2024 Meeting Schedule

January 18, 2024 – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

February 15, 2024 – 12pm-1pm Zoom

March 21, 2024 – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

April 25, 2024  – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

May 16, 2024 – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

June 26, 2024 – Join us at the RISE Business Pitch Competition in South Boston, VA – Register here >>

July 18, 2024 – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

August 15, 2024 – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

September 19, 2024 – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

October 18-19, 2024 – Join us at the RISE Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs in Danville, VA – Register here >>

November 12, 2024  – Join us at the Southern Piedmont Technology Banquet in Danville, VA – Register here >>

November 19, 2024 – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

December 12, 2024 – 12pm-1pm on Zoom

2024 Virtual Meetup Recaps

2023 Year in Review

During 2023, The Grapevine hosted 10 virtual meetings, featuring 9 guest speakers on topics that were identified based on input gathered from entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a Zoom call!  

Watch a Recording of a Past Meetup

Frequently Asked Questions About The Grapevine Monthly Workgroup

Who will be there? The Grapevine Monthly Workgroup is a team of diverse, creative, and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem builders from across Southern Virginia. During each monthly meeting, we share updates from local and regional entrepreneurs support organizations. We discuss ideas to share resources and empower rural, underserved entrepreneurs to thrive in their local, regional, and global ecosystems. 

What are the Goals for the Workgroup? To enhance communication and catalyze connections among regional entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startup resources; to avoid redundancy in resource creation; and to advise the RISE Collaborative regional entrepreneurship initiative as it evolves.

What is on the Meeting Agenda? 1) Introductions & Updates from Entrepreneur Support Organizations & Updates/Asks from Entrepreneurs, 2) Brief presentation or discussion with valuable content for entrepreneurs, and 3) Discussion/Action Items.

What are the Technology Requirements? We host our meetings using the Zoom two-way video/audio platform. You can signup for a free account at https://zoom.us

How can be a guest speaker?  We regularly invite entrepreneurs and resource providers to join our meetings as guest speakers. If you an entrepreneur interested in sharing your story, or a business resource provider who offers services to underrepresented entrepreneurs, please email us at hello@sovarise.com with your interest in speaking.

Background & Purpose

The Grapevine Monthly Workgroup began meeting in February 2021, to advise and advance the DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) goals of the RISE Collaborative regional entrepreneurship initiative. During the summer of 2021, the workgroup hosted a series of focus sessions with minority entrepreneurs, resulting in a report with recommendations to be implemented by RISE Collaborative. View the 2021 Report here.

In April 2022, RISE Collaborative supported a group of ecosystem builders from The Grapevine to attend the Startup Champions Network Summit in Durham, North Carolina. The SCN Summit was hosted by Forward Cities, a nationally-known leader in building equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems. Inspired by this experience, as well as local participation in the 2022 Prosperity Now Summit hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, The Grapevine Monthly Workgroup decided to host our own Summit in November 2022.

The November 2022 Summit for Black & Brown Business Allies was an overwhelming success, with over 30 individuals in attendance, representing our entire geographic region. As regional ecosystem builders, we believe the answers are in our communities and we just need to ask. We intend to repeat this event in an effort to (1) maintain alignment, (2) hear and include the recommendations of the communities affected, (3) advance the work with the greatest amount of support and (4) continue to build community. Having affirmed the existence of strong partners throughout the region, the challenge remains to raise awareness among the general population of existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The Grapevine will continue to facilitate consistent convenings. We believe getting to know each other is key to increasing coordination and collaboration, as trust builds over time. View the 2022 Report 

Join The Grapevine on Facebook and LinkedIn

We welcome all entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders in Southern Virginia to join our LinkedIn and Facebook groups, where we communicate throughout the month, to share resources, ask questions, and make connections.

Behind-the-Scenes: Meet The RISE Grapevine Workgroup / Meetup Planning Team