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 Navigators Laura Coleman and Fritz Ampascher at the SOVA Innovation Hub in Halifax County and Muddy Paws Winery in Buckingham county, and 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!

Thursday, April 17, 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:  Wayne Draper, Tad Space
Resource Feature: Community Investment Collaborative

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – 12:00pm – 1:30pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) & EDWOSB Certification Workshop with Virginia APEX Accelerator

The federal government awards at least 5% of contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) each year, creating valuable opportunities for women entrepreneurs. This workshop covers WOSB and EDWOSB certification, federal contract opportunities, and key resources from the SBA and APEX Accelerator Program. Learn about eligibility, application steps, and recertification to position your business for success in government contracting.

Wednesday, May 14, 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, May 15, 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: Locus

Thursday, May 22, 2025 – 12:00pm – 1:30pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program with Virginia APEX Accelerator

The HUBZone Program supports economic development and job creation in designated urban and rural areas, with the federal government awarding at least 3% of contracting dollars to HUBZone-certified businesses each year. This workshop will cover program eligibility, contracting preferences, price evaluation benefits, and the application process to help small businesses take advantage of these opportunities. Led by government contracting experts, this session will provide the knowledge and resources needed to become HUBZone certified and compete for federal contracts.