The May 2024 Grapevine Virtual Monthly Meetup was hosted on Thursday, May 16, 2024, 12pm-1pm on Zoom.
To recap, here is a brief summary of this virtual meetup:
- We discussed recent events and upcoming opportunities for entrepreneurs who are starting or growing businesses in Southern Virginia.
- This virtual meetup was co-hosted by Natalie Hodge Davis of Rudy’s Girl Media and Hope Harris-Gayles of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and the Longwood SBDC, with support from the SOVA Innovation Hub.
- The new RISE Navigator Program Manager Laura Coleman introduced herself, told us about her background, and what brought her back to southern Virginia. Laura brings professional experience from corporate training and development and sales to her new role. She’s excited to meet with entrepreneurs and connect them with the wealth of resources that exist for them. To connect with Laura, email navigator@sovarise.com.
- Hope Harris-Gayles shared updates on upcoming RISE Collaborative events:
Top Takeaways from the May 2024 Grapevine Virtual Monthly Meetup
1. Attend the RISE Business Pitch Competition and Entrepreneur Showcase
The 2024 RISE Business Pitch Competition will award over $10,000 in total prizes to entrepreneurs who pitch at the event on June 26 at an in-person event in South Boston, VA. Support regional entrepreneurial growth by attending the pitch competition. NEW this year, the pitch competition will also feature an entrepreneur showcase. Participants will have a table to display information about their business, products, or services. Spaces are limited so interested entrepreneurs need to complete the registration form today. Learn more and register>
Apply for the entrepreneur showcase by June 5
Attend the event on June 26 in South Boston
Attend the virtual awards ceremony on June 27
2. Professional Growth is Key.
Samantha Bagbey, City of Danville Department of Economic Development, shared information about an upcoming financial literacy workshop for businesses in the city. Business owners who attend all six weeks of class will receive three hours of 1:1 consultation with a QuickBooks consultant and one free year of the QuickBooks software.To learn more email samantha.bagbey@discoverdanville.org.
Hope Harris-Gayles shared information about two upcoming QuickBooks workshops being hosted by the Longwood Small Business Development Center at the SOVA Innovation Hub. Learn More >
3. Save the Date for the RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs!
Planning is underway for the inaugural RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs. Save the Date! October 18-19, 2024 in Danville, VA. There will be pre-conference activities on Friday, October 18. The main event is Saturday, October 19, 8:30am-3pm. More information >
RISE Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs
October 18-19, 2024 – Danville, VA
Featured Resources
Laura Coleman
RISE Navigator Program Manager
Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Statewide Network with Local Business Consultants
SOVA Innovation Hub
Regional Non-Profit & Coworking Space in South Boston, VA
Rudy's Girl Media
Upcoming Events
June 13th
RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
Thursday, June 13 | 12:00-1:00pm | Zoom
Pitch Event and Entrepreneur Showcase
Attend on June 26th
RISE Business Pitch Competition
Wednesday, June 26 | 2:00-7:00pm | SVHEC Innovation Center in South Boston
The RISE Business Pitch Competition on June 26, 2024 will award over $10,000 in funding to entrepreneurs who pitch their ideas to startup a new venture or scale-up their existing business. Register to attend and/or to participate in the entrepreneur’s showcase.
Awards Ceremony
Attend on June 27
RISE Business Pitch Competition Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 27 | 6:00-7:00pm | Zoom
Upcoming Events for Entrepreneurs and Businesses
Find out what’s happening in the RISE Southern Virginia ecosystem on our blog.
