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.

PUMP (Pull Up Mentor Program) is a free, drop-in event designed to connect entrepreneurs with valuable resources to support your business journey. 

Upcoming PUMP Events

P&HCC Patrick County Fab Lab

Dates: Wednesday 12/17

Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Location: P&HCC Patrick County Fab Lab

(212 Wood Brothers Drive, Stuart, VA  24171)

P&HCC Dalton IDEA Center

Wednesday 11/19

Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Location: P&HCC Dalton IDEA Center

(26 Fayette St, Martinsville, VA 24112)

PUMP is open to the public. There is NO cost. Registration is requested, but not required. Just Pull Up!

Meet the RISE Navigators

PUMP events are hosted by the RISE Navigator team. The RISE Navigators are knowledgeable about the many business resources available to Southern Virginia entrepreneurs at the local, state, and national levels. The RISE Navigators are available to meet with you one-on-one or during a PUMP event.

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

Le’Bryan Patterson has recently joined the RISE Collaborative team, stepping into the role of RISE Business Navigator through a partnership with Patrick & Henry Community College. We spoke to Le’Bryan about his new position, its importance to him, the entrepreneurs he’ll be supporting, and the impact on the Southern Virginia region.

Read on to learn more about Le’Bryan and his vision for the RISE Navigator program.

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

The RISE Business Navigator role at Patrick & Henry Community College involves recruiting and networking with potential and current entrepreneurs. We provide startup programs, growth initiatives, and small business support services to foster business success. My goal as the RISE Business Navigator is to become well-acquainted with our resources and effectively share them while networking. I aim to connect businesses with resources that align their purpose with their future goals. Engaging with people to understand their needs and offering appropriate resources for our community and region is a key responsibility.

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

I am an accomplished young professional with an extensive background in business marketing, management, sales, leadership, and education.  With 12 years of experience in business consulting and entrepreneurship, I am well-versed in cold calling, recruiting, training and development, customer service, networking, leadership, and interpersonal skills. I have a strong track record in business planning, marketing strategies, and vendor relationship management. My tenure in the education sector allowed me to integrate my business expertise into classroom instruction. As an entrepreneur and business consultant, I have mentored numerous entrepreneurs from startup phases to business expansion, which has thoroughly prepared me for the Rise Community Business Navigator position.

What attracted you to this role?

Since I was child, my father was an entrepreneur. I have always been around business. My dad raised cattle. I remember quite well all the hands-on labor that went into making sure they brought the most at the market and this is where I got my blue-collar work ethic. He also started a trailer park with fourteen spaces. I remember quite well all the hands-on labor it took to make sure tenants were satisfied and this is where I learned the administrative side of business. All my life I have been around business, so I decided to pursue a business degrees to be a resource for my family. I was immediately attracted to this role because it gives me the opportunity to exercise my passion for business, while helping those in our community and region. I was also attracted to the role because I know every day will be different and it will be rewarding to help those bring their dream of owning their own business to reality.  

What are you most excited about in this new role?

I am most excited about the culture at Patrick & Henry Community College, where I have experienced a warm and supportive environment. The IDEA Center’s offerings to help community members start and grow their businesses are particularly exciting. Engaging with our partners and familiarizing myself with the diverse resources available to our community and region is also thrilling. I feel privileged to be part of a program dedicated to giving back.

What is your vision for entrepreneurship in our region?

My vision for entrepreneurship in our region involves fostering the creation and growth of businesses. We aim to provide comprehensive support services that guide entrepreneurs towards success. Our program’s mission is to increase the number of businesses and jobs in our region, thereby contributing to economic development.  

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

Our key initiatives include connecting with the community, creating business opportunities and jobs, and serving businesses to fulfill the RISE Navigator program’s mission.

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

To engage with the entrepreneurial community in Southern Virginia, I will leverage social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, in addition to collaborating with our partners. These platforms will be used to highlight our programs and share success stories. Word of mouth and community partnerships will also play a significant role in spreading awareness about our services. I will actively participate in community events to meet and network with business owners.  

What does success look like in this role?

Success in this role means ensuring our program is a valuable resource for the community and region. It involves connecting and creating as many businesses as possible while meeting our program deliverables to maintain the availability of these resources.

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

Entrepreneurs and small business owners in our region can reach me via phone, email, or through social media platforms (LinkedIn or Facebook).

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

The message I would like to send to current and aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners in Southern Virginia is take accountability for what you do not “KNOW” and ask. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to guide you towards success. Utilize our programs and resources—“we are here to help.”