Date:  Thursday, August 27, 2026
Location:  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – Danville, VA
Time:  9:00am – 4:30pm

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 June 30
Early Bird Rate ($55) – Available July 1 through August 13
Regular Rate ($65) – Available August 14 through August 24

Thinking about starting a business or looking to grow an existing one? Join RISE and the Amelia County Chamber of Commerce for a casual Coffee Chat at Books & Beans, where aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, side hustlers, nonprofit leaders, and established businesses can connect, ask questions, and learn about local resources. Hosted by Laura Russell, RISE Business Navigator and fellow small business owner, this free drop-in event requires no registration.

The Startup Playbook: Idea to Income

Have a business idea but not sure what comes next?

The Startup Playbook is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs move from IDEA to INCOME by turning concepts into a clear, actionable path toward business ownership.

Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an early-stage idea, this beginner-friendly series will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and direction.

This series is ideal for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Side hustlers
• Creatives and makers
• Students and young professionals
• Individuals exploring business ownership for the first time

By the end of the series, participants will walk away with a clearer business model, practical next steps, and connections to regional startup resources.

Part 1: Interactive Workshop

Choose ONE session date/location that works best for your schedule.

During this interactive workshop, participants will:

• Refine their business idea and target customer
• Identify the problem their business solves
• Explore revenue streams and startup costs
• Learn how to use the Business Model Canvas
• Connect with startup resources and support organizations

Halifax County

Hosted at the SOVA Innovation Hub

• Tuesday, June 9 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, June 23 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Martinsville-Henry County

Hosted at the Dalton IDEA Center

• Tuesday, July 14 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, July 21 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Part 2: One-on-One Follow-Up Support

After attending a workshop session, participants may schedule a free one-on-one follow-up session with a RISE Business Navigator to:

• Refine their business model
• Receive personalized feedback
• Identify next steps
• Connect with funding pathways and startup resources
• Explore additional RISE and partner organization support

These follow-up sessions are designed to help participants move from learning to action with guidance tailored to their specific idea or business goals.

Facilitated by RISE

This series is facilitated by RISE Business Navigators who connect entrepreneurs to resources, regional partners, mentorship opportunities, and business support services across Southern Virginia.

Space is limited. Register today to reserve your seat >

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.

Speaker: Vince Magnini
Longwood University, Professor of Management and Chair of the Department of Management and Marketing

Topic: Customer Service

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.