Marilynn Cabiness
RISE Business Navigator & Ecosystem Builder
Serving Brunswick & Mecklenburg COUNTIES
Helping entrepreneurs connect to the right resources, at the right time.
Navigate the chaos and get clear on your next steps.
Starting or growing a business takes more than information. It takes trust, relationships, and the right guidance at the right time.
As a coach, small business champion, and business professional, Marilynn bring compassion, collegiality, and creativity to every conversation. Whether you’re navigating a new idea or expanding an existing business, Marilynn’s role is to help you move forward with clarity and connect you to the right people and resources across our region.
Marilynn Cabiness
RISE Business Navigator & Ecosystem Builder
Serving Brunswick County & Mecklenburg County
What to Expect
1. We identify your most pressing priority.
2. We clarify practical next steps.
3. We determine who else should be at the table.
4. You leave with a clear path forward.
Every conversation is handled with professionalism and discretion. Referrals and connections are made with your permission.
What I Help With
- Clarifying your business direction
- Connecting you to funding and partners
- Navigating state and local resources
Industry Focus
- Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
- Agriculture & Food Processing
- Controlled Environment Agriculture
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Business & Professional Services
- Health Care Innovation
- Information Technology & Communications
About Marilynn Cabiness
Marilynn Cabiness is the Owner/CEO of Cabiness Coaching & Consulting Group, LLC, a professional services firm specializing in empowering leaders, transforming organizations, and impacting communities. With over 28 years of business and leadership expertise, Marilynn is on a mission to revive the heartbeat of business by helping entrepreneurs and executives shift from transactional success to transformative impact. Her passion lies in creating meaningful connections, fostering innovation, and inspiring leaders to lead with heart.
Marilynn completed the RISE Business Bootcamp in winter 2023. She began serving as a volunteer Discussion Leader and Work Group Leader for the CIC Entrepreneur Workshop powered by RISE in January 2025. She was a presenter at the RISE Summit in October 2025. In January 2026, she joined the RISE team as a RISE Navigator & Ecosystem Builder. In February 2026, she became a Certified RISE CO.STARTERS Facilitator.
Education
Marilynn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Admnistration and Management from Liberty University, and Associates degrees in Human Services and Business Administration from Southside Virginia Community College.
Experience
Marilynn brings expereince from banking, human resources, accounting, manufacturing, and healthcare to her role as a RISE Navigator & Ecosystem Builder. She also is an entrepreneur herself. She founded Cabiness Coaching & Consulting Group in 2021.
You don't have to navigate business alone.
The RISE Navigator Team is here to help you, every step of the way.