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 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, January 15, 2025 – 12:00pm-1:30pm at SOVA Innovation Hub
Contracting 101 with the Commonwealth of Virginia
Presented by the Greater Crater Apex Accelerator, this free workshop is your guide to tapping into Virginia’s billions in annual spending on goods and services. Learn step-by-step how to register as an eVA vendor, earn SWaM certification, identify buyers for your products, and use eVA tools to market your business effectively. Designed for hands-on learning, this 90-minute session will help you access new opportunities and start the registration process—be sure to bring your laptop!
Thursday, January 16, 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.
Speaker: Kathy Deacon
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the SOVA Innovation Hub
1-on-1 Consulting with the Crater APEX Accelerator
Southern Virginia businesses interested in government contracting have a new opportunity close to home. The Crater 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 >