Project Overview
This project, “Region 3 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Investment Strategy (R3 EII)” was an early effort to identify gaps and opportunities in the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem across GO Virginia Region 3 (Southern Virginia). Regional Entrepreneurship & Innovation (REI) is a priority in the GO Virginia Region 3 Growth and Diversification Plan. Project activities included conducting focus groups with existing business owners, economic developers, government officials and community members across the region.
Project Outcomes
This project successfully delivered the Regional Entrepreneurship & Innovation Investment Strategy for GO Virginia Region 3, including actionable strategies. Recommendations included the following priorities:
- Increase connectivity among resources and entrepreneurs
- Nurture aspiring entrepreneurs
- Increase access to capital
- Support existing businesses
- Increase access to and activities in entrepreneurial spaces
- Coordinate ecosystem activities across the sub-regions within Region 3
RISE Southern Virginia Service Area
The RISE Southern Virginia service area includes: Patrick County, Henry County, Martinsville, Danville, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Brunswick County, Lunenburg County, Charlotte County, Nottoway County, Prince Edward County, Cumberland County, Buckingham County and Amelia County. This aligns with the 15 localities (13 counties and 2 cities) served by GO Virginia Region 3.
Project Team
Lauren Mathena
Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement at Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. (MBC) & SOVA Innovation Hub
Sheri McGuire
Longwood SBDC Executive Director + Associate Vice President at Longwood University Office of Community & Economic Development
Brandon Hennessey
Director of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Longwood SBDC & Longwood University
Ilsa Loeser
Founder & Principal, Letterpress Communications
Lin Hite
Longwood SBDC Western Region Director + Consultant for businesses in Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County, VA
Liz Smith
Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. (MBC) & SOVA Innovation Hub
Jacob Dolence
Entrepreneurship Faculty & Business Consultant at Longwood SBDC & Longwood University
Andrew King, PhD
Director of the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Hampden-Sydney College
Michael Scales
Longwood SBDC Western Region Business Analyst + P&HCC Faculty
Michael Duncan
Longwood SBDC Business Consultant & Entrepreneur
Dr. Walter Witschey
Research Professor of Anthropology and Geography, Longwood University (Retired)
Sam Torpy
Longwood SBDC Intern
Project Outlook
The GO Virginia Region 3 Council adopted the Regional Entrepreneurship & Innovation Investment Strategy and invited proposals for implementation projects aligning with the strategy. The SOVA Innovation Hub submited a successful application to GO Virginia for implementation of the regional entrepreneurship initative, which included development of the RISE Collaborative brand. Implementation project partners included: Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC), Longwood Office of Community & Economic Development/Longwood SBDC, and Hampden-Sydney College. Read about the 2021-2023 RISE Implementation Project >