Inaugural SOVA Collegiate Business Plan Competition Brings Together Rising Leaders

Feb 4, 2022 | Blog

By Jacob Dolence, Faculty at Longwood University Cormier Honors College   What if an entire region came together to support its aspiring entrepreneurs? In its inaugural year, the SOVA Collegiate Business Plan Competition has accomplished just that. The atmosphere...

The Power of Opportunity Recognition with Rhett Weiss

Feb 1, 2022 | Blog, Farmville VA, Prince Edward VA, RISE Meetups

From his first bulk mailing business in junior high to founding DEALTEK, Ltd. in 1999, Rhett Weiss has always been an entrepreneur. In fact, his journey has literally taken him around the globe. Now a seasoned executive and consultant, Weiss attributes much of his...

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities: How SERCAP Can Assist You with Your Small Business

Jan 3, 2022 | Blog, RISE Meetups

In RISE Collaborative’s latest RISE & SHINE virtual meetup, Brian Brown from Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SERCAP) shared how his organization provides entrepreneurs technical assistance to start and grow their businesses. Founded in 1969,...

From CO.STARTERS to Grand Opening: Liberty Hollow Sweets’ Recipe for Success in Downtown Blackstone

Dec 21, 2021 | Blog

On December 15, 2021, Nottoway County celebrated its newest Main Street business with a ribbon cutting event for Liberty Hollow Sweets in downtown Blackstone. Jeannie Nelson, owner, completed our CO.STARTERS Core program earlier in 2021 as part of the Downtown...

From Ideas to Implementation: How GENEDGE Partnerships Can Support the RISE Collaborative Network

Nov 29, 2021 | Blog, RISE Meetups

Not sure about marketing strategy? Wondering about technological solutions or creative ways to attract and retain employees? Small businesses owners face complex questions on a daily basis.  Enter GENEDGE, a resource enabling Virginia companies to innovate, compete,...