Events for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Grow your network and build your business
RISE Collaborative meetups are open to all entrepreneurs, business owners, and business resource providers in Southern and South Central Virginia. Please pre-register so we know you plan to attend.
Multiple Dates and Locations
PUMP: Pull Up Mentoring Program
PUMP (Pull Up Mentor Program) is a free, drop-in event designed to connect entrepreneurs with valuable resources to support your business journey. Hosted by RISE Navigator by RISE Navigator Le’Bryan Patterson at the P&HCC Dalton Idea Center in Martinsville and the P&HCC Stuart Site in Patrick County. Registration is requested, but not required. Just Pull Up!
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 8:00am-3:00pm in Danville, VA
2nd Annual RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs
Level up your business at the 2025 RISE Summit—a one-day event packed with inspiration, skill-building workshops, and high-impact networking. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, this is your moment to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, gain practical tools, and spark new ideas.
📍 Location: Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, Danville, VA
🕘 Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Doors open at 8:00 AM for check-in, program begins at 9:00AM)
🎟️ Your registration includes:
- Access to all breakout sessions and keynotes
- A buffet lunch, snacks, and beverages
- Exclusive event swag
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the venue
Don’t miss this energizing day designed to help you grow your business and your network – save the date!
Multiple Dates and Locations
Collecting Cash from Credit
As cash becomes increasingly obsolete, businesses need to adapt. If you’re losing revenue due to cash-only operations, it’s time to upgrade. This course will teach you how to collect payments via credit using a Point-of-Sale system and boost your bottom line.
Please provide an email address during registration to be added to the Google Classroom. Bring a laptop for the session.
November 11, 2025 – 12:00pm – 2:00pm at Dalton IDEA Center (26 Fayette Street, Martinsville)
Register Here
November 18, 2025 – 12:00pm – 2:00pm at P&HCC Community Room (212 Wood Brothers Drive, Stuart)
Register Here
December 3, 2025 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm at SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Ave, South Boston)
Register Here
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the SOVA Innovation Hub
1-on-1 Consulting with Virginia APEX Accelerator
Southern Virginia businesses interested in government contracting have a new opportunity close to home. Virginia APEX Accelerator is offering free, 1-on-1 consulting sessions at the SOVA Innovation Hub, located at 715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA. The goal of this service is to make it easier than ever for Southern Virginia businesses to access expert guidance on navigating the government contracting process. Learn More>
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – 12:00pm-1:30pm at SOVA Innovation Hub
Mastering Proposal Submissions – Tips for Crafting Winning Responses
Ready to take the leap into submitting proposals? Proposal writing can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Join Margaret Edmond with Virginia APEX Accelerator for an engaging session where she’ll break down the process and provide actionable tips to make it easier. Discover how to evaluate opportunities, decide if they’re the right fit, and craft compelling responses. You’ll also learn the essentials of submitting your proposals with confidence.
Key Objectives:
- Understand how to review solicitation opportunities.
- Learn to assess if a bid is right for you.
- Gain insights into effective proposal writing techniques.
- Get step-by-step guidance on submitting your response.
Thursday, November 20, 2025 – 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom
RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup is a virtual gathering of diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. During each monthly meeting, we share updates from local and regional entrepreneurs support organizations. Entrepreneurs of all types are welcome to attend! Learn more about the RISE Grapevine Entrepreneur Network HERE.
Entrepreneur Spotlight: TBA
Resource Feature: TBA
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the SOVA Innovation Hub
1-on-1 Consulting with Virginia APEX Accelerator
Southern Virginia businesses interested in government contracting have a new opportunity close to home. Virginia APEX Accelerator is offering free, 1-on-1 consulting sessions at the SOVA Innovation Hub, located at 715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA. The goal of this service is to make it easier than ever for Southern Virginia businesses to access expert guidance on navigating the government contracting process. Learn More>
Thursday, December 18, 2025 – 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom
RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup is a virtual gathering of diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. During each monthly meeting, we share updates from local and regional entrepreneurs support organizations. Entrepreneurs of all types are welcome to attend! Learn more about the RISE Grapevine Entrepreneur Network HERE.
Entrepreneur Spotlight: TBA
Resource Feature: TBA