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!

Multiple Dates and Locations

Smartphone Video Advertising

Lights, Camera, Action! Entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow their brand—join us to unlock the power of smartphone advertising. This dynamic course teaches you how to create a short promotional video using your cellphone. Perfect for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone ready to elevate their brand!

Prior to class, students should download the CAPCUT mobile app. A cellphone is required for participation. Please provide an email address during registration to be added to the Google Classroom.

September 24, 2025 – 12:00pm – 2:00pm at P&HCC Community Room (212 Wood Brothers Drive, Stuart)
Register Here
October 1, 2025 – 12:00pm – 2:00pm at SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Ave, South Boston)
Register Here

Thursday, October 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.

Entrepreneur Spotlight: TBA
Resource Feature: TBA

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – 12:00pm-1:30pm at SOVA Innovation Hub

Contracting 101 with the Federal Government

Federal government contracting is selling products or services to U.S. federal government agencies. Government agencies purchase goods and services across a broad range of industries, from technology and construction to research and consulting. Gain an overview of the federal acquisition processes, rules, and regulations set by the federal government.

– Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARS)
– SAM.gov Registration
– Contracting Process
– Opportunities for Small Businesses

Multiple Dates and Locations

How to Establish Credit to Grow Your Business

This hands-on workshop equips you with the knowledge and practical steps to build a strong credit profile. Strong credit helps secure funding, negotiate better supplier terms, and ultimately grow your business. A solid credit foundation is key to long-term success!

October 16, 2025 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm at Dalton IDEA Center (26 Fayette Street, Martinsville)
Register Here
October 23, 2025 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm at P&HCC Community Room (212 Wood Brothers Drive, Stuart)
Register Here
November 6, 2025 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm at SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Ave, South Boston)
Register Here

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!

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – 12:00pm-1:30pm at SOVA Innovation Hub

Mastering Proposal Submissions – Tips for Crafting Winning Responses

Ready to take the leap into submitting proposals? Proposal writing can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Join Margaret Edmond with Virginia  APEX Accelerator for an engaging session where she’ll break down the process and provide actionable tips to make it easier. Discover how to evaluate opportunities, decide if they’re the right fit, and craft compelling responses. You’ll also learn the essentials of submitting your proposals with confidence.

Key Objectives:

• Understand how to review solicitation opportunities.
• Learn to assess if a bid is right for you.
• Gain insights into effective proposal writing techniques.
• Get step-by-step guidance on submitting your response.

Thursday, November 20, 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

Registration information coming soon.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – 12:00pm-1:30pm at SOVA Innovation Hub

Mastering Proposal Submissions – Tips for Crafting Winning Responses

Ready to take the leap into submitting proposals? Proposal writing can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Join Margaret Edmond with Virginia  APEX Accelerator for an engaging session where she’ll break down the process and provide actionable tips to make it easier. Discover how to evaluate opportunities, decide if they’re the right fit, and craft compelling responses. You’ll also learn the essentials of submitting your proposals with confidence.

Key Objectives:

• Understand how to review solicitation opportunities.
• Learn to assess if a bid is right for you.
• Gain insights into effective proposal writing techniques.
• Get step-by-step guidance on submitting your response.

Thursday, December 18, 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

Registration information coming soon.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – 12:00pm-1:30pm at SOVA Innovation Hub

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) & EDWOSB Certification Workshop

The federal government aims to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) each year. The WOSB and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) programs provide opportunities for women entrepreneurs to compete in the federal contracting market.

Join us for an informative workshop designed to help women-owned businesses understand the certification process, available contract opportunities, and key resources to support success in government contracting. Topics covered include:

• Overview of WOSB & EDWOSB Certification Programs
• How to identify and pursue federal contract opportunities
• Resources available through the SBA & APEX Accelerator Program
• Required documents and navigating the application process
• Understanding the recertification process

To participate in these programs, businesses must be registered with SAM.gov and certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and tools needed to successfully compete in the federal contracting space!