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!

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.

Wednesday, June 11, 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, June 18, 2025 – 12:00pm – 1:30pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) & Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification Workshop

The federal government is committed to supporting veteran entrepreneurship by awarding at least 5% of federal contracting dollars annually to SBA-certified Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).

Virginia APEX Accelerator will lead this informative workshop, sponsored by RISE Collaborative, to help veterans understand and navigate the certification process. Topics include program eligibility, benefits, set-aside contracting opportunities, required documentation, application steps, and recertification. This session is ideal for veterans looking to grow their business through federal contracting opportunities.

Thursday, June 19, 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

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!