July offers a wide range of opportunities for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators across Southern Virginia to connect, learn, and grow.

1-on-1 Consulting on Government Contracting

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | SOVA Innovation Hub

Southern Virginia businesses interested in government contracting have a new opportunity close to home. Virginia APEX Accelerator is offering free, 1-on-1 consulting sessions at the SOVA Innovation Hub, located at 715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA. The goal of this service is to make it easier than ever for Southern Virginia businesses to access expert guidance on navigating the government contracting process. Learn More >

PUMP: Pull Up Mentoring Program

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 12pm-4pm | P&HCC Patrick Dalton IDEA Center (Martinsville, VA)

Hosted by the RISE Navigators, PUMP (Pull Up Mentor Program) is a free, drop-in event designed to connect entrepreneurs with valuable resources to support your business journey. 

Whether you’re a business owner looking to grow, an aspiring entrepreneur with a new idea, or an innovator with a fresh product or service, PUMP (Pull Up Mentor Program) offers a chance to discuss your ideas with a member of the RISE Navigator team. The RISE Navigators are knowledgeable about local, regional, and national resources to support your business journey.

Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your entrepreneurial journey with personalized support.

RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup

Thursday, July 17, 2025 |   12pm – 1pm   |   Zoom

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.

8(a) Business Development Program

Wednesday, July 23, 2025| 12pm – 1:30pm | SOVA Innovation Hub

Learn how your small business can gain a competitive edge through the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. This free workshop, led by Virginia APEX Accelerator and sponsored by RISE Collaborative, will provide an overview of how the program supports socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in accessing federal contracting opportunities. Topics include eligibility requirements, set-aside benefits, required documentation, and a step-by-step guide to applying, renewing certification, and completing the mid-term review process. If you’re ready to grow through government contracts, this session will give you the knowledge and tools to move forward.

2nd Annual RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs

Saturday, November 1, 2025 |   8am – 3pm   |   Institute for Advanced Learning & Research

Get ready to take your business to the next level at the 2025 RISE Summit—a one-day event filled with inspiration, practical workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, the Summit offers the tools, connections, and motivation you need to grow. Your registration includes access to all keynote sessions and breakouts, a buffet lunch, snacks and beverages, exclusive event swag, and free Wi-Fi throughout the venue. Don’t miss this energizing day designed to support your journey as an entrepreneur—save the date and get ready to connect, learn, and grow.

Upcoming Events Hosted by State Agencies

Intro to Selling to Virginia – Workshop #1

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 and Wednesday, July 16, 2025  |   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.

Generating Leads Using eVA – Workshop #2

 Wednesday, July 9, 2025 and Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |   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.

Simple Cyber Habits for Solo Businesses

Thursday, July 10, 2025  |  12:30pm – 1:30pm   |   Online

Protect your digital life! With so many cyber threats flooding social media feeds, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This session offers simple, actionable cybersecurity habits perfect for solo business owners juggling multiple roles. From securing your smartphone to protecting your online accounts and using free tools, you’ll learn how to keep your business safe on a shoestring budget.

Upcoming Events Hosted by the Longwood Small Business Development Center &  Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 

Rethinking Productivity: Brain-Based Strategies for Solopreneurs & Small Teams

Tuesday, July 8, 2025  |  11am – 1pm   |   Online

Rethinking Productivity: Brain-Friendly Strategies for Solopreneurs and Small Teams

This 1-hour online workshop explores how understanding different ways people think—such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia—can help solopreneurs and small business owners improve focus, boost productivity, and collaborate more effectively.

Whether you relate personally to these thinking styles or simply want tools to stay organized and energized, you’ll gain practical, brain-based strategies to build a more efficient, supportive, and sustainable business.

Presented by Dr. Catherine Franssen

Building the Foundation for Your New Business

Thursday, July 24, 2025  |  10:30am – 12pm   |   Online

Starting a new business can be daunting, but with the right foundation, you can set yourself up for success. This seminar covers essential steps to establish a strong business foundation, including business planning, financial management, and legal considerations. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners.

Hosted by the Longwood SBDC

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.