Grow your network and build your business
RISE Collaborative meetups are open to all entrepreneurs, business owners, and business resource providers in Southern and South Central Virginia. Please pre-register so we know you plan to attend.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – 8:30-10:00am
Rise & Shine Entrepreneur Meetup – Brunswick County
Entrepreneurs of all ages are invited to join this monthly RISE Collaborative Rise & Shine entrepreneur meetup breakfast hosted by the Brunswick County entrepreneurial ecosystem with sponsorship by the Brunswick County Economic Development, the Brunswick County IDA, and the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. It will take place at the Brunswick County Conference Center. This monthly gathering includes discussion about entrepreneurship and innovation, how to find resources to start and grow businesses, and opportunities to get engaged in strategic growth for the region. It is free to the community, to support connections and community among entrepreneurs and innovators across the region.
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom
RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup is a virtual gathering of diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. During each monthly meeting, we share updates from local and regional entrepreneurs support organizations.
Guest Speaker: To be announced
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – 3:00-7:00pm
RISE Business Pitch Competition (BPC)
The 2nd Annual RISE Business Pitch Competition is a region-wide business pitch competition hosted in Southern Virginia. Businesses will pitch for a chance to win prize funds to start or grow.
There is no fee to apply or attend. The competition will include businesses and entrepreneurs selected from the pool of applicants. The competition will take place at the SVHEC Innovation Center (605 Seymour Drive, South Boston, VA 24592) from 3:00-7:00pm.
The application is open to individuals who do business or plan to do business in one of the fifteen GO Virginia Region 3 localities, have completed an approved entrepreneurship course, and whose small businesses are early in the start-up phase, already in operation, or anywhere in between.
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, October 19, 2024
RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs
“Meet the Moment”
Make plans to attend the RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs for day of learning about how to be prepared to put your best foot forward in the moment an opportunity comes your way!
Stay tuned for more details about the event!
Interested in volunteering on the planning committee for this event? Contact hello@sovarise.com
Recent Meetups
Lunch and Learn: Succession Planning
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Stanley Jeffress and Cathy Hart Barksdale, former and current owners of Jeffress Funeral Home, shared their experience and tips for succession planning for a business.
Rise & Shine Entrepreneur Meetup – Brunswick County
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Mike King of “On the Mic with Mike” spoke to the group on the topic of “Navigating Your Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”.
Network & Learn: Marketing with Amanda Day Rose
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Amanda Day Rose of Wister’s shared her expertise and advice on digital and social media marketing for small businesses.
RECAP: April 2024 Grapevine Meetup for Entrepreneurs and Businesses – Featuring the Longwood SBDC & the SOVA Innovation Hub
The RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup was hosted on Thursday, April 25, 2024, 12pm-1pm on Zoom.To recap, here is a brief summary of this virtual meetup: We discussed recent events and upcoming opportunities for entrepreneurs who are starting or growing businesses in...
RECAP: March 2024 Grapevine Meetup for Entrepreneurs and Businesses – Featuring Dr. Julie Brown of 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co.
The RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup was hosted on Thursday, March 21, 2024, 12pm-1pm on Zoom.During this virtual meetup, we discussed recent events and upcoming opportunities for entrepreneurs who are starting or growing businesses in Southern Virginia. The meetup was...
RECAP: February 2024 Grapevine Meetup for Entrepreneurs and Businesses – Featuring Shatera Robertson of Unique Styles & Designs
The RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup was hosted on Thursday, February 15, 2024, 12pm-1pm on Zoom.During this virtual meetup, we discussed recent events and upcoming opportunities for entrepreneurs who are starting or growing businesses in Southern Virginia. The meetup...
RECAP: January 2024 Grapevine Meetup for Entrepreneurs and Businesses – Featuring Shawn A. Barksdale of Press 4 Time Tees and Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast
The RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup was hosted on Thursday, January 18, 2024, 12pm-1pm on Zoom.During this virtual meetup, we discussed recent events and upcoming opportunities for entrepreneurs who are starting or growing businesses in Southern Virginia. The meetup was...
RECAP: November 2023 Grapevine Meetup for Entrepreneurs and Businesses – Featuring Shecorie Conley of River Citi Tax Solutions
The RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup was hosted on Thursday, November 16, 2023, 12pm-1pm on Zoom.During this virtual meetup, we discussed recent events and upcoming opportunities for entrepreneurs who are starting or growing businesses in Southern Virginia. The meetup...
RECAP: October 2023 Grapevine Meetup for Entrepreneurs and Businesses – Featuring Lynne Mann of the Crater APEX Accelerator & Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
The RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup was hosted on Thursday, October 16, 2023, 12pm-1pm on Zoom.To rcecap, during this virtual meetup, we discussed recent events and upcoming opportunities for entrepreneurs who are starting or growing businesses in Southern Virginia. The...