RISE Summit

Program

Summit Day: Saturday, October 19, 2024

Location:

Institute for Advanced Learning & Research

150 Slayton Ave, Danville, VA 24540

Agenda:

8am Doors Open for Check-In

8:30-9am Networking & Breakfast

9am-12pm Morning Sessions

12pm-1pm Lunch & Networking

1pm-3pm Afternoon Sessions

3pm Adjourn

About the Theme: Meet the Moment:

The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with defining moments: developing your business idea, deciding to go into business, meeting a potential investor, meeting a potential client, deciding to open a physical location. Perhaps no moment is more important than the one where you breathe life into the business idea that’s been whispering to your soul for years. The RISE Summit will gather the best resources from across the state to prepare you to meet your next entrepreneurial moment. Hear from experts on accessing capital, government contracting, marketing and much more, so that when opportunity knocks you’re ready to meet the moment.

The conference will explore the following tracks:

  • Access to Capital: Microloans, Loans, Grants, and Contracts
  • Rural Innovation: Agriculture, Manufacturing, and IT/Data Centers
  • Business Skills: Marketing, Finance, and A.I./Emerging Technology
  • Getting Started: Ideation

Saturday Dress Code:

Business Casual

Registration is open!

Pre-Summit Day: Friday, October 18, 2024

Travel & Accomodations: Danville, Virginia

Suggested Dining:

Restaurants in the River District

Restaurants in North Danville

Restaurants on Riverside

Suggested Lodging:

The Bee Hotel

The Holbrook Street Inn

Hampton Inn

Friday/Pre-Conference Dress Code:

Dress Casual / Come as You Are

Dress appropriately for the activities you choose. Wear comfortable shoes if you choose a walking tour/trail.

Confirmed Speakers

Natalie Hodge Davis

Natalie Hodge Davis

Founder & CEO

Rudy’s Girl Media

Michael Scales

Michael Scales

Business Analyst

Longwood SBDC Western Region

Lynne Mann

Lynne Mann

Director of Procurement Technical Assistance

Greater Crater APEX Accelerator

Telly Tucker, CEcD

Telly Tucker, CEcD

President

Institute for Advanced Learning & Research

Registration is open!