RISE Summit Returns to Danville in 2025, Bringing Inspiration and Resources for Southern Virginia’s Entrepreneurs
September 11, 2025 – South Boston, VA – After a successful debut year in 2024, the RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs (RISE Summit) will return to Danville this year on Saturday, November 1. This regional conference promises another dynamic day of insights, learning, and networking designed to help both aspiring and established entrepreneurs and business owners thrive.
Hosted at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, the RISE Summit 2025 will feature a variety of inspirational speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Sessions will cover topics such as securing funding through loans, grants, and contracts, digital marketing, financial management, and technology adoption. Conference tracks are available for early-stage startups and existing businesses aiming to grow or scale.
Early bird registration is now open, with discounted tickets available for $55 per person through September 25. Beginning September 26, the ticket price will increase to $65 per person. Registration closes on October 25.
“The insight from the speakers was so encouraging and applicable,” said Cissy Martin, a Southern Virginia entrepreneur who attended the 2024 RISE Summit. “The people I met while in the classes and at the tables in between classes were so interesting and inspiring. Great location, layout, easy to find classes, food was great, time was perfect!”
The RISE Summit is presented by RISE Collaborative, a regional entrepreneurship initiative hosted by the SOVA Innovation Hub in partnership with the Longwood Small Business Development Center. The event is made possible through the generous support of partners and sponsors across the region, including GO Virginia, Community Investment Collaborative, the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center at IALR, and RetirePath.
Learn more about the 2025 RISE Summit and purchase your ticket today!
About RISE Collaborative
RISE Collaborative is a regional initiative to create a network of entrepreneurs and business service providers across Southern Virginia (GO Virginia Region 3). The initiative is co-managed by Longwood Office of Community & Economic Development and the SOVA Innovation Hub. RISE offers year-round programs including business bootcamps, the RISE Navigator program, and more. Learn more at sovarise.com.
About SOVA Innovation Hub
The SOVA Innovation Hub is a nonprofit organization working to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia by advancing digital skills and entrepreneurship. Located in South Boston, VA, it provides coworking, training, and collaborative space, and serves as a lead partner for RISE Collaborative. Learn more at sovainnovationhub.com.
Media Contacts:
Liz Smith | SOVA Innovation Hub | hello@sovainnovationhub.com
Le’Bryan Patterson | RISE Collaborative | lebryan@sovarise.com