or in person, as determined jointly by the mentor and participating company.
- Participants should expect to dedicate a minimum of four (4) hours per week to program activities, including assignments, customer discovery, mentor meetings, and work outside of class.
- The final mandatory Pitch Day is expected to take place during the Emerging Tech Conference in Roanoke, Virginia, on November 19 or 20, 2026.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the RAMP Up program page on the RAMP website to explore curriculum, timeline, and application process.
Not Sure if RAMP Up is Right for You?
Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the program, eligibility, application process, funding opportunity, and what participants can expect. Choose the virtual or in-person session that works best for you.
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- Monday, August 17, 2:00â2:30 p.m. | Virtual on Zoom | Register Here >
- Tuesday, August 18, 5:30 p.m. | Virtual or In-Person at SEED Innovation Hub, Farmville (116 South St, Farmville, VA) | Register Here >
- Wednesday, August 19, 12:00 p.m.| In-Person at SEED Innovation Hub, Farmville (116 South St, Farmville, VA or virtual on Teams) | Register Here >
- Wednesday, August 19, 5:30 p.m. | In-Person at SOVA Innovation Hub, South Boston (715 Wilborn Ave, South Boston, VA) | Register Here >
- Thursday, August 20, 6:00 p.m. | In-Person at P&HCC Dalton IDEA Center, Martinsville (26 Fayette St, Martinsville, VA) | Register Here >
- Wednesday, August 26, 12:00 p.m. | Virtual or In-Person at SOVA Innovation Hub, South Boston (715 Wilborn Ave, South Boston, VA or virtual on Zoom) | Register Here >
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Not sure if RAMP Up is the right fit for your business? Have questions about eligibility, the application process, or what to expect? Reach out to a member of the program team. We’d be happy to talk with you.
Le’Bryan Patterson
RISE Navigator & Program Manager
Can help with questions about applying, eligibility, program fit, and business resources in Southern Virginia.
đ§ lebryan@sovarise.com
Jessie Dunn
RAMP Program Manager
Can help with questions about the program curriculum, schedule, and application process.
Not sure who to contact?
No problem! Reach out to either member of the team, and we’ll make sure you connect with the right person.
Or email hello@sovainnovationhub.com and we’ll get you started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RAMP Up Accelerator?
RAMP Up is a regional accelerator designed to help innovative businesses in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, food systems, animal sciences, and other rural innovation sectors grow and scale. Whether youâre launching a brand-new startup or expanding an existing business through a new product, service, or market, the program provides education, mentorship, and connections to help accelerate your next stage of growth.
Who should apply?
RAMP Up is designed for innovative businesses at a variety of stages. You might be an entrepreneur developing your first product or technology, or you might already own an established business thatâs ready to innovate, reach new customers, or bring a new product to market.
Businesses must operate within our eligible geographic service area and align with one of the programâs focus industries, including agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, food systems, animal sciences, and other related rural innovation sectors. If youâre unsure whether your business is a fit, we encourage you to reach out. Weâd be happy to talk with you.
What can participants expect during the program?
RAMP Up is designed to be a hands-on experience. Participants commit to eight sessions, with seven held in person in South Boston and one offered virtually. In addition, each company receives a weekly virtual coaching and mentoring session to help apply what theyâre learning directly to their business.
Along the way, youâll work with experienced mentors, strengthen your business strategy, refine your pitch, and build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The program concludes with Pitch Day on November 19 and 20 in Roanoke, where participants present their businesses.
Is it worth the time commitment?
It is a commitment, and we recognize that entrepreneurs are balancing a lot. Thatâs why weâve intentionally designed the program to deliver practical value every step of the way. The coaching, mentorship, curriculum, and connections are all focused on helping you grow your business, not just attend another class.
Thanks to the generous support of our program sponsors and partners, weâre able to make this investment in the entrepreneurs and businesses that are helping shape the future of rural innovation.
Companies that successfully complete the program and meet all eligibility requirements are also eligible to apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to help accelerate their next stage of growth.
What if Iâm interested but not sure Iâm ready?
Donât count yourself out. Weâve designed RAMP Up to meet entrepreneurs where they are. If you have an innovative idea or a business thatâs ready for its next stage of growth, weâd encourage you to start the conversation. Weâd much rather answer your questions than have you miss an opportunity because you werenât sure if you qualified.
Can more than one person from my company participate?
Yes you can have multiple people from your team participateâwe encourage it! We do ask that RAMP Up participants all be key decision makers for their business.
What if I have to miss a session?
We encourage at least one person from each company attend each session. So if you cannot make it, you can send another team member in your stead. If extenuating circumstances arise, weâll work with you on options.
What is a ânovel technologyâ?
A novel technology is a new or meaningfully improved product, process, material, software, or technical solution. It does not have to be completely new to the world, but it should offer a different or better way to solve a specific problem.
Examples may include:
- A new product or prototype
- An existing technology adapted for a new industry or customer
- A meaningful improvement to how something is made, grown, processed, monitored, transported, or used
- Specialized software, equipment, automation, or manufacturing technology
- A new use of agricultural, forestry, food-system, or natural-resource materials
- Technology that improves efficiency, safety, sustainability, quality, or affordability
A standard service or commonly available product is generally not considered novel unless you are developing a meaningful technical improvement or applying it in a new way.
What if I donât have a novel technology as part of my business?
Priority will be given to applicants developing or commercializing a novel technology. Other businesses may be considered if their product, process, or business model demonstrates meaningful innovation and strong potential for scaling and job creation within one of the programâs target industries.
HELP BUILD THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM
To support RAMP Up participants, RISE is building a network of expert mentors and trusted professional service providers who can help innovative companies move from idea to commercialization and growth.
Volunteer Mentors
Share your experience to help entrepreneurs commercialize and grow innovative businesses.
Learn More
We are looking for experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders, researchers, investors, and industry experts to volunteer to mentor RAMP Up participants throughout the program.Â
We’re especially seeking mentors with experience in:
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- Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Forestry and Wood Products
- Food systems
- Manufacturing
- Product Development and Commercialization
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Robotics and Automation
- Finance, Banking, and Investment
- Marketing, Sales, and Customer Discovery
- Intellectual Property
- Legal Services and Compliance
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Supply Chain and Logistics
Mentors may serve as subject matter experts, provide one-on-one guidance, participate on panels, or support workshops and Pitch Day.
Preferred Service Providers
Preferred Service Providers offer specialized services to RAMP Up companies during and after the Accelerator.
Learn More
We’re looking professional service providers who can help RAMP Up participants move through commercialization to growth.
This opportunity is ideal for providers in areas such as:
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Banking and Finance
- Marketing, Branding, and Graphic Design
- EngineeringÂ
- Intellectual Property and Legal Services
- Manufacturing and Prototyping
- Marketing and Communications
- Packaging and Labeling
- Regulatory and Compliance
- Sales and Business Development
- Technology and Software Development
- Website Design
- Other specialized business service
Preferred Service Providers may receive referrals from the program based on participant needs, provider expertise, and program opportunities.
Sponsors & Partners
Sponsors and partners help expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthen the RAMP Up experience.
Learn More
Sponsors and partners help expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthen the RAMP Up experience.
Opportunities include:
- Program sponsorships
- Cohort sponsorships
- Event sponsorships
- Pitch Day sponsorship
- Meals and hospitality
- Technology and equipment
- Professional services
- Subject matter experts and guest speakers
- Other in-kind contributions
Whether you’re interested in supporting one event, one cohort, or the program as a whole, we’d love to explore partnership opportunities.
Interested in Getting Involved?Â
Whether you’re interested in serving as a volunteer mentor, joining the Preferred Service Provider Network, or exploring sponsorship opportunities, we’d love to connect.
Lauren Mathena
RISE Program Director, SOVA Innovation Hub
đ§ hello@sovainnovationhub.com
POWERED BY PARTNERSHIP
The RAMP Up accelerator combines RISE’s regional entrepreneurship initiative with RAMP’s nationally recognized commercialization expertise to help innovative companies accelerate growth.
Host Organization
The SOVA Innovation Hub is a nonprofit innovation center in South Boston, Virginia, dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, and technology across Southern Virginia. As the managing organization for RISE, the Hub serves as the home of RAMP Up and hosts the program’s in-person cohort sessions.
Funding Partner
Funding for RAMP Up is provided in part by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, through a grant to the SOVA Innovation Hub for RISE programming to support entrepreneurship-led economic development, commercialization, business creation, and job growth across Southern Virginia.
Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative
RISE (Regional Investment in Startups & Entrepreneurs) is a regional entrepreneurship and innovation initiative that connects entrepreneurs with education, coaching, capital, and business resources. Through a network of regional partners, RISE helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and commercialize innovative businesses throughout Southern Virginia.
Commercialization Accelerator
RAMP (Regional Accelerator & Mentoring Program) is Virginia-based commercialization accelerator, with a 10-year track record of helping innovative companies validate markets, refine business models, and accelerate growth through a proven curriculum, experienced mentors, and expert guidance.
RAMP Program Operator
The Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (RBIA) operates RAMP and works to strengthen Virginia’s innovation economy by connecting entrepreneurs with commercialization expertise, mentors, investors, research institutions, and strategic industry partners.