RISE Economic Development Meeting
January 28, 2025, 10am-11:15am on Zoom
Economic development professionals, business resource providers, and ecosystem builders from across GO Virginia Region 3 are invited to attend this virtual meeting. Join us to discuss entrepreneurship and innovation in Southern Virginia, and how we can support a thriving regional ecosystem!
DATE
January 28, 2025
TIME
10:00am – 11:15am
Location
Zoom (Online)
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Local and Regional Economic Development Staff and Officials
- Local and Regional Workforce Development Leaders
- Chambers of Commerce, Main Street Organizations, and Tourism Professionals
- Agriculture and Forestry Business Support Agencies
- Bankers/Lenders/Small Business Financing Professionals
- Business to Business Service Providers (Lawyers, Accountants, etc.)
- Anyone Interested in Being Involved as an Ecosystem Builder with the Regional Investment in Startups & Entrepreneurs (RISE Collaborative)
MEETING AGENDA
- Welcome and Meeting Purpose
- Introductions – All Participants
- Round robin style. Each participant shares their name, organization, location/service area, and a one sentence highlight related to how you/your organization supports entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia.
- Updates from RISE / GO Virginia Grant Partners
- Student Entrepreneurship – Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC)
- Entrepreneur Workshop – Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
- Entrepreneur Workshop – Community Investment Collaborative
- RISE Navigator Program – CIC and Patrick & Henry Community College
- Access to Capital Expansion – Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
- Digital Skills Training – SOVA Innovation Hub and SEED Innovation Hub
- General Updates – Longwood Small Businses Development Center (LSBDC)
- Upcoming Ecosystem Events and Activities – All Participants
- Virtual whiteboard activity: All participants contribute upcoming events, programs, and resources.
- Facilitated Discussion with Economic Developers
- What emerging opportunities exist for entrepreneurs and innovators? What problems do they face, and how can we help? What is going well?
- Closing and Next Steps