The monthly RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup was hosted on Thursday, September 19, 2024, 12pm-1pm on Zoom. We learned about the GENEDGE Alliance Emerging Business Program and the VIPC Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Division. Below is a recap of what was discussed. We hope to see you at the next RISE event – the Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs on Saturday, October 19, 2024 in Danville, VA.
Guest Speakers: GENEDGE Alliance
Michelle Rogers, Elisabeth Mazza and Jeanette Stevens-Cunningham from GENEDGE Alliance (GENEDGE), provided a detailed presentation of the resources available to support manufacturers in Virginia. They shared that 80% of manufacturers in Virginia are small businesses with fewer than twenty employees, making GENEDGE’s support crucial for fostering growth within this sector.
GENEDGE is a Virginia-based organization that provides fee-based consulting services to enhance the competitiveness and growth of manufacturing companies and other businesses. They offer solutions in areas like process improvement, workforce development, and technology implementation. GENEDGE is Virginia’s only manufacturing and economic development organization partnered with the MEP: Manufacturing Extension Partnership,™ a public-private partnership that empowers small and medium-sized manufacturers to grow and thrive through educational resources, industry connections, and best practices. For more information, visit https://genedge.org and following GENEDGE on LinkedIn.
GENEDGE Alliance
GENEDGE Alliance Emerging Business Program is the collaborative network under GENEDGE that connects small manufacturers with a range of resources, including state and federal partners, to drive innovation, efficiency, and market expansion. For more information, contact Michelle Rogers (mrogers@genedge.org) or visit https://genedge.org/emerging-business-program/
Key Takeaways:
- Free GENEDGE Alliance Membership: This membership offers manufacturers access to resources such as digital content, training, and expert consultations.
- Emerging Business Program: For manufacturers ready to take the next step, this program provides mentorship, assessments, and one-on-one coaching to address business challenges.
- Supply Chain Support: Through the Connects Marketplace, manufacturers can connect with vetted suppliers and partners, enhancing their supply chain efficiency.
Featured Resource: Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) – Ecosystem Building Division
Sandra McCutcheon from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EE) division also joined this month’s meetup. Sandra shared an overview of the VIPC and VIPC EE’s efforts in fostering vital connections within the entrepreneurial community across Virginia.
The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) – formerly known as the Center for Innovation Technology (CIT) – was formed to support the Commonwealth’s vision for the expansion of innovation, opportunity, and job creation here in Virginia. VIPC creates technology-based economic development strategies to accelerate innovation, imagination, and the next generation of technology and technology companies. By emphasizing collaboration, VIPC accelerates business growth, offering commercialization support and seed funding to technology-driven companies, advanced tech consumers, and high-growth enterprises.
Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)
Key Dates & Upcoming Events
A key part of the monthly RISE Grapevine Virtual Meetup is sharing updates from entrepreneur support organizations from around Southern Virginia. Below are key events and opportunities:
October 19
RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs
Saturday, October 19, 2024
November 1
Applications Open for the Spring 2025 Entrepreneur Workshop
Applications Open Friday, November 1, 2024
November 16
Government Contracting Workshop: Creating a Capabilities Statement to Make Your Business Stand Out!!!
Monday, November 4, 2024 | 12:00-1:30pm | SOVA Innovation Hub
In-person at the SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA)
You have 6 seconds to convince a government buyer or teaming partner that you are competent, capable, and mature. In the federal market, a capability statement is the most effective marketing tool for all small and mid-size companies. Creating a compelling capability statement involves more than just detailing your products, differentiators, and company information. While many experts highlight what needs to be included from a government standpoint, few discuss how to present your information from a business perspective. To thrive in the federal marketplace, companies must blend government sales strategies with broader business strategies. Developing a capability statement can be divided into two parts: Value-Mapping and the core sections that must be customized for your statement. Value-Mapping is a systematic process of identifying both quantifiable and qualitative metrics that showcase your performance on previous contracts in commercial and federal markets. These metrics help you differentiate yourself, communicate your value, and establish a perception of capability and maturity.
November 16
RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
Thursday, November 16, 2024 | 12:00-1:00pm | 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 entrepreneur support organizations, and foster connections among entrepreneurs.
Register TODAY for the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs
The RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research in Danville, VA. Don't miss out the unique opportunity to connect with peers and resources designed to help you start, grow, or scale your business in Southern Virginia.