Training & Events for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Is your dream to start, build, or grow your business in Southern Virginia? You don’t have to go on this journey alone. RISE Collaborative centers you in a supportive ecosystem, where you can receive support from instructors who are trained to help your start and grow your business. You also have the opportunity to connect and grow with other innovators on their own journeys to success.
Current and Upcoming Programs
RISE Navigator Program
Get connected to resources to start, grow, or scale your business
RISE Resource Map
Find local, regional, and state resources to start, grow, or scale your business
RISE Grapevine Entrepreneur Network
Monthly Virtual Meetups
RISE Summit
October 18 & 19, 2024
CIC Southern Virginia Entrepreneur Workshop
Powered by RISE Collaborative
Access to Capital Resources
Explore ways to access financial, knowledge, and social capital
Looking for more Training & Events?
Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Statewide Network with Local Business Consultants
Chamber of Commerce
Find your local chamber of commerce and explore statewide chambers
News for Entrepreneurs and Businesses
Join our email newsletter for updates on events and training for entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia.
Past Programs
Hosted by RISE Collaborative
Beginning in early 2021, the SOVA Innovation Hub and the Longwood Small Business Development Center partnered to develop and deliver RISE Collaborative training and events for entrepreneurs. Our first two years of programs was 2021-2023, during a time when many people in our communities were still experiencing the impacts of the 2020 pandemic. We hosted four cohorts of the RISE Business Bootcamp, two Business Pitch Competitions, many networking events and workshops including RISE & Shine Meetups and the RISE Grapevine, as well as student entrepreneurship programs. As time goes on, we will continue to evolve our programs to meet the needs of the entrepreneurs we serve. Below are a few of the programs we have offered in the past.
RISE Business Bootcamp
April 2021 - June 2024
We hosted 5 cohorts including 64 entrepreneurs who completed the RISE Business Bootcamp
RISE Business Pitch Competition
March 2023 & June 2024
We hosted 2 pitch competitions with over $28,000 in prize funds distributed to 13 businesses
RISE & Shine Entrepreneur Meetups
April 2021 - June 2024
We hosted morning meetups for entrepreneurs both online and in-person in Halifax, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Prince Edward Counties