RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs
Register TODAY for the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs
Early Bird Rate Ends Sept. 30th
October 19, 2024 – 8:00am to 3:00pm
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 & Breakfast
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
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
Tickets are $65/person. The early bird ticket price is $50 through September 30th. Students are welcome to attend and a student discount is available with valid student ID. Your ticket includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and free WiFi provided by the Institute Conference Center.
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 16th. Complete the scholarship request form >
Win a $1,000 Grant
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are opening another round of the SOVA RISE Female Founders Fund as part of the RISE Summit 2024. Apply by October 11, 2024. To find out if you are eligible for this grant and to apply, click here >
Register TODAY for the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs
Join Us on Saturday, October 19th! Ticket Sales End October 17th.
Speakers
Speakers are listed alphabetically by first name.
Carolina Medina
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
Charlottesville, VA
Derrick Ziglar Jr.
Ziglar Properties LLC & Generational GameChanger LLC
Martinsville, VA
Greg Preston
Preston Farm LLC
Martinsville, VA
Jacob Cook
Southside Tech Services
Halifax County, VA
Jenn Kinne
Letterpress Communications
Farmville, VA
Jocelyn Forest
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC)
South Boston, VA
Lashawn Farmer
The Farmers Consulting & Connecting LLC
Danville & Pittsylvania County, VA
Luther Cifers
YakAttack
Based in Farmville, VA and distributed internationally
Lynne Mann
Greater Crater APEX Accelerator
Serving Virginia & North Carolina
Michael Scales
Longwood SBDC Western Region
Martinsville, Henry County, & Patrick County, VA
Natalie Hodge Davis
Rudy's Girl Media
Martinsville, VA
Robin Allen
Birdie's Pimento Cheese
Mecklenburg County, VA - Distributed Nationwide
Dr. Scott Lowman
Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR)
Danville, VA
Stephen Davis
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
Charlottesville, VA
Telly Tucker, CEcD
Institute for Advanced Learning & Research
Danville & Pittsylvania County, VA
Willis A. Morris
Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
Confirmed Exhibitors
Community Investment Collaborative
RetirePath Virginia
Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
SOVA Innovation Hub
Greater Crater APEX Accelerator
Government Contracting Assistance
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, October 19, 2024
Agenda Overview:
8am Doors Open for Check-In, Networking & Breakfast
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
RetirePath Virginia
City of Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism
Hitachi Energy
Letterpress Communications
Partners
Rudy's Girl Media
Southside Tech
Greater Crater APEX Accelerator
Government Contracting Assistance
City of Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism
Community Investment Collaborative
Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Free 1:1 Business Consulting
The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR)
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC)
GO Virginia Region 3
Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity
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!
A limited number of student tickets are available for aspiring entrepreneurs ages 12-18 and college students. All attendees age 17 and under must be accompanied by a ticketed parent or guardian.
What is included in registration?
Registration includes light breakfast, buffet lunch, access to all breakout sessions, event swag, and free Wi-Fi at the conference event on Saturday, October 19th. The price of the ticket includes your choice of tour during pre-summit activities.
Are Student Tickets available?
YES, student tickets are available. Attendees who purchase a student ticket will be required to show a valid school ID at check-in.
All attendees age 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must purchase a separate ticket to attend the event. The student ticket must be purchased in conjunction with an 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:
- Early-Bird Rate (purchase by September 30th): $50
- Regular Ticket (beginning October 1st): $65
- Student Ticket (no age limit; must show student ID): $25
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! Complete the scholarship request form >
Register TODAY for the RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs
The RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 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