Laura Coleman recently joined the RISE Collaborative team as the RISE Navigator Program Manager through a partnership with CIC (Community Investment Collaborative). Headquartered in Charlottsville, CIC is actively expanding to serve entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia in collaboration with RISE Collaborative, the SOVA Innovation Hub, and other local partners.
We interviewed Laura about her new role and its significance for her, the entrepreneurs she will be working with, and the Southern Virginia region.
Read on to learn more about Laura and her vision for the RISE Navigator Program.
Tell us about the role – what do you do, what are your goals and responsibilities?
As the RISE Navigator Program Manager, I will have the privilege of working directly with entrepreneurs to foster growth and innovation in the RISE Collaborative service area, which includes the 15 localities in the GO Virginia Region 3 service area.
Through the launch of the RISE Navigator program, I aim to provide entrepreneurs and startups with the resources they need to succeed, including access to necessary capital, mentorship, and coordinating with other RISE Navigators and resource providers to ensure a cohesive and impactful support network. My goals include increasing entrepreneurial engagement, improving resource accessibility, and fostering sustainable business growth within the region.
Tell us about your background and previous experiences that have led and prepared you for this position.
My background includes over a decade in training and leadership development, primarily focused on enhancing skills and organizational performance. A proud graduate of Old Dominion University, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Counseling. I also obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Strayer University. I spearheaded initiatives that drove substantial growth and operational excellence, developing strategic programs, and leadership resources. I bring a comprehensive background, spanning over two decades, across the non-profit, insurance, sales, and outsourcing industries.
As a servant leader with a heart for people, deeply committed to personal growth and development, and an advocate for a growth mindset, I encourage the view of challenges as lessons and stepping stones to resilience and success. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. I am a native of Halifax County, Virginia and dedicated to empowering our rural entrepreneurs and startups by connecting them with the necessary resources to RISE.
What attracted you to this role?
Having dedicated a significant part of my career to empowering organizations and individuals to reach their full potential and having relocated back to southern Virginia, the perfect next step for me was serving as the RISE Navigator Program Manager. I was drawn to this role because it would allow me to impact and transform economic development within our community by supporting local entrepreneurs. The opportunity to lead a collaborative effort that builds on my previous experience in training and development management, while also making an impact in people’s lives and their businesses, was incredibly compelling. There are so many people within my community (church, family, neighborhood, etc.) that are entrepreneurs and do not know about the many resources available. I wanted to be a part of the solution!
What are you most excited about in this new role?
I am genuinely excited about the chance to meet and work with a wide range of entrepreneurs, helping them break down barriers to success. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an effort that nurtures a thriving community of innovators, with the potential to significantly boost our regional economy. I am looking forward to putting new strategies into action, seeing their positive effects on local businesses firsthand, and watching our community come together to support and enhance the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem that RISE Collaborative and other organizations are developing.
“I am genuinely excited about the chance to meet and work with a wide range of entrepreneurs, helping them break down barriers to success.”
What is your vision for entrepreneurship in our region?
My vision is to create a thriving entrepreneurial environment where every aspiring entrepreneur regardless of background, has access to the necessary tools, resources, and support needed to succeed. I envision southern Virginia becoming a recognized hub for innovation and entrepreneurship that attracts talent from across the country and nurtures homegrown talent.
What key initiatives or programs do you plan to implement or support?
I am so excited to support RISE Collaborative programs and events! Through the RISE Navigator program, I plan to build upon our current outreach, mentorship and networking strategies to connect entrepreneurs with more financial knowledge and social capital, implementing initiatives that promote a network for our regional entrepreneurs to lean on for resources and support.
How do you plan to engage with the entrepreneurial community in southern Virginia?
I plan to engage with the community through regular RISE meetups, one-on-one consultations, digital marketing, and by maintaining an active presence throughout the region, at various events and networking opportunities. Building strong, personal connections with entrepreneurs will be a priority, as will partnering with regional organizations, universities, and business groups to expand our outreach.
Question 8 | What does success look like in this role?
Success in this role means seeing a measurable increase in the number of startups and small businesses in our region and their success rates. In this role, I will strive to provide leadership to ensure the regional program engages with at least 350 entrepreneurs and 150 businesses that align with the GO Virginia Region 3 economic growth and diversification goals.
It also involves establishing a robust network where entrepreneurs feel continuously supported and are achieving their business milestones. Ultimately, contributing to the economic growth and vitality of southern Virginia through innovation, growth, and job creation.
What message would you like to send to current and aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners in Southern Virginia?
To entrepreneurs in southern Virginia: You are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our community. Let’s work together to innovate, overcome challenges, and achieve your business dreams. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your business, we can connect you to the resources and a network to help you succeed. You are not alone in this journey- RISE Collaborative and the Navigator program is here to support you every step of the way.
How can entrepreneurs and small business owners in our region get in touch with you?
They can visit sovarise.com first, to sign up for our monthly RISE newsletter, explore events, blogs and other resources available to them within GO Virginia Region 3.
I can be reached directly by email at laura@cicville.org and phone at (434) 226-0356.
I am also available for meetings at the SOVA Innovation Hub and I regularly attend various networking events around the region. Let’s connect!