Stories and Media: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Southern Virginia
RISE shares stories of entrepreneurship and innovation in Southern Virginia through film, podcast conversations, and written features.
Behind every business is a set of decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how it grows. Through storytelling, we highlight the real experiences of entrepreneurs while also reflecting the broader conditions that influence business success across our region.
These stories help make entrepreneurship and innovation more visible, connect people to resources, and strengthen a shared understanding of what it takes to start and grow a business in Southern Virginia.
Short Film: Bottom Line
Bottom Line is a fictional short film that explores leadership, growth, and workforce challenges in a rural business.
Set in Southern Virginia, the film follows a small business owner navigating the realities of scaling a company while rethinking what long-term success requires.
Developed in partnership with Rudy’s Girl Media, the film serves as both a creative project and a tool for entrepreneur engagement, community dialogue, and regional storytelling.
Podcast: Entrepreneurship on the RISE
Through podcast interviews, we highlight the perspectives of entrepreneurs, innovators, ecosystem builders, and community partners working across Southern Virginia. We also engage ecosystem builders from across the country, creating opportunities to learn from other regions and bring new ideas and insights back to Southern Virginia.
These conversations offer practical insight, shared experiences, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping business growth in rural communities.
YouTube Series: Hometown Hustle Season 2
Hometown Hustle Season 2 is a 10-episode series that follows small businesses in small towns making a BIG IMPACT! This season highlights 20 entrepreneurs across 11 localities in southern Virginia.
Episode Details
- Episode 1: Prince Edward County, VA | Appomattox River Company & Carrington and Crafton Academy of Performing Arts
- Episode 2: Pittsylvania County, VA | Brosville Animal Clinic & The Artist Way Cafe
- Episode 3: Charlotte and Nottoway Counties, VA | CornerStone Farm & Blackstone Family Dentist
- Episode 4: Danville, VA | Nana Karen’s on Main & Blush and Glow Spa
- Episode 5: Mecklenburg County, VA | Rocky Branch Contractors & The Cottage Barn
- Episode 6: Henry County, VA | Scuffle Hill Brewing Company & Lawless Welding
- Episode 7: Patrick County, VA | High Country Lavender Farm & Poor Farmers Market & Concord Corner Store
- Episode 8: Brunswick County, VA | Browntown Farms & Butterfly Rose Florist & Gift Shop
- Episode 9: Halifax County, VA | Distinct Impressions LLC & Southern Restorations
- Episode 10: Martinsville, VA | The Ground Floor & Performance 276
Blog: Entrepreneur Stories, Events, and Announcements
Our blog shares entrepreneur spotlights, program updates, event highlights, and announcements from across Southern Virginia.