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.

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

Monthly Government Contracing Workshops with the Virginia APEX Acclerator at the SOVA Innovation Hub

Monthly 1-on-1 Government Contracting Consulting with the Virginia APEX Accelerator at SOVA Innovation Hub

How to Get Started with 1-on-1 Consulting with the Virginia APEX Accelerator

To schedule your 1-on-1 government contracting consultation at SOVA Innovation Hub, you must first be registered with the Virginia APEX Accelerator at https://virginiaapex.org >

After you have registered, a Virginia APEX Accelerator consultant will contact you to schedule a timeslot. After you first consulting session, you can schedule follow up sessions with the consultant.

What Businesses Can Expect from 1-on-1 Consulting

Through 1-on-1 consulting, businesses can work with experienced government contracting consultants from the Crater APEX Accelerator, who provide:

• Tailored Guidance: Consultants assess where you are in your government contracting journey and offer recommendations to help you advance.
• Expert Insights: Learn from consultants with deep knowledge of the contracting process, who understand its unique challenges and opportunities.
• Hands-on Assistance: Get practical help with everything from compliance requirements to creating competitive proposals and winning bids.
• Free Services: There is no cost to receive consulting services from the Crater APEX Accelerator.

Who Can Benefit?

This consulting service is designed for businesses of all sizes and sectors, whether you’re just beginning to explore government contracting or seeking ways to increase their competitiveness in the field. The Crater APEX Accelerator team will be happy to discuss your goals and assist you in maximizing your potential in government contracting.

Questions?

Contact Mallory Lawter, SOVA Innovation Hub Community Manager at hello@sovainnovationhub.com

Why Government Contracting?

Government contracting provides significant growth opportunities across industries, with billions in contracts awarded each year by federal, state, and local governments. While these contracts can be transformative, the process of securing them is often complex. The Crater APEX Accelerator helps simplify this journey by offering no-cost, expert support to businesses aiming to break into or expand by competing for contracts and clients within the public sector.

What Businesses Can Expect 

Through 1-on-1 consulting, businesses can work with experienced government contracting consultants from the Crater APEX Accelerator, who provide:

• Tailored Guidance: Consultants assess where you are in your government contracting journey and offer recommendations to help you advance.
• Expert Insights: Learn from consultants with deep knowledge of the contracting process, who understand its unique challenges and opportunities.
• Hands-on Assistance: Get practical help with everything from compliance requirements to creating competitive proposals and winning bids.
• Free Services: There is no cost to receive consulting services from the Crater APEX Accelerator.

Who Can Benefit?

This consulting service is designed for businesses of all sizes and sectors, whether you’re just beginning to explore government contracting or seeking ways to increase their competitiveness in the field. The Crater APEX Accelerator team will be happy to discuss your goals and assist you in maximizing your potential in government contracting.

How to Get Started

To schedule your 1-on-1 government contracting consultation at SOVA Innovation Hub, contact Margaret Edmond at medmond@craterapex.org. Don’t miss this chance to take business’ potential for governement contracting to the next level! 

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

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:

RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs

Applications Open for the Spring 2025 Entrepreneur Workshop

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.

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. 

Fritz Amspacher recently joined the RISE Collaborative team as a RISE Business Navigator through a partnership with Community Investment Collaborative. We asked Fritz about his new role and its significance for him, the entrepreneurs he will be working with, and the Southern Virginia region.

Read on to learn more about Fritz and his vision for the RISE Navigator program.

Tell us about the role – what do you do, what are your goals and responsibilities?

My role is a Business Navigator, meaning that I help guide, coach, and lead entrepreneurs to the various things they’ll need to run a successful business, whether that is connecting them with a lender, helping them enroll in workshops, mentoring them for interactions with clients and investors, etc. We connect people to the tools they need to realize and accomplish their goals.

Tell us about your background and previous experiences that have led and prepared you for this position.

Throughout my life I’ve worked in every aspect of the Hospitality industry, but I always found myself drawn back into privately owned restaurants. I worked hand in hand with many small business owners, and saw the struggles they faced as they attempted to navigate their entrepreneurial journey without proper coaching or guidance. It is a well known statistic that about 60% of restaurants fail within their first year, and roughly 80% fail within the first five years. By any standard those numbers don’t bode well for entrepreneurs, specifically those in the hospitality industry, however when you look at those numbers with the knowledge that 41% of restaurant firms are owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs, 11% more than businesses in the overall private sector, you start to realize that the problem might not be the industry, but a lack of access to education, funding, and mentoring, for groups that have been historically marginalized. After moving to South Boston, and seeing the brilliant ideas that many members of the community have, but frequently don’t see come to fruition, I saw an opportunity to be part of the solution by working for CIC and helping people gain access to the tools they can use to build a strong, vibrant, self reliant community.

What attracted you to this role?

I have always loved the idea of helping small businesses. I’ve worked with many small business owners, have done consulting as a private business owner, and have seen the struggles many entrepreneurs face, and the idea of representing marginalized communities and making sure they get their seat at the table makes me feel good about the work that I could do, and the change I could bring to the community I live in, and the surrounding areas.

What are you most excited about in this new role?

I’m very excited to work with people from all walks of life, to learn about their businesses and their unique ideas and see those dreams and goals become a reality.

What is your vision for entrepreneurship in our region?

My vision for entrepreneurship in our region is a series of self reliant communities where the needs of the population are met by the members of that same community. I want a region where you don’t have to drive an hour to go to a bookstore, or 45 minutes to go to a nice restaurant, because it’s all in your town, created and run by the people you see everyday, with money that is constantly being redistributed within the community to build wealth.

How do you plan to engage with the entrepreneurial community in southern Virginia?

I plan to engage with the members of the community by listening, by understanding the difficulties they face as members of rural communities because I’m a member of a rural community as well, and by being committed to providing the best services to suit the various needs they might have.

What does success look like in this role?

To me, success in this role looks like successful businesses, jobs created, money put into the community through these businesses. If I’m successful in my role then I’m helping entrepreneurs lift up not just themselves, but the members of their community as well.

What message would you like to send to current and aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners in Southern Virginia?

Don’t give up. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Success is a series of incremental victories, addressing the next problem, and overcoming it, and that’s what we’re here to help you do.

How can entrepreneurs and small business owners in our region get in touch with you?

In office at the SOVA Innovation Hub at 715 Wilborn Ave, South Boston VA, through my email at fritz@cicville.org, or by calling me at  434-218-3481 or 434-260-5166.

Learn How to Grow Your Business with Government Clients

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

Top Resources for Getting Starting with Government Contracting

• Small, Women, and Minority -owned (SWaM) certification through the Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (SBSD)
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification through the Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (SBSD)
• Virginia Values Veterans (v3) transition support for servicemembers seeking employment, education, and entrepreneurship.
• One-on-One Business Consulting & Technical Assistance from the Longwood Small Business Development Center (LSBDC)
• One-on-One Business Counseling & Technical Assistance from the Crater APEX Accelerator

Action Items for Existing Businesses Get Started with Government Contracting

Building a Strong Business Foundation

For more information on upcoming workshops at the SOVA Innovation Hub offered by RISE Collaborative visit sovarise.com/meetups and coworking.sovainnovationhub.com/events

RISE Collaborative Announces 2024 RISE Business Pitch Competition Winners

$12,000 in prize funds awarded to Southern Virginia entrepreneurs and business owners

RISE Collaborative hosted its 2nd annual regional RISE Business Pitch Competition on June 26, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston, Virginia. The event featured five businesses competing in either the Startup or Scale-Up categories, for a chance to win a cash prize of $500 to $5,000. The competition featured a fast-paced format, with each team having five minutes to pitch their business and another five minutes for questions from the judges.

RISE Collaborative recognizes the contribution of the judges, who gave their time and expertise to support this regional entrepreneurial ecosystem event.

• Dr. Julie Brown (Vice President of Advanced Learning at IALR and Co-Owner of 2 Witches Winery and Brewing Company in Danville, VA); 
• Morgan Clark (Founder & Lead Consultant of Epstein Clark Consulting in Danville, VA);
• Steve Creedle (SVP/Chief Lending Officer at Benchmark Community Bank in South Hill, VA); 
• Stephen Davis (President of Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) in Charlottesville, VA); and
• Ruby Reid-Cunningham (Owner of Valhalla Organics in Vernon Hill (Halifax), VA)

Mentors also play a key part in the program. Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultants served as mentors for the entrepreneurs who participated in this RISE event.

2024 RISE Business Pitch Competition Winners

Scale-Up Category

The Scale-Up category included existing businesses that demonstrated a concept that would scale their business. Each of the businesses that pitched in this category is already established with customer relationships, suppliers, and marketing strategies.

A grant of $5,000 was awarded to The Ground Floor (Josh Blancas) to grow their coffee shop in Martinsville, VA. Their vision is to be a gathering place where all people feel welcomed, loved, and valued. They strive to provide the highest quality beverages and food in an atmosphere that feels like home. The Ground Floor plans to use the winnings to help purchase a second oven to keep up with the demand of food orders.

A grant of $2,500 was awarded to The Cottage Barn (Devin Crisman). The Cottage Barn is an ice cream shop and retail store located in Clarksville, VA. As the first building in the downtown section of Clarksville, The Cottage Barn plans to use the winnings to upgrade the building exterior to bring more visibility to her business as well as benefit placemaking efforts in the town.

A grant of $1,500 was awarded to The Gift Design Company (Terence Carter). The Gift Design Company is a gift company located in Martinsville specializing in small business manufacturing, personalization & engraving services, promotional products, and branded merchandise. The Gift Design Company plans to use the winnings to assist in the purchase of a larger laser engraver to increase production opportunities.

A grant of $1,000 was awarded to Danville Massage Therapy Associates (Lauren Parks). Danville Massage Therapy Associates provides professional massage therapy and wellness services for clients in the Danville area. She plans to use the winnings to purchase an electric lift massage table to better serve clients with mobility concerns.

Startup Category

The Startup category includes businesses that are very early in their process of becoming established and launching.

SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses

The SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses was created with the intention to provide additional support and encouragement to female entrepreneurs who demonstrated perseverance and grit in pursuing their vision. Winners of this category included C.A.R.E. Academy by CAREfully Anchored (Tiffany Ferrell), The Cottage Barn (Devin Crisman) and Danville Massage Therapy Associates (Lauren Parks), who each received a $500 grant in addition to their Scale-up or Startup grants.

RISE Collaborative’s next events include the Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup (August 15th on Zoom) and the RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs (October 18-19 in Danville, VA). To find out more about RISE Collaborative’s upcoming events, resources, and how to get involved, go to www.sovarise.com.

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 two primary entities: Longwood Office of Community & Economic Development (Farmville, Va.), which includes the Longwood Small Business Development Center (serving the region) and SOVA Innovation Hub (South Boston, Va.). RISE Collaborative provides guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners through a number of ongoing programs every year, including a virtual business bootcamp, the RISE Navigator program, the regional Business Pitch Competition, and more. For more information, visit sovarise.com.

About Longwood SBDC

As a small business resource for 30 years, the Longwood Small Business Development Center’s (LSBDC) core mission is to provide education, consulting, and economic research to support potential and existing small business owners throughout Southern Virginia. The SBDC program at Longwood University is positioned as an economic development outreach program under the umbrella of the Office of Community and Economic Development. The center’s effectiveness is measured in the success of our clients. Results are measured in terms of client capital investment and jobs created. For more information, visit sbdc-longwood.com.

About SOVA Innovation Hub

The SOVA Innovation is a non-profit organization created to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia. We bring together business and education partners to offer innovation programs that inspire people to pursue digital careers and entrepreneurship.

Our state-of-the-art building in South Boston, VA includes a coworking space, a training space, and the Microsoft Experience Center. To learn more visit sovainnovationhub.com.

Laura Coleman recently joined the RISE Collaborative team as the RISE Navigator Program Manager through a partnership with CIC (Community Investment Collaborative). Headquartered in Charlottsville, CIC is actively expanding to serve entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia in collaboration with RISE Collaborative, the SOVA Innovation Hub, and other local partners. 

We interviewed Laura about her new role and its significance for her, the entrepreneurs she will be working with, and the Southern Virginia region.

Read on to learn more about Laura and her vision for the RISE Navigator Program.

Tell us about the role – what do you do, what are your goals and responsibilities?

As the RISE Navigator Program Manager, I will have the privilege of working directly with entrepreneurs to foster growth and innovation in the RISE Collaborative service area, which includes the 15 localities in the GO Virginia Region 3 service area.

Through the launch of the RISE Navigator program, I aim to provide entrepreneurs and startups with the resources they need to succeed, including access to necessary capital, mentorship, and coordinating with other RISE Navigators and resource providers to ensure a cohesive and impactful support network. My goals include increasing entrepreneurial engagement, improving resource accessibility, and fostering sustainable business growth within the region.

Tell us about your background and previous experiences that have led and prepared you for this position.

My background includes over a decade in training and leadership development, primarily focused on enhancing skills and organizational performance. A proud graduate of Old Dominion University, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Counseling. I also obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Strayer University. I spearheaded initiatives that drove substantial growth and operational excellence, developing strategic programs, and leadership resources. I bring a comprehensive background, spanning over two decades, across the non-profit, insurance, sales, and outsourcing industries.

As a servant leader with a heart for people, deeply committed to personal growth and development, and an advocate for a growth mindset, I encourage the view of challenges as lessons and stepping stones to resilience and success. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. I am a native of Halifax County, Virginia and dedicated to empowering our rural entrepreneurs and startups by connecting them with the necessary resources to RISE.

What attracted you to this role?

Having dedicated a significant part of my career to empowering organizations and individuals to reach their full potential and having relocated back to southern Virginia, the perfect next step for me was serving as the RISE Navigator Program Manager. I was drawn to this role because it would allow me to impact and transform economic development within our community by supporting local entrepreneurs. The opportunity to lead a collaborative effort that builds on my previous experience in training and development management, while also making an impact in people’s lives and their businesses, was incredibly compelling. There are so many people within my community (church, family, neighborhood, etc.) that are entrepreneurs and do not know about the many resources available. I wanted to be a part of the solution!

What are you most excited about in this new role?

I am genuinely excited about the chance to meet and work with a wide range of entrepreneurs, helping them break down barriers to success. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an effort that nurtures a thriving community of innovators, with the potential to significantly boost our regional economy. I am looking forward to putting new strategies into action, seeing their positive effects on local businesses firsthand, and watching our community come together to support and enhance the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem that RISE Collaborative and other organizations are developing.

What is your vision for entrepreneurship in our region?

My vision is to create a thriving entrepreneurial environment where every aspiring entrepreneur regardless of background, has access to the necessary tools, resources, and support needed to succeed. I envision southern Virginia becoming a recognized hub for innovation and entrepreneurship that attracts talent from across the country and nurtures homegrown talent.

What key initiatives or programs do you plan to implement or support?

I am so excited to support RISE Collaborative programs and events! Through the RISE Navigator program, I plan to build upon our current outreach, mentorship and networking strategies to connect entrepreneurs with more financial knowledge and social capital, implementing initiatives that promote a network for our regional entrepreneurs to lean on for resources and support.

How do you plan to engage with the entrepreneurial community in southern Virginia?

I plan to engage with the community through regular RISE meetups, one-on-one consultations, digital marketing, and by maintaining an active presence throughout the region, at various events and networking opportunities. Building strong, personal connections with entrepreneurs will be a priority, as will partnering with regional organizations, universities, and business groups to expand our outreach.

Question 8  |  What does success look like in this role?

Success in this role means seeing a measurable increase in the number of startups and small businesses in our region and their success rates. In this role, I will strive to provide leadership to ensure the regional program engages with at least 350 entrepreneurs and 150 businesses that align with the GO Virginia Region 3 economic growth and diversification goals.

It also involves establishing a robust network where entrepreneurs feel continuously supported and are achieving their business milestones. Ultimately, contributing to the economic growth and vitality of southern Virginia through innovation, growth, and job creation.

What message would you like to send to current and aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners in Southern Virginia?

To entrepreneurs in southern Virginia: You are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our community. Let’s work together to innovate, overcome challenges, and achieve your business dreams. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your business, we can connect you to the resources and a network to help you succeed. You are not alone in this journey- RISE Collaborative and the Navigator program is here to support you every step of the way.

How can entrepreneurs and small business owners in our region get in touch with you?

They can visit sovarise.com first, to sign up for our monthly RISE newsletter, explore events, blogs and other resources available to them within GO Virginia Region 3.

I can be reached directly by email at laura@cicville.org and phone at (434) 226-0356.

I am also available for meetings at the SOVA Innovation Hub and I regularly attend various networking events around the region. Let’s connect!

The RISE Collaborative SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses is seeking donations to increase the prize funds available to eligible entrepreneurs. Donations to this fund are tax-deductible donations to the SOVA Innovation Hub, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that manages RISE Collaborative. 

SOVA Female Founders Fund for Woman-Owned Businesses 

Ilsa Loeser, Founder of Letterpress Communications, established the SOVA Female Founder's Fund with an initial gift in 2023, which was matched by other generous entrepreneurs.

Prior Award Recipients: Meet the Female Founders Fund Award Winners

In 2023, RISE Collaborative awarded two entrepreneurs with prize funds from the RISE Female Founders Fund: Mary Bagwell and Tara Lucas.

Tara Lucas of Martinsville, VA, owner of Sweetcakes Bakery by The Cheesecake Lady. She pitched her concept to expand from a limited-service bakery into a restaurant. Tara received an award of $1,250 from the RISE Female Founders Fund as part of the 2023 RISE Business Pitch Competition. Tara is a completer of the Winter 2023 RISE Business Bootcamp and has also completed training through the Martinsville-Henry County Startup/Grow business programs.

How many SOVA Female Founders can we support in 2024?

In 2024, RISE Collaborative will award additional prize funds from the SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses to eligible entrepreneurs in the RISE Business Pitch Competition, set for June 26, 2024. Your support is needed to increase the amount of support we can provide!

Female Founders in the Spotlight

"Four Female Founders Talk Pricing" was a live panel discussion hosted by Letterpress Communications on Facebook Live on May 17, 2023.  Featured speakers include:

• Mary Bagwell, Founder of Toasted by Southern Plenty (South Boston, VA)
• Tara Lucas, Founder of Sweetcakes Bakery by the Cheesecake Lady (Martinsville, VA)
• Natalie Hodge, Founder of Rudy’s Girl Media (Martinsville, VA)
• Ilsa Loeser, Founder of Letterpress Communications (Farmville, VA)

Registration is OPEN for the Southern Virginia Regional Procurement Fair!

A strong understanding of the procurement process is crucial for businesses of all sizes and services! The Southern Virginia Regional Procurement Fair is designed to educate our valued businesses how to obtain contracts in working with large industries and government agencies. This event is the perfect opportunity to get your foot in the door and your business on the map in working with new and large companies.  

AGENDA ITEMS

• Learn how to become a credible vendor to large industries and government agencies.
• Gain insight on the Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business (SWaM) certification process.
• Learn how to gain access to capital.  
• Network with local vendors.

EVENT DETAILS

• DATE: Wednesday, April 10
• TIME: 2 Sessions, 8:30am-12:00pm OR 1:30-5:00pm (you only need to attend one session)
• WHERE:  Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA 

HOW TO REGISTER

Register Here: https://caesarssupplierdiversity.formstack.com/forms/southernvaprocurementfair?fbclid=IwAR1UyR46K8JkJ5rg7rR8DLjfaxR8Awkcygbo2Qx5d0ifqrkFfiWv3Q-iKAQ

Follow the City of Danville Office of Economic Development’s Facebook page to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/danvilleeconomicdevelopmentandtourism/

Questions? Reach out to Samantha Bagbey, Project Manager, at samantha.bagbey@discoverdanville.com or call 434.793.1753.