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.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 – 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom
RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
Event Details
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.
Topic: New Year, New Goals
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – 12:00pm-1:30pm at SOVA Innovation Hub
Creating a Capability Statement that makes your Business Stand Out
Event Details
The Capability Statement is a concise, one page document that describes your business’s capabilities in a colorful, attention-grabbing way. Think of the Capability Statement as your business’s resume that provides specific information that will convince potential customers to do business with you.
Find out about key elements that will enhance your Capability Statement!
- Contact Information
- Core Competencies
- Past Performance
- Differentiators
- Government Contracting Information
Free workshop with Margaret Edmond of Virginia Apex! Open to all entrepreneurs and businesses.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 – 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom
RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
Event Details
The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup brings together diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. Each month, the virtual meetup features updates from local and regional entrepreneur support organizations and creates space for learning and connection. Entrepreneurs at all stages are welcome to attend.
This month’s topic: The Customer Journey, presented by Marilynn Cabiness. Many business owners believe success means reaching everyone, but effective growth comes from understanding and serving the right customer. This session will explore how aligning with your ideal customer and designing intentional touchpoints can help you build a customer journey that is both profitable and purposeful.
Friday, October 16, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm in Danville, VA
RISE Summit
Event Details
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Location: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – Danville, VA
Time: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Level up your business at the third annual RISE Summit—a favorite event packed with inspiration, skill-building workshops, and high-impact networking. This year, we are leveling up the experience even more! The focus is Innovation in Business, Manufacturing, and Agriculture. Whether you’re in manufacturing, agriculture, or any type of entrepreneur, this is THE EVENT for YOU!
Super Early Bird Rate ($45) – Available now through July 16, 2026
Early Bird Rate ($55) – Available July 17 through September 30, 2026
Regular Rate ($65) – Available October 1 through October 16, 2026