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.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 – 8:30-10:00am
Rise & Shine Entrepreneur Meetup – Brunswick County
Entrepreneurs of all ages are invited to join this monthly RISE Collaborative Rise & Shine entrepreneur meetup breakfast hosted by the Brunswick County entrepreneurial ecosystem with sponsorship by the Brunswick County Economic Development, the Brunswick County IDA, and the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. It will take place at the Brunswick County Conference Center. This monthly gathering includes discussion about entrepreneurship and innovation, how to find resources to start and grow businesses, and opportunities to get engaged in strategic growth for the region. It is free to the community, to support connections and community among entrepreneurs and innovators across the region.
Thursday, April 25, 2024 – 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.
Guest Speaker: To be announced
New Date To Be Announced – Summer 2024
RISE Business Pitch Competition (BPC)
The 2nd Annual RISE Business Pitch Competition is a region-wide business pitch competition hosted in Southern Virginia. Businesses will pitch for a chance to win prize funds to start or grow.
There is no fee to apply or attend. The competition will include businesses and entrepreneurs selected from the pool of applicants. The competition will take place at the SVHEC Innovation Center (605 Seymour Drive, South Boston, VA 24592) from 3:00-7:00pm.
The application is open to individuals who do business or plan to do business in one of the fifteen GO Virginia Region 3 localities, have completed an approved entrepreneurship course, and whose small businesses are early in the start-up phase, already in operation, or anywhere in between.
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, October 19, 2024
RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs
“Helping entrepreneurs meet the moment”
Make plans to attend the RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs for day of learning about how to be prepared to put your best foot forward in the moment an opportunity comes your way!
Stay tuned for more details about the event!
Interested in volunteering on the planning committee for this event? Contact hello@sovarise.com
Recent Meetups
Network & Learn: Marketing with Amanda Day Rose
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Amanda Day Rose of Wister’s shared her expertise and advice on digital and social media marketing for small businesses.
Rise & Shine Entrepreneur Meetup – Brunswick County
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Mike King of “On the Mic with Mike” spoke to the group on the topic of “Navigating Your Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”.
The Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Monthly virtual gathering of diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. The guest speaker was Shatera Robertson of Unique Styles & Designs, LLC.
Lunch and Learn: Succession Planning
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Stanley Jeffress and Cathy Hart Barksdale, former and current owners of Jeffress Funeral Home, shared their experience and tips for succession planning for a business.
The Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Monthly virtual gathering of diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. The guest speaker was Shawn Barksdale of Ten Minutes of Truth.
Thursday, March 21, 2024 – 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom
RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup
The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup is a monthly 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.
Guest Speaker: Julie Brown, President of 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co.