Le’Bryan Patterson, MBA

RISE Business Navigator & Program Manager

Serving THE GREATER Danville – Martinsville – Halifax Region

What to Expect

1. We identify your most pressing priority.
2. We clarify practical next steps.
3. We determine who else should be at the table.
4. You leave with a clear path forward.

Every conversation is handled with professionalism and discretion. Referrals and connections are made with your permission.

Industry Focus

• Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
• Agriculture & Food Processing
• Controlled Environment Agriculture
• Energy & Natural Resources
• Business & Professional Services
• Health Care Innovation
• Information Technology & Communications

Learn about our target industries >

About Le’Bryan Patterson

Le’Bryan Patterson brings a unique background in business instruction, award-winning sales, and coaching to his work as a RISE Business Navigator & Program Manager.

He is known for professionalism, integrity, and strong relationship-building across the region. With offices in Martinsville, Patrick County, and Halifax County, Le’Bryan is constantly on the move, meeting entrepreneurs where they are and helping them take their next step with clarity and confidence.

SOUTH BOSTON, VA — January 20, 2026 — The SOVA Innovation Hub announced today that renovation work is underway on The Hub @ 801, a major expansion of its downtown South Boston campus. The project extends the organization’s footprint beyond its flagship building at 715 Wilborn Avenue and includes a full renovation of the adjacent 12,000 square foot property at 801 Wilborn Avenue, formerly home to the South Boston Fire Company Support Center.

The Hub @ 801 will expand the SOVA Innovation Hub’s capacity to serve entrepreneurs, students, businesses, and community members across Southern Virginia. The renovated facility will feature flexible coworking areas, private offices, and two large meeting rooms that can be combined into an event space accommodating up to 148 people. Additional amenities will include a podcast studio to support content creation and storytelling, as well as the SOVA Fab Lab (short for Fabrication Laboratory), a regional makerspace and digital fabrication facility.

The SOVA Fab Lab is being developed in partnership with the Fab Foundation, a Boston-based nonprofit that supports Fab Labs worldwide. As part of a global network of more than 3,000 Fab Labs, the SOVA Fab Lab will connect Southern Virginia to an international community of technologists, makers, educators, and innovators through virtual training and information sharing. The facility will offer advanced digital fabrication tools—including 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining—to support workforce development, entrepreneurship, and applied learning. A dedicated Fab Lab Manager will be hired in Spring 2026 to lead the launch and ongoing growth of the makerspace.

“This expansion represents the next chapter in our work to contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem for Southern Virginia,” said Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement for MBC and the SOVA Innovation Hub. “The resources that will be available at The Hub @ 801 will empower people of all ages and experience levels to imagine, design, and build innovative products and solutions.”

The renovation project is partially funded by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and Mid‑Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC), with construction financing from Benchmark Community Bank. Funding for Fab Lab equipment and startup operations is provided by grants from Microsoft and GO Virginia Region 3. GO Virginia is a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries.

Renovation work will be completed by J.E. Burton Construction, with architectural design and construction administration led by the Richmond‑based firm PSH+.

Additional information and project updates are available at www.sovainnovationhub.com/.

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

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.

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)

This article originally appeared in The Charlotte Gazette on November 17, 2023.

To view the article as it originally appeared, click here.

Project will develop potential business owners

Published 8:00 am Friday, November 17, 2023

By Jeff Moore

Charlotte County’s economy could get a shot in the arm thanks to a new state funded project. Would-be business owners will be able to get support and training to succeed in starting or growing a company, through the Community Navigatorprogram.

Originally created through President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the project’s federal funding helped set up theframework for how it’ll operate. Then in October, a $600,000 grant from the Virginia governor’s office helped provide money to support those first applicants, when it goes live in January 2024. The navigator program will be based at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, helping would-be employers in a handful of counties. In addition to Charlotte, that includes Amelia, Brunswick, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick and Prince Edward. But it’s not as simple asjust showing up and asking for money. You need an innovative pitch, trying to create something unique.

“The overall goal is to help more entrepreneurs get connected to resources to startup, grow and scaleup innovative businesses,” said Lauren Mathena. In addition to her position as Director of Economic Development for Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp., Mathena is a team member at the Innovation Hub.

Director of Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at Longwood University Jacob Dolence helped design the community navigator program. He said the goal is to put best practices from other rural areas to work locally.

“In a way, navigators are almost like ‘startup scouts,’ relationship builders and connectors. They provide a plethora of ‘front doors’ into the ecosystem,” Dolence said.

Mathena said they will work to bring together people, organizations and culture to cultivate business creation and growth in the region’s diverse rural economy and large geographic spread.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Entrepreneurs can get involved with the navigators program by joining the email list and by applying to the Business Bootcamp, Mathena said. Potential entrepreneurs and existing business owners can learn more about both of those things and apply for the upcoming bootcamp at sovarise.com/business-bootcamp.

“Entrepreneurs who participate in the Winter 2024 Business Bootcamp and whose businesses meet criteria will also have access to the navigator program,” she said.

Having just been awarded the grant funds, navigators have not been hired yet, with the program set to begin early next year.

Leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs by connecting them to personalized resources can create durable and vibrant economic growth in the region, Dolence noted.

“Navigators will simultaneously see the ‘big picture’ of traded sectors, state priorities and upcoming opportunities, while strategically helping entrepreneurs to align with and take advantage of tangible steps towards success,” he said.

A Forbes magazine article that Mathena cited points to research showing businesses with fewer than 500 employees create nearly two-thirds of all new jobs and drive innovation.

“According to data from the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses create two-thirds of new jobs, increase competition among businesses, and are often the forces behind innovation and positive adjustments inefficiency,” Mathena said. “Research also supports that startup businesses create most new jobs, but often this research is referring to startups that receive venture capital, which are not necessarily the types of businesses that we are seeing yet.”

There are exceptions, she noted, such as the company Circ in Danville that has just been nominated for a global Earthshot Prize for its innovations in textiles.

Mathena said counties in the region are supporting start-up businesses and helping existing businesses expand when they invest in broadband, site infrastructure and the Longwood Small Business Development Center.

WORK AS A REGION

On the large scale, Mathena also argued that counties can’t do it alone. They need to work together in order to build a strong economy.

“In rural areas, working as a region is essential, and that is happening through partnerships such as the Heartland Regional Business Park and others,” Mathena said.

The efforts of all these groups focused on building the local economy have been aided by Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College as they build and expand their existing entrepreneurial curriculum.

“The two schools will offer classes for students and community members at the SEED Innovation Hub that is in the works in downtown Farmville,” Mathena said. “Faculty from each institution have been involved with the entrepreneurship training, including youth entrepreneurship education, regional pitch competitions and facilitation of theBusiness Bootcamp.”

The new community navigators will be connected to the school’s faculty and the future SEED Innovation Hub resources.

“The entrepreneurs in the program will receive mentorship and guidance from participating faculty if they wish,” she said.

Entrepreneurs interested in being part of this program can contact the team at hello@sovarise.com. More information onthe program can be found online at sovarise.com.

SOUTH BOSTON, VA – October 26, 2023 – Southern Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem – the synergistic combination of people, organizations, and culture that interacts and cultivates business creation and growth – is poised for extraordinary growth, thanks to a $600,000 grant recently awarded to the SOVA Innovation Hub to strengthen the collective regional entrepreneurship initiative known as RISE Collaborative. This substantial investment is set to fortify Southern Virginia’s standing as a central hub for fostering small business growth, innovation, and economic development.

The grant was awarded by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that works to strengthen and diversify Virginia’s economy and foster the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries. The funding will support RISE Collaborative, a dynamic initiative dedicated to providing essential support for entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia. Through RISE Collaborative programs, events, and network, entrepreneurs gain a supportive community of peers, direct access to business resource providers, dynamic training and skill-building content, and value-added networking opportunities.

“The RISE Collaborative, the SOVA Innovation Hub, and other key stakeholders who have joined this project will assuredly elevate and advance entrepreneurship and business growth region-wide,” said Tim Clark, Chair, GO Virginia Region 3 Council. “I join my Region 3 Council colleagues to say we applaud your past successes, and we look forward to the SOVA RISE Collaborative becoming a best-in-class for Virginia and the nation.”

Winter 2024 RISE Business Bootcamp

The first program to launch under this grant will be the Winter 2024 RISE Business Bootcamp powered by CO.STARTERS. Participants will immerse themselves in their business concepts, business strategies, financials, marketing blueprints, and other elements, with the goal of positioning their businesses for either a successful launch or expansion. This 10-week virtual live bootcamp is open to all types of business that are capable of growing and creating jobs and investment in Southern Virginia. More information about the program and program application is available online at sovarise.com/business-bootcamp. Applications for the program are due Friday, December 8, 2023. The program will meet on Zoom on Tuesday evenings beginning January 9, 2024 and will conclude in March 2024. If you need assistance completing the application, please email hello@sovainnovationhub.com or call (434) 570-1305.

Project Partners

In addition to the SOVA Innovation Hub, the collaborative effort includes key partners such as the Longwood Small Business Development Center, Hampden-Sydney College, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Patrick & Henry Community College, Microsoft TechSpark, and Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC).  Together, they will work hand in hand to break down barriers for historically marginalized populations and rural communities to successfully start, grow, and scale businesses, promoting equity and inclusivity as core principles.

SOVA Innovation Hub / Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC)

“This funding underscores a resolute commitment to catalyzing innovation in Southern Virginia, fortifying its economic future, and empowering the local workforce with critical skills and resources”, said Tad Deriso, President & CEO of MBC and Chair of the SOVA Innovation Hub. “With this grant, the SOVA Innovation Hub and its partners are primed to expand their reach, nurture talent, and continue to grow a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.”

“Just as MBC provides middle mile fiber infrastructure to Southern Virginia, the RISE Collaborative initiative provides infrastructure for the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Just like the internet, the ecosystem works best when it is connected,” said Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement at MBC, who serves as the RISE Collaborative Project Manager for the SOVA Innovation Hub. “If you are a business owner who is ready to grow, if you are an innovator with a startup concept, or if you are an experienced entrepreneur willing to be a mentor, we invite you join RISE Collaborative at an upcoming event. We are especially excited about our upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Week events in November and the launch of the next RISE Business Bootcamp, which is accepting applications through December 8th and will kick off in January 2024.”

Longwood University / Longwood SBDC

“Longwood University is committed to supporting the economic health of our region,” said Sheri McGuire, Associate VP for Community and Economic Development and Executive Director of Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC). “As a long standing economic development partner on the local and regional level, our Small Business Development Center network is excited to continue our work with RISE collaborative as a training and consulting resource for entrepreneurs.” 

Hampden-Sydney College

“Hampden-Sydney College is committed to invigorating the entrepreneurial spirit within our rural communities. We wholeheartedly believe that by co-sponsoring the GO Virginia RISE Collaborative grant, we can nurture the next generation of rural founders,” said Dr. Andrew King, Director of the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Hampden-Sydney College. “Our goal is to both educate and empower them to transform our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. This partnership signifies our steadfast dedication to making a meaningful difference in our growing community.”

Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

“We are grateful for this opportunity to expand our role with the RISE Collaborative,” said Dr. Betty Adams, Executive Director, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC). “Adding an entrepreneurship track to the CTA Work-Based Learning Program will increase the critical knowledge, skills, and opportunities that students need to gain employment or create their own small businesses. This benefits local communities and further enriches our growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Patrick & Henry Community College

“Expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem is absolutely essential for improving a community’s economic growth and overall vibrancy,” said Dr. Greg Hodges, President of Patrick & Henry Community College. “Patrick & Henry Community College is honored to be part of the RISE Collaborative and will use these resources to hire a Business Navigator in order to expand our entrepreneurial outreach and provide even greater opportunities for our critical small business owners.”

Microsoft TechSpark

“Microsoft’s partnership with the SOVA Innovation Hub brings inclusive tech opportunities to entrepreneurs and communities in rural southern Virginia,” said Jeremy Satterfield, Microsoft TechSpark Manager, Virginia. “This additional funding helps nurture local businesses and foster greater economic opportunity across the region.”

RISE Collaborative serves current and future entrepreneurs and innovators who live or own a business in GO Virginia Region 3. GO Virginia Region 3 includes the Counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, and the Cities of Danville and Martinsville. To find entrepreneurship and small business resources across the Southern Virginia region, visit www.sovarise.com.

About the SOVA Innovation Hub

The SOVA Innovation Hub is a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Southern Virginia. Through collaboration with business and education partners, the SOVA Innovation Hub provides access to resources, fosters collaboration, and nurtures skills that empower individuals and businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Our state-of-the-art facility in South Boston, Virginia features multiple meeting spaces and a variety of offices and workspaces to meet the needs of small businesses and remote workers in Southern Virginia. Learn more at www.sovainnovationhub.com.

About RISE Collaborative

RISE Collaborative brings together makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators of all backgrounds, interests, and experiences from across Southern Virginia to support the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. Through programs, events, and online network, entrepreneurs gain a supportive community of peers, direct access to business resource providers, dynamic training and skill-building content, and value-added networking opportunities. Learn more at www.sovarise.com.

Liz Smith
Senior Marketing Manager
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation
liz.smith@mbc-va.com
(434) 570-1312

Project Outcomes

Project Team

Project Outlook

The RISE Collaborative regional entrepreneurial ecosystem-building initiative will continue beyond this project, as a platform to continue GOVA Region 3’s regional entrepreneurship and innovation initiative. For the next phase of implementation, partners will include the SOVA Innovation Hub, Mid-Atlantic Broadband, Longwood Office of Community & Economic Development/LSBDC, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Patrick & Henry Community College, Hampden-Sydney College, Community Investment Collaborative, and local and regional economic development offices throughout GO Virginia Region 3.