Upcoming Events - September 2024

September Southern Virginia Entrepreneurial Events: Opportunities to Learn and Connect

As summer transitions into fall, September brings a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs, small business owners and innovators across Southern Virginia. From virtual meetups to in-person expos, this month is packed with events designed to help you learn, grow and connect with like-minded professionals. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
Noon Knowledge

Noon Knowledge: Sharpen your Digital Skills

Wednesday, Sept 18   |   12:00 – 1:00   |   Zoom

 

Join the Southern Virginia community this September for two insightful Noon Knowledge sessions, hosted by the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator (VHSBI) in partnership with the Washington County, Virginia, Chamber of Commerce, Abington, Virginia and Locus Community Focused Capital. These events are designed to help you enhance your business’s digital presence and strengthen your online strategies.

Back to Basics: Do I Have a Strong Digital Foundation?

Ensure your business is built on a solid digital foundation by exploring key online strategies and tools.

Don’t miss these opportunities to enhance your digital skills! 

Grapevine

RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup

Thursday, Sept 19  |   12:00-1:00pm   |   Zoom

Join us for our monthly online meetup, hosted by the Rise Collaborative.  This event is perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners in rural Southern Virginia. In this casual, supportive environment, you can share ideas, seek advice, and build connections with peers who understand the entrepreneurial journey.

Discuss your challenges and successes with like-minded individuals who are navigating the same path.

RISE Pump

PUMP: Pull Up Mentor Program

Monday, Sept 23 |   9:00am – 1:00pm   |   SOVA Innovation Hub

Wednesday, Sept 25 |   4:00-7:00pm   |   P&HCC Dalton IDEA Center

Wednesday, October 23 |   9:00am – 1:00pm   |   P&HCC Patrick County Fab Lab

Wednesday, November 20 |   8:30 – 10:30am   |   SOVA Innovation Hub

We’re excited to introduce a new event to the September schedule, hosted by the SOVA RISE Collaborative. 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.


Who Should Attend:

  • Business owners aiming to grow or scale
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs with new business ideas
  • Innovators bringing new products or services to market

This program is designed to help you “pump up” your business ideas and “pull up” your strategies with guidance from experienced mentors. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this session will provide tailored advice to help you achieve your goals.

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

Supplier Diversity Expo & Job Fair

Convergence 2024: Supplier Diversity Expo & Job Fair

Tuesday, Sept 10   |   11:00am – 2:00pm   |   Greater Richmond Convention Center

With 325 attendees expected, this Supplier Diversity Expo & Job Fair offers a unique platform to connect with top talent and showcase your business to a diverse audience. Companies such as Dominion Energy, Leidos, Virginia Department of Transportation, and Virginia State University have already reserved their tables, making this an event not to miss. Whether you’re looking to recruit new talent, expand your business networks, or explore new opportunities, the Convergence event is the place to be.

Hosted by Dominion Energy.

Upcoming Events by Longwood SBDC

The Longwood SBDC has several workshops scheduled in August to help you launch and grow your business. Learn more about these workshops and register on the Longwood SBDC website.

SBDC

Building the Foundation for Your New Business

Thursday, Sept 26  |   10:30am – 12:00pm   |   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 Longwood SBDC

Other Upcoming RISE Events

RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs early bird tickets on sale through September 30
Speakers for the RISE Summit

RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs

Friday, October 18 – Saturday, October 19   |  Danville, VA

As the RISE Regional Innovation Summit approaches, now is the time to register! Join us in Danville, Virginia, for a dynamic event themed “Meet the Moment.” Hosted by the SOVA RISE Collaborative, this summit features a lineup of industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and innovation specialists who will share invaluable insights on accessing capital, rural innovation, and essential business skills. Engage in hands-on workshops, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and explore Danville with pre-summit walking tours and dinners. Whether you’re looking to elevate your business or gain practical strategies, this summit offers the knowledge and connections you need to thrive.

Stay up to date on RISE Events

Find out what’s happening in the RISE Southern Virginia ecosystem on the RISE Meetups page.

Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates and announcements.