Female Founders Fund for Woman-Owned Businesses in Southern Virginia
The RISE Female Founders Fund for Woman-Owned Businesses provides micro-grant funding to female entrepreneurs. The Female Founders Fund was established in 2023 to provide additional support and encouragement to female entrepreneurs demonstrating perseverance in pursuing their vision in Southern Virginia.
Who Should Apply
We encourage applications from female entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey, from early-stage startups to established businesses looking to scale. If you have a vision and the drive to make it a reality, the SOVA RISE Female Founders Fund is here to help you take the next step.
Eligibility criteria: To qualify, businesses must 1) be located in the RISE Collaborative Southern Virginia region*, 2) be at least 51% owned by a woman, as self-reported, 3) submit a completed application, and 4) participate/attend the RISE event associated with the funding round for which you are applying.
Priority will be given to eligible entrepreneurs who demonstrate grit defined as the “perseverance and passion for long-term goals” and the ability to overcome obstacles.
*The RISE Collaborative Southern Virginia region includes 15 localities: Amelia County, Brunswick County, Buckingham County, Charlotte County, Cumberland County, Halifax County, Henry County, Lunenburg County, Mecklenburg County, Nottoway County, Patrick County, Pittsylvania County, Prince Edward County, the City of Danville, and the City of Martinsville.
How to Apply – Round 4: Female Founders Fund
We are not currently accepting applications. To be informed when applications open, please join our email list >
Donate to the Female Founders Fund
The RISE Collaborative SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses is seeking donations to increase the prize funds available to eligible entrepreneurs. Donations to this fund are tax-deductible donations to the SOVA Innovation Hub, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that manages RISE Collaborative.
Donations are an ongoing basis by the SOVA Innovation Hub c/o RISE Collaborative. To make a donation, please complete the RISE Donation Commitment Form and indicate that you want to designate your gift to the SOVA Female Founders Fund. After we receive your form, a member of the SOVA Innovation Hub/RISE team will contact you to setup payment.
Ilsa Loeser, Founder of Letterpress Communications, established the SOVA Female Founder’s Fund with an initial gift in 2023, which was matched by other generous entrepreneurs.
Meet the Winners of the RISE Female Founders Fund
Round 3 – RISE Collaborative awarded one entrepreneur with prize funds from the RISE Female Founders Fund at the October 2024 Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs.
Beth Callis
Beth Callis is pictured above (left) with Jenn Kinne of Letterpress Communications
Peculiar Pantry
Snack food company based in South Hill in Mecklenburg County, VA
Round 2 – RISE Collaborative awarded three entrepreneurs with prize funds from the RISE Female Founders Fund through the June 2024 RISE Business Pitch Competition. Award recipients included: Devin Crisman (The Cottage Barn), Tiffany Ferrell (CAREFully Anchored), Lauren Parks (Danville Massage Therapy Associates.
Devin Crisman
The Cottage Barn
Ice cream shop and retail store in Clarksville, VA
Tiffany Ferrell
CAREfully Anchored C.A.R.E. Academy
Resource for caregivers that will offer educational trainings, resources, and community support; C.A.R.E. Academy is a new product/service by CAREfully Anchored
Lauren Parks
Danville Massage Therapy Associates
Professional massage therapy and wellness services in Danville, VA
Round 1 – RISE Collaborative awarded two entrepreneurs with prize funds from the RISE Female Founders Fund: Mary Bagwell and Tara Lucas through the March 2023 RISE Businses Pitch Competition.
Mary Bagwell
Owner, TOASTED by Southern Plenty
Mary Bagwell of Halifax County, VA, owner of TOASTED by Southern Plenty, pitched her startup concept to launch a new, specialty retail store with a plan to scale through e-commerce. Mary received an award of $1,250 from the RISE Female Founders Fund as part of the 2023 RISE Business Pitch Competition. Mary is a completer of the Winter 2023 RISE Business Bootcamp and a previous winner of the Downtown South Boston Community Business Launch.
Tara Lucas
Owner, Sweetcakes Bakery by The Cheesecake Lady
Tara Lucas of Martinsville, VA, owner of Sweetcakes Bakery by The Cheesecake Lady. She pitched her concept to expand from a limited-service bakery into a restaurant. Tara received an award of $1,250 from the RISE Female Founders Fund as part of the 2023 RISE Business Pitch Competition. Tara is a completer of the Winter 2023 RISE Business Bootcamp and has also completed training through the Martinsville-Henry County Startup/Grow business programs.
Female Founders in the Spotlight
“Four Female Founders Talk Pricing” was a live panel discussion hosted by Letterpress Communications on Facebook Live on May 17, 2023. Featured speakers include:
- Mary Bagwell, Founder of Toasted by Southern Plenty (South Boston, VA)
- Tara Lucas, Founder of Sweetcakes Bakery by the Cheesecake Lady (Martinsville, VA)
- Natalie Hodge, Founder of Rudy’s Girl Media (Martinsville, VA)
- Ilsa Loeser, Founder of Letterpress Communications (Farmville, VA)
Donate to the Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses
Thank you in advance for your support of the RISE Collaborative SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses. Donations are tax-deductible contributions to the SOVA Innovation Hub, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which manages the RISE Collaborative regional entrepreneurship & innovation initiative.