The Startup Playbook: Idea to Income

Have a business idea but not sure what comes next?

The Startup Playbook is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs move from IDEA to INCOME by turning concepts into a clear, actionable path toward business ownership.

Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an early-stage idea, this beginner-friendly series will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and direction.

This series is ideal for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Side hustlers
• Creatives and makers
• Students and young professionals
• Individuals exploring business ownership for the first time

By the end of the series, participants will walk away with a clearer business model, practical next steps, and connections to regional startup resources.

Part 1: Interactive Workshop

Choose ONE session date/location that works best for your schedule.

During this interactive workshop, participants will:

• Refine their business idea and target customer
• Identify the problem their business solves
• Explore revenue streams and startup costs
• Learn how to use the Business Model Canvas
• Connect with startup resources and support organizations

Mecklenburg

Hosted at the R.T. Arnold Public Library 

• Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Brunswick

Hosted at SPC4Life

• Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Hailfax

Hosted at SOVA Innovation Hub

• Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 5:20 PM – 7:00 PM 

Part 2: One-on-One Follow-Up Support

After attending a workshop session, participants may schedule a free one-on-one follow-up session with a RISE Business Navigator to:

• Refine their business model
• Receive personalized feedback
• Identify next steps
• Connect with funding pathways and startup resources
• Explore additional RISE and partner organization support

These follow-up sessions are designed to help participants move from learning to action with guidance tailored to their specific idea or business goals.

Facilitated by RISE

This series is facilitated by RISE Business Navigators who connect entrepreneurs to resources, regional partners, mentorship opportunities, and business support services across Southern Virginia.

Space is limited. Register today to reserve your seat >

Learn how to put AI to practical use in your business. These hands-on workshops are designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re brand new to AI or ready to use it more effectively in your everyday work.

Choose one workshop or join us for the full series:

What AI Is, What It Can Do, & How to Start Using It
October 1 or October 20, 2026
Start here if you’re new to AI.

Practical Prompting for Everyday Work
November 17, 2026
Learn how to get clearer, more useful results from AI.

From Chatbot to Workflow: Building Repeatable AI Systems
December 3, 2026
Turn recurring tasks into repeatable AI-supported workflows.

AI for Marketing, Outreach, & Content Creation
January 12, 2027
Use AI to better understand your audience and create stronger marketing and outreach.

All workshops are held at the SOVA Innovation Hub.

The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup brings together diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. Each month, the virtual meetup features updates from local and regional entrepreneur support organizations and creates space for learning and connection. Entrepreneurs at all stages are welcome to attend.

When you’re running a business, marketing can easily become a long list of things you “should” be doing. This two-hour workshop with Letterpress Communications will help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most: who you’re trying to reach, what you want to accomplish, what you need to say and where you need to show up. You’ll identify audiences, goals, key messages and marketing channels, then map out a manageable 90-day marketing plan you can actually use.

The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup brings together diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. Each month, the virtual meetup features updates from local and regional entrepreneur support organizations and creates space for learning and connection. Entrepreneurs at all stages are welcome to attend.

Join us for Focus Friday at the SOVA Innovation Hub and enjoy a free day of coworking! Find a comfortable workspace, connect to high-speed Wi-Fi, and enjoy coffee and donuts while you work.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Use discount code SOVAIHDFP when booking to reserve your free day.