RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs
Register TODAY for the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs
Early Bird Rate ($55) – Ends September 25, 2025
Regular Rate ($65) – Ends October 25, 2025
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Location: The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research
(150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA 24541)
Who Should Attend: Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and Innovators in Southern Virginia
Whether you operate a business or dream of starting one, this event is for YOU! The RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs will include valuable networking and learning opportunities! There will be full group sessions and breakout sessions with AMAZING speakers to inspire you to new heights. There will be business resources on-site to support entrepreneurs at each stage of business: starting, growing, and scaling up!
Agenda Overview:
8am Doors Open for Check-In, Networking & Coffee
9am Program Begins
9am-12pm Opening Session & Breakout Sessions Round 1, 2, & 3
12pm-1pm Lunch & Networking
1pm-3pm Breakout Session Round 4 & Closing Session
3pm Adjourn
What content will be covered?
The RISE Summit speakers will explore the following topics:
- Capital Access: Microloans, Loans, Grants, and Contracts
- Rural Innovation: Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Technology
- Business Skills: Marketing, Finance, and A.I./Emerging Technology
- Getting Started: Ideation/Business Model Development
Cost to Attend
Super Early Bird tickets are $45/person through August 25, Early Bird tickets are $55/person through September 25, and Regular Rate Tickets are $65/person. Ticket sales end at 11:59pm on Saturday, October 25. Your ticket includes access to all breakout sessions, a buffet lunch, snacks, and beverages, event swag, and free WiFi provided by the Institute Conference Center.
Students are welcome to attend and a student discount is available with valid student ID.
Scholarships are available! If financial assistance would make it possible for you to attend the Summit, we encourage you to apply for a full or partial scholarship by October 1st. Complete the scholarship request form >
Speakers
Speakers are listed alphabetically by first name. Check back often for new speaker announcements!
Carolina Medina
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
Charlottesville, VA
Delilah White
Ry’s Pies N’ Cobblers
Pittsylvania County, VA
Derrick Ziglar Jr.
Ziglar Properties LLC & Generational GameChanger LLC
Martinsville, VA
Jocelyn Forest
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC)
South Boston, VA
Kathy Deacon
Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
Marilynn Cabiness
Cabiness Coaching & Consulting LLC
South Hill, VA
Michael Scales
Longwood SBDC Western Region
Martinsville, Henry County, & Patrick County, VA
Natalie Hodge Davis
Rudy’s Girl Media
Martinsville, VA
Dr. Scott Lowman
Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR)
Danville, VA
Stephen Davis
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
Charlottesville, VA
Register TODAY for the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs
Join us on Saturday, November 1! Ticket sales end Saturday, October 25.
Confirmed Exhibitors
Community Investment Collaborative
RetirePath Virginia
Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
SOVA Innovation Hub
Plan Your Visit to Danville
Whether you call Danville “Home” or you’re just visiting for the RISE Summit, we hope you’ll take time to explore the “Comeback City” and especially the revitalized downtown River District!
Travel & Accomodations: Danville, Virginia
Suggested Lodging:
The Bee Hotel
The Holbrook Street Inn
Hampton Inn
Learn More at Visit SoSi
Learn more about local dining, lodging, and activity options at visitsosi.com, Danville’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism website.
RISE Summit:
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Agenda Overview:
8am Doors Open for Check-In, Networking & Coffee
9am Program Begins
9am-12pm Opening Session & Breakout Sessions Round 1, 2, & 3
12pm-1pm Lunch, Networking, & Keynote Speaker
1pm-3pm Breakout Session Round 4 & Closing Session
3pm Adjourn
RISE Summit Sponsors & Partners
SOVA Innovation Hub
Regional Non-Profit & Coworking Space in South Boston, VA
Community Investment Collaborative
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend this event?
This event is for both experienced and emerging entrepreneurs and business owners in Southern Virginia, which includes the RISE Collaborative service area: Patrick County, Henry County, Martinsville, Danville, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Brunswick County, Lunenburg County, Charlotte County, Nottoway County, Prince Edward County, Cumberland County, Buckingham County and Amelia County. Entrepreneurs from adjacent localities that are outside of our primary service area are also welcome to attend!
Young aspiring entrepreneurs age 17 and under are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by a ticketed parent, guardian, or educator. Student scholarships for middle school, high school, and college students are available – see the “Are Student Tickets available?” section for more details.
What is included in registration?
Registration includes beverages, snacks, buffet lunch, access to all breakout sessions, event swag, and free Wi-Fi at the conference event on Saturday, November 1st.
Are Student Tickets available?
High school and college students 18 years old and older, and parents/guardians on behalf of students 17 years old and younger, are able and encouraged to apply for a partial or full RISE Summit student scholarship to reduce the price of the ticket. Students who receive a student scholarship will be required to show a valid school ID at check-in. Please submit your request for a student scholarship using the RISE Summit Scholarship Request form. If granted, the promo code to receive the discounted rate will be emailed to the email address submitted through the form.
All attendees age 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or educator. The parent, guardian, or educator must purchase a separate ticket to attend the event. A ticket purchased for anyone 17 years old or younger must be purchased in conjunction with an adult super early bird, early bird, or regular rate ticket.
Why should I attend this event?
- Grow Your Network: You’ll meet entrepreneurs and innovators across Southern Virginia
- Connect with Resources: You’ll meet business financing resources and representatives of Entrepreneur Support Organizations
- Learn New Skills: Get practical insights and information that you can apply in your business, immediately
- Gain Access to Capital: Understand your options for funding your startup or business expansion, and get the “know-how” to access different funding pathways, and “know-who” to reach out to begin
- Promote Your Business and Services: This is an opportunity to bring visibility to your business and your brand
What is the cost to attend? Are scholarships available?
Your investment:
- Super Early Bird Rate (purchase by August 25th): $45
- Early Bird Rate (purchase by September 25th): $55
- Regular Ticket (beginning September 26th through October 25th): $65
Scholarships are available! If financial assistance would make it possible for you to attend the Summit, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship to reduce the price of the ticket! Complete the RISE Summit Scholarship Request form here.
Register TODAY for the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs
The 2nd annual RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research in Danville, VA. Don't miss out the unique opportunity to connect with peers and resources designed to help you start, grow, or scale your business in Southern Virginia.
Be a Speaker at the RISE Summit
Have an idea or presentation to share at the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs? We would love to hear about it!
To be considered for a speaking role, please complete the following form. Our team will review your submission and decide if there is an available role within 30 days. Please note that this time, RISE cannot guarantee speaker honorariums or travel reimbursement. Speakers will be provided with complimentary ticket to access to attend the full event.
Questions?
Contact the RISE Summit Planning Committee