Applying Project Management for Founders, Entrepreneurs, and Businesses

Four-Part Virtual Workshop Series  |  Wednesdays  |  12 PM – 1:30 PM

April 22, April 29, May 13, and May 20, 2026

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.

In each episode, podcast host Le’Bryan Patterson highlights the unique stories of family-run businesses in the Patrick & Henry Community College region, which includes the City of Martinsville, Henry County, and Patrick County.

From kitchen-table startups to multi-generational operations, each episode dives into the ups and downs of doing business with family—offering relatable lessons, laughs, and local pride.

What You’ll Hear:

• Honest conversations with family business owners across the region

• How local entrepreneurs manage business roles and family dynamics

• Insights on resilience, growth, and community impact

Why It Matters:

Family businesses are vital to the economic and cultural fabric of our region. PHAMILY BIZ-ness gives these entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories and inspire others—proving that strong families can build strong businesses, and vice versa.

About the Host

Le’Bryan Patterson serves as the RISE Navigator for Martinsville, Henry County, and Patrick County. As a coach, mentor, and entrepreneur himself, he brings warmth, curiosity, and community focus to every episode.

Know a Local Family Business That Should Be Featured?

We’re always looking for more voices from Martinsville, Henry County, and Patrick County.
Contact Le’Bryan at mpatterson@patrickhenry.edu to recommend a guest or learn how to get involved.

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.”

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.

Introducing the RISE Collaborative Winter 2024 CO.STARTERS Business Bootcamp cohort!

Congratulations to the 30 entrepreneurs representing 28 businesses who completed the Winter 2024 RISE Business Bootcamp. The RISE Business Bootcamp kicked off in January and concluded on March 5, 2024.  The program included a virtual Meet & Greet session followed by eight, three-hour virtual training sessions and field work assignments each week.

Keep scrolling to learn more about these entrepreneurs and their business offerings.

Agriculture and Food

Health and Wellness

Professional Services

Retail

Transportation and Logistics

Entrepreneurs gather from around Southern Virginia to accelerate their businesses

Business Pitch Competitors

A total of 13 businesses pitched at the event, in the following order:

• RCFlyBy (Drone business based in Halifax, VA) https://www.rcflyby.com/ 
• The Appalachian Glamping Company (Startup concept for Patrick County, VA) 
• Sweetcakes by The Cheesecake Lady (Bakery and catering business in Martinsville, VA) https://www.facebook.com/thecheesecakeladyofva/ 
• Valhalla Organics (Farm and food product business in Halifax, VA) https://www.valhallaorganics.org/ 
• Frankie’s Spicy Farm (Salsa brand in Halifax County, VA) https://www.facebook.com/FrankieSpicyFarm/ 
• Premier Endeavors (Startup custom apparel business in Farmville, VA) 
• LEZEAL Enterprises (Wellness education business in Brunswick County, VA) 
• GW Custom Design (E-commerce custom apparel business based in Halifax County, VA) https://www.etsy.com/shop/GWCustomDesign 
• Toasted by Southern Plenty (Main Street business expansion in Halifax County, VA) https://southernplenty.com/ 
• Succor Solutions (Non-profit disaster relief consulting firm based in Nottoway County, Virginia) https://www.facebook.com/SuccorSolutions/ 
• Harris & Sons Septic, LLC (Septic service serving Halifax County, VA and surrounding areas in VA & NC https://southsideseptic.com/index.html 
• B&C Brewing Co. (Startup brewery to serve Amelia County, VA)
• Factory Street Brewing Co. (Existing brewery and event space in Halifax County, VA) https://factorystreetva.com/

Donate to the Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses

The Fund is currently at $2,100 as of March 29, 2023. Donations could be made by downloading and completing a sponsorship form or by emailing hello@sovarise.com. Pledges for 2023 are required to be made by Friday, March 31, 2023, at 12:00 noon.

Event Sponsors & Partners

The RISE Business Plan Competition is one of several programs organized by RISE Collaborative that provides access to capital through cash prizes, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The 2023 RISE Business Plan Competition Sponsors include Benchmark Community Bank, American National Bank & Trust, First Citizens Bank, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, Long & Foster Real Estate of South Boston, Va., Letterpress Communications, and the SOVA Innovation Hub. Information about sponsoring future RISE Collaborative events is online at sovarise.com/partners.

Carl Bassfield, owner of In-Depth Productions based in Blackstone, Va., provided photography for the event.  As a member of the first business bootcamp offered by RISE Collaborative, Bassfield has been an active participant and contributor to the RISE Collaborative since its launch in 2021. 

Rudy’s Girl Media based in Martinsville, Va. provided videography coverage. Natalie Hodge, owner of RGM and creator of the YouTube series Hometown Hustle, is an avid supporter of other entrepreneurs. Hodge and her team are gearing up for the Season 2 premier of Hometown Hustle on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 7 pm EST.

RISE Collaborative looks forward to hosting future events to support local entrepreneurs and businesses.  To find out more about events, resources, and how to get involved, join our email list or contact us at hello@sovarise.com.