October ushers in a new season of opportunity for Southern Virginia’s entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators. As the air turns crisp and fall settles in, this month is packed with workshops, events, and networking opportunities designed to help you plant new ideas, strengthen your business, and take the next step forward.
Smartphone Video Advertisement
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 12pm-2pm | SOVA Innovation Hub
Lights, Camera, Action! Entrepreneurs or professional looking to grow their brand, join us in this dynamic class to learn how to “Unlock the Power of Smartphone Advertising”! We will explore strategies to craft a video using your cell phone to capture and create a short promotional video that will resonate with your audience. This course is perfect for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone ready to elevate their brand!
1-on-1 Consulting on Government Contracting
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | SOVA Innovation Hub
Government contracting opportunities are closer than you think. Southern Virginia businesses can get personalized, one-on-one support from Margaret Edmond of Virginia APEX Accelerator right here at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston. Whether you’re just starting to explore government contracts or looking to strengthen your strategy, these free consulting sessions give you direct access to expert guidance without having to travel far. It’s a practical, accessible way to position your business for growth through state and federal contracting opportunities. Learn More >
PUMP: Pull Up Mentoring Program
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 9am-1pm | P&HCC Patrick County Fab Lab (Staurt, 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, October 16, 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.
Contracting 101 with the Federal Government
Wednesday, October 22, 2025| 12pm – 1:30pm | SOVA Innovation Hub
Federal government contracting offers opportunities for businesses of all sizes to sell products and services to U.S. agencies across a wide range of industries, from technology and construction to research and consulting. In this free workshop led by Margaret Edmond of Virginia APEX Accelerator, participants will gain a clear overview of the federal acquisition process, key regulations, and practical steps to get started.
The session will cover essential topics including Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARS), SAM.gov registration, the federal contracting process, and how small businesses can identify and pursue contracting opportunities. Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to strengthen your understanding, this workshop will provide valuable insights to help position your business for success in the federal marketplace.
EVOLVE Nonprofit Networking Event
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 5:3pm-7:00pm | SOVA Innovation Hub
Join us for the next EVOLVE Nonprofit Networking Event at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, VA. Hosted in partnership with the Dan River Nonprofit Network, this gathering is an opportunity for nonprofit professionals from across the region to come together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The evening will feature time to connect with peers, hear from guest speakers, and exchange ideas and resources to strengthen your organization’s impact. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, staff member, volunteer, or board member, this free event is designed to help build relationships and expand capacity within our local nonprofit ecosystem.
Admission is free, but RSVPs are requested,. If you’re looking to grow your network, find new collaborators, or recharge your passion for community impact, we hope to see you there.
2nd Annual RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs
Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 8am – 3pm | Institute for Advanced Learning & Research
The 2025 RISE Regional Innovation Summit is a one-day event packed 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.
This year’s keynote speaker, Micah White, will deliver an inspiring talk titled “The Crossroads of Opportunity: Scaling Business and Community in Rural Virginia.” In addition to the keynote, attendees can choose from a wide range of breakout sessions led by regional experts and industry leaders.
Featured Speaker Topics Include:
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Is Your Business Ready for Capital? – Stephen Davis & Carolina Medina
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How Everyday AI Helps Small Businesses Save Time and Scale Smarter – Corretta Martin
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Mastering Growth with Project Management as a Service (PMaaS) – Nikouri Brown & Dawn Davenport Coven
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Cottage Industry Survival Guide: Navigating Red Tape & Building Resilience in Southside VA – Delilah White
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From Chaos to Growth: The SCALE Business Framework – Derrick Ziglar Jr.
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Opening Doors to Virginia’s Procurement Landscape – Part 1: Navigating eVA – Kathy Deacon
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Opening Doors to Virginia’s Procurement Landscape – Part 2: SWaM Certification Overview – Randy Brown
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Messy to Managed: Bookkeeping Basics for Real-Life Entrepreneurs – Katie Van Hughes
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The Human Side of Business: Why Connection is the New Currency – Marilynn Cabiness
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Essential Financial Skills for Entrepreneurs – Michael Scales
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Tank Test: Would You Invest? – Natalie Hodge Davis
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…and more!
The RISE Summit is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, offering practical insights on capital access, rural innovation, business skills, and emerging technologies. Don’t miss this energizing day designed to support your entrepreneurial journey—reserve your spot today and get ready to connect, learn, and grow.
Upcoming Events Hosted by State Agencies
Generating Leads Using eVA – Workshop #2
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and Wednedsay, October 29, 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.
Intro to Selling to Virginia – Workshop #1
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 and Wednesday, October 22, 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.
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
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 11am – 12pm | Zoom
Struggling with focus, overwhelm, or clashing work styles?
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.
Speaker(s): Dr. Catherine Franssen
Co-Sponsor(s): LSBDC, VSBDC, GMU, SBA, GoVA
Managing Holiday Stress for Small Business Owners
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 11am – 12pm | Online
The holiday season can bring both opportunity and overwhelm for entrepreneurs. In this interactive webinar, you’ll learn practical, neuroscience-informed strategies to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain balance during the busiest time of year.
Catherine will cover simple tools to reduce decision fatigue, support your well-being, and keep your business running smoothly so you can move through the season with clarity and resilience.
Speaker(s): Dr. Catherine Franssen
Co-Sponsor(s): Longwood SBDC, George Mason University, Virginia Small Business Development Center, U.S. Small Business Administration, GoVA
AI for Business Growth
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 11am – 12pm | Online
Are you ready to take your business to the next level using Artificial Intelligence? Join us for an engaging and practical webinar where we’ll explore how AI tools and advanced prompting techniques can help entrepreneurs and small business owners:
- Automate repetitive tasks
- Generate high-impact marketing content
- Analyze customer feedback and market trends
- Streamline operations and decision-making
- Save time and boost productivity
Whether you’re just curious about AI or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, this session will show you how strategic prompting can turn AI into a powerful business partner.
Speaker(s): Presented & taught by Dana Knott & Jacob Dolence
Co-Sponsor(s): Longwood SBDC, George Mason University, Virginia Small Business Development Center, U.S. Small Business Administration, GoVA, SEED Innovation Hub
Building the Foundation for Your New Business
Wednedsay, October 29, 2025 | 9am – 10pm | 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.
Stay up to date on RISE Events
Find out what’s happening in the RISE Southern Virginia ecosystem on the RISE Meetups page.