Grow your network and build your business

RISE Collaborative meetups are open to all entrepreneurs, business owners, and business resource providers in Southern and South Central Virginia. Please pre-register so we know you plan to attend.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 – 10:00am-12:00pm

Rise & Shine Entrepreneur Meetup – Brunswick County

Entrepreneurs of all ages are invited to join this monthly RISE Collaborative Rise & Shine entrepreneur meetup breakfast hosted by the Brunswick County Economic Development and ecosystem partners. This monthly community gathering includes discussion about entrepreneurship. It is free to the community.

Guest Speaker: Mike King of “On the Mic with Mike”

Topic: Navigating Your Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Location: Brunswick County Conference Center, Lawrenceville, Virginia

Cost: Free

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 – 12:00-1:00pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub

Network & Learn: Marketing with Amanda Day Rose

Amanda Day Rose of Wister’s will be sharing her expertise and advice on marketing for a small business. This Network & Learn is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights into marketing strategies and tactics. This event is in-person at the SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA). Feel free to bring your lunch to this event! 

Thursday, March 21, 2024 – 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom

RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup

The RISE Grapevine Monthly Virtual Meetup is a monthly gathering of diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. During each monthly meeting, we share updates from local and regional entrepreneurs support organizations. 

Guest Speaker:  Julie Brown, President of 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 

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Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

RISE Business Pitch Competition (BPC)

The RISE Business Pitch Competition is a free-to-enter competition.  It is the first-ever region-wide business pitch competition hosted in Southern Virginia. The competition will include businesses and entrepreneurs selected from the pool of applicants.

Businesses will pitch for a chance to win prize funds to start or grow.

Registration is open to individuals who live or run a business in one of the fifteen GO Virginia Region 3 localities, have completed an approved entrepreneurship course, and whose businesses are early in the start-up phase, already in operation, or anywhere in between.

Join us to hear regional updates and network with peers, test ideas, share challenges, and connect to resources to help start or grow your businesses.

Registration information coming soon.

Thursday, April 18, 2024 – 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom

The Grapevine Monthly Workgroup

The Grapevine Monthly Workgroup is a virtual gathering of diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. During each monthly meeting, we share updates from local and regional entrepreneurs support organizations. 

Guest Speaker:  To be announced

SAVE THE DATE!  Saturday, October 19, 2024

RISE Regional Summit for Entrepreneurs

“Helping entrepreneurs meet the moment”

Make plans to attend the RISE Regional Summit for Entrepreneurs for day of learning about how to be prepared to put your best foot forward in the moment an opportunity comes your way!

Stay tuned for more details about the event!

Interested in volunteering on the planning committee for this event? Contact hello@sovarise.com